How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square: Easy 3-Round Pattern
A classic granny square is a versatile crochet motif for blankets, bags, and colorful home decor. This beginner-friendly version has three rounds and uses US crochet terms. Make one as a practice swatch, or repeat it to build a larger project.
Materials and size
- Small amount of worsted weight yarn in one or more colors
- 5 mm (H/8) crochet hook, or the size recommended for your yarn
- Scissors and a yarn needle
The finished size depends on your yarn, hook, and tension. Exact gauge is not critical for a single motif, but use the same materials and tension if you plan to join several squares.
US stitch abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
A 3-dc cluster means three separate double crochet stitches worked into the same space. At the start of each round, ch 3 counts as the first dc. The corner consists of two 3-dc clusters separated by ch 2.
Make the center ring
Ch 4 and join to the first chain with a sl st to form a ring. Keep the opening large enough to work stitches into it.
Round 1: Four corners
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2. Work [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] three more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. You should have four 3-dc clusters and four ch-2 corner spaces.
Round 2: Build the sides
Sl st across the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 corner sp. In that corner, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. Ch 1. In each of the next three corner spaces, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), followed by ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. You now have two clusters on each side, four corner spaces, and four ch-1 side spaces.
Round 3: Expand the square
Sl st across the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 corner sp. Work (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in that corner. Ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch-1 side sp, ch 1. Repeat [work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp, ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch-1 side sp, ch 1] three times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. Each side has three 3-dc clusters, with ch-1 gaps between them.
Finish or keep growing
Fasten off and weave in the tails on the wrong side. Gently shape the corners. To make the square larger, repeat the same logic: work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every corner, work 3 dc in every ch-1 side space, and place ch 1 between neighboring clusters.
Tips for neat granny squares
- Count four corners at the end of every round.
- Work into the open spaces rather than into individual side stitches.
- For a color change, fasten off at the end of a round and join the new yarn in any corner space.
- Block your squares to the same size before joining them into a larger project.
Pattern note: This Crochet Mirth tutorial is written in US terms. In UK terms, US dc is called treble crochet.