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Are you looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your home, or just want to learn how to crochet an easy granny square? Look no further than this basic crochet granny squares (also known as afghan squares or motifs) for the answer.
Granny squares are one of the first projects a beginner makes when first learning how to crochet. You’ll quickly find that these classic crochet squares are the perfect way to add color and texture to your home with blankets, afghans, since they’re quick and easy to crochet. So, you can create a beautiful piece in no time, no matter the skill level.
Below, we’ll first elaborate on the materials you’ll need to create a granny square for beginners (supplies and stitches). Next, we’ll go over what you can make with finished granny squares and finally the steps to follow to crochet a classic granny square that is 4″ x 4″ when finished!
how to crochet a basic granny square
Scroll on down to learn how to make a granny square today with our basic granny square written pattern!
Tools & Supplies for A Basic Crochet Granny Square
You’ll need just a few easy to find materials to be able to crochet a granny square. Below, we’ll discuss the easiest yarn and crochet hook size for a beginner to start crocheting a granny square with.
- Yarn: The best yarn for a beginner to crochet a granny square with is a worsted weight (four weight) yarn. But keep in mind, this can be crocheted with any size yarn you wish.
- The example is using Lion Brand Heartland Yarn in Lassen Volcanic.
- Crochet Hook: The most common hook size used for a four weight yarn is a H 5 mm crochet hook. You can use whatever hook size you’d like. I suggest reading the yarn label of the yarn you pick for the crochet hook size that is recommended
- We recommend the Tulip Etimo Hook brand.
- Scissors: A nice pair of yarn scissors are great for cutting yarn ends when required.
- A pair of rainbow stork scissors are shown above.
- Tapestry Needle: You will need this to weave in the yarn ends once you are done crocheting a granny square.
You may find from time to time you will need other supplies such as a gauge ruler or blocking board, both of which will help make your squares an even uniform size.
Stitches in a Granny Square
To be able to complete a basic granny square pattern, you’ll need to know a few basic crochet stitches. All of them are easy to crochet, so you’ll be ok once you look over the stitches below.
Double Crochet (dc):
- Yarn over (yo) the crochet hook, insert the crochet hook into the designated stitch.
- Yo the crochet hook again, draw the yarn through the stitch, so there are 3 loops on the crochet hook
- Yo the crochet hook again, draw through 2 loops, so there are 2 loops on the crochet hook.
- Y0 the crochet hook, draw through the final 2 loops.
Groups of double crochets are worked together in one stitch when crocheting a granny square, and those groups of double crochets are referred to as double crochet clusters.
Chain Stitch (ch):
A chain stitch is a simple crochet stitch that often serves as the foundation for other crochet stitches worked into a project.
- Make aslip knot.
- Yo (yarn over)
- Draw a loop of yarn back through the loop on the crochet hook. You have completed your first chain stitch.
- Yo and draw a loop through the loop on the crochet hook for each new chain stitch.
Slip Stitch (sl st):
- Insert the crochet hook into the designated stitch
- Yo (yarn over) and pull back through the stitch and through the loop on the crochet hook.
Project Ideas for Granny Squares
Crochet granny squares are great for all types of crochet projects for the home as well as wearables!
Granny Square Blankets: We love to crochet granny square blankets of all sizes and for all occasions!
Granny Squares for Christmas: You can mix and match these motifs to create a fun holiday blanket.
Granny Square Sweaters: Go retro with these fun granny square sweater designs!
Now that you’ve learned all about the materials you’ll need, the crochet stitches to know and some project ideas to make with squares, you are ready to follow the step-by-step guide on how to crochet a basic granny square.
How to Crochet a Basic Granny Square
Learn how to make a classic granny square with this free and easy square pattern.
Skill Level: Basic
Materials Needed:
- Four Weight Yarn (but any yarn will work)
- H 5 mm Crochet Hook (use the hook size recommended on the yarn you are using)
- Scissors
- Tapesty Needle
Stitches Used:
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Chain (ch)
Notes:
- This pattern is written in US standard terms.
- Chain 5’s count as a dc and a chain 2 space.
- The stitches in () are all worked into the same space or stitch.
- Pull the yarn tail at the beginning to tighten the ring at the beginning of the granny square.
- Find the free printable granny square diagram here.
The Pattern:
Size: 4″ x 4″
Round 1: Start by making a slip knot on your crochet hook, and then chain four stitches.
Next, join with a sl st to the fourth chain from the hook to form a ring.
Chain 5.
*3 dc into the ring, chain 2 (forms a corner), repeat from * for a total of 3 times.
2 dc in the ring, sl st in the 3rd chain of the chain 5
Round 2: Sl st into the first chain 2 space, chain 5
3 dc in the same chain 2 corner space.
*Chain 1, (3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc) into the next chain 2 space, repeat from * 2 more times.
chain 1, 2 dc in the same corner space as the beginning chain 5, sl st into the 3 chain of the chain 5.
Round 3: Sl st into the first chain 2 space, chain 5
3 dc into the same chain 2 corner space.
*ch 1, 3 dc in the next chain 1 space, chain 1
(3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc) in next chain 2 corner space, repeat from * 2 more times
chain 1, 3 dc in the next chain 1 space, chain 1, 2 dc in the same space as the beginning chain 5, join with a sl st to the third chain of the chain 5.
Finishing: Fasten off yarn and weave in yarn ends with a yarn needle! You have now finished a classic crochet granny square.
And that’s it. With a little practice, you’ll be able to crochet a granny square in no time. Check out my post about granny square tips and tricks to learn how to make the perfect square every time!
