Classic Granny Square Crochet Pattern

The classic granny square is one of the most well-known and beloved crochet motifs. It’s simple, versatile, and easy to customize, which makes it ideal for beginner crocheters as well as experienced crafters looking for a relaxing project. You can make them in solid colors or multiple shades and join them together to make beautiful blankets, scarves, bags, and more.

🧵 Materials You Will Need:

Yarn: A medium-weight yarn (commonly labeled as “worsted weight” or “category 4”) works well. You can use a single color or mix and match multiple colors for a more vibrant look.
Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) is a standard choice for worsted weight yarn, but always check your yarn label and use a hook that matches the suggested gauge.
Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends after you finish your square.
Scissors: To cut your yarn between color changes or at the end of your project.

✨ Before You Start – Understanding the Basics:

This pattern uses U.S. crochet terminology. Here are the basic stitches and techniques you’ll need to know:

Slip Knot – The way to start most crochet projects.
Chain (ch) – A foundational stitch.
Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used to join rounds.
Double Crochet (dc) – The main stitch in granny squares.
Chain Spaces (ch-sp) – Spaces created by chains, usually in the corners or between stitch groups.

🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions:

🟨 Round 1: Creating the Foundation Ring and First Corners

Begin by making a slip knot on your hook.
Chain 4. This will create the start of your center ring.
Insert your hook into the first chain you made, and join with a slip stitch to form a small ring. This is where you’ll be crocheting your first stitches.
Now, chain 3 – this counts as your first double crochet.
Into the ring, work 2 double crochets. You now have a group of 3 double crochets, which form the first “shell.”
Chain 2 – This forms the first corner.
Into the ring again, work 3 double crochets (your second shell), then chain 2 (second corner).
Repeat this sequence two more times: (3 double crochets, chain 2).
You should now have four groups of 3 double crochets, each separated by a chain-2 corner.
Join to the top of the starting chain-3 using a slip stitch to close the round.

👉 At this point, your piece should resemble a small square with open corners.

🟨 Round 2: Building on the Corners

If you are changing colors, fasten off the yarn and join the new color in any chain-2 corner space by making a slip knot and pulling it through the space with your hook.
Begin the round by chaining 3 (this will again count as your first dc).
In the same corner space, work 2 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 more double crochets. This creates a new corner.
Move to the next corner space. In that space, work 3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets.
Repeat this in the remaining two corners.
You should now have four corners, each consisting of 2 sets of 3-dc clusters separated by chain-2 spaces.
Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3 to close the round.

👉 Notice how your square is getting larger and the corners are more defined.

🟨 Round 3: Adding Side Clusters

Start in any corner space, either with the same yarn or by joining a new color with a slip knot.
Chain 3 (counts as dc), then 2 double crochets in the same space, chain 2, and 3 more double crochets – just like before, this creates your corner.
Now, before reaching the next corner, you’ll come to a space between two groups of double crochets from the previous round. This is called a side space.
In that side space, work 3 double crochets – no chains needed on the sides.
Continue around: in each corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), and in each side space, work 3 dc.
After finishing the final side, join to the beginning ch-3 with a slip stitch.

👉 Now your square is growing not just at the corners, but also along each side!

🟨 Rounds 4 and Beyond: Repeat the Pattern

As you continue to grow your granny square, the process remains the same:

In each corner space, always work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
In each side space, always work 3 dc.
Continue joining at the end of each round and start the next round in a corner.

You can keep going until the square reaches your desired size.

🧹 Finishing Touches:

When you’re happy with the size of your square, finish your final round by joining with a slip stitch.
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of several inches.
Pull the tail through the loop on your hook and gently tighten to fasten off.
Use your yarn needle to weave in all loose ends on the back side of your work.

🌈 Optional Variations and Tips:

Change colors every round for a traditional multi-colored look.
For a solid-color square, simply continue with the same yarn without fastening off.
Block your squares if they start to curl or look uneven – pin them to shape and lightly steam with an iron or spray with water.
Join multiple granny squares together to make:
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Bags
- Pillow covers
- Clothing (sweaters, vests, etc.)

📏 Sizing Guide (Approximate):

With worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook:
- 3 rounds = about 4 inches square
- 5 rounds = about 6 inches square
- 8 rounds = about 10 inches square

(Your size may vary depending on your yarn, hook, and tension.)

Video Tutorial:

Certainly! Here are some excellent YouTube tutorials to help you learn how to crochet a classic granny square:

Classic Granny Square Tutorial
This video provides a step-by-step guide on crocheting a classic granny square, making it perfect for beginners. By Cherry Heart Channel

Learn How to Crochet the Granny Square
This tutorial walks you through the process of creating a classic granny square, offering clear instructions for each step. By Just Be Crafty Channel

How to Crochet a Granny Square for Absolute Beginners
Ideal for those new to crochet, this video breaks down the basics of making a granny square in an easy-to-follow manner. By Bella Coco Channel