How to Crochet a Granny Square: Easy Beginner Guide
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While I was putting together the resources for my upcoming crochet class, I realised this little project deserved a spot here on the blog! If you’ve been wondering how to crochet a granny square, this is the perfect place to start. It’s a classic pattern that every crocheter should know: simple, fun, and full of creative potential.
This granny square for beginners is a great way to practice the basics. It helps you learn how to read a short crochet pattern, understand tension, and build confidence with essential stitches. Once you’ve made one square, the possibilities open right up, and trust me, you’ll want to make plenty more!
The best part? You can stitch your squares together to create so many beautiful crochet projects. From colourful blankets and boho-style tops to cushions, bags, and wall hangings, the humble granny square really is the foundation of endless creativity.
The items I used for my class to give to the students can be founf on on these Amazon links:
Small Scissors for sharing and these scissors
Little organza bags for stitch markers
Pack of 4mm crochet hooks for sharing
A Bit of Granny Square History
The granny square first appeared in 1885 and saw a huge revival in the 1960s and 1970s. It became a symbol of individuality, creativity, and rebellion against mainstream fashion. Crochet was no longer just practical, it became expressive, colourful, and full of personality.
Today, granny squares are more popular than ever. Modern crochet designers have reimagined them in endless styles: spirals, circles, 3D flowers, delicate lace, micro squares, oversized pieces, and detailed stitch work. Whether you prefer a minimalist neutral palette or bold boho colours, there’s a granny square design for every style.
Why Start with a Granny Square
Learning how to crochet a granny square is one of the best ways to build your crochet skills. It’s small, quick, and forgiving, perfect for beginners. You’ll practice consistency in your stitches, experiment with colours, and gain confidence before moving on to larger projects.
So grab your yarn, hook, and a cosy cup of tea, and dive into this easy granny square tutorial. You’ll be amazed how much you can create from one simple square.
I have set the pattern out in crochet shorthand to help visualise how a real crochet pattern reads. But underneath is the same pattern without all the stitch abbreviations, so it's easier to read for absolute beginners with no pattern reading experience.
How to Crochet a Granny Square
Hook: 4mm
Yarn: DK (double knit)
US Terminology
Stitch Abbreviations:
Rnd: round
ss = slip stitch
Sk = slip knot
Mr = magic ring
Ch = chain
DC = double crochet
Ch sp = chain space
( ) = a group of stitches worked into the same stitch or chain space
[ ] x 3 = a set of instructions to be repeated a certain amount of times
Pattern in Crochet Shorthand:
SK or MR or Ch 4 Circle
Rnd 1: Ch 4, 2 dct, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ss to original 3rd ch.
Rnd 2: Ch 4, in next ch sp 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, ss to original 3rd ch.
Rnd 3: Ch 4, [ (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch sp, ch 1 ] x 3, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch sp, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch sp, ss to original 3rd ch.
Rnd 4: Ch 4, [ (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch sp, ch 1 ] x 3, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch sp, ch 1, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch sp, 2 dc in next ch sp, ss to original 3rd ch. Fasten Off.
Pattern in Long (beginner friendly):
Slip Knot or Magic Ring or Chain 4 Circle
Round 1: Chain 4, 2 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet, slip stitch to original 3rd chain.
Round 2: Chain 4, in next chain space 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in same chain space, chain 1, (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) in next chain space, chain 1, (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) in next chain space, chain 1, (3 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet) in next chain space, Slip stitch to original 3rd chain.
Round 3: Chain 4, [ (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) in next chain space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain space, chain 1 ] x 3, (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) in next chain space, chain 1, 2 double crochet in next chain space, slip stitch to original 3rd chain.
Round 4: Chain 4, [ (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) in next chain space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain space, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain space, chain 1 ] x 3, (3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet) in next chain space, chain 1, chain 1, 3 double crochet in next chain space, 2 double crochet in next chain space, slip stitch to original 3rd chain. Fasten Off.
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