Crochet Granny Squares for Absoloute Beginners

Alyssa
Aug 23, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Jun 1

Crochet granny squares in red, orange, and yellow on a dark surface, surrounded by autumn leaves and acorns, evoke a cozy fall mood.

This was one of the first things that I learnt to make when I began crocheting. At first, it seemed pretty daunting and also quite complicated. How do you create the square? What stitches do you use? Well, I'll let you in on something... you only need to know three things: how to crochet chains, a treble crochet, and a slip stitch. That's it! If you know these, you can easily create these simple crochet granny squares and, with them, create beautiful items such as blankets, bags, clothing and even a phone case. This is how...

Once you have mastered the 'traditional' granny square, you can learn how to create so many other types. A perfect example is the Sunburst granny square - you can check out my step-by-step tutorial here.

Materials:

a yarn of your choice (I'm using a DK yarn)
a hook (I'm using a 4mm)
scissors

Note: The granny square may vary in size depending on the type of yarn and the size of hook that you are using. If you are new to crochet, I suggest that you use a slightly chunkier yarn and a larger hook. This will help you see the stitches and also help you to not crochet too tightly.

Stitch abbreviations:

sl st: slip stitch
dc: double crochet (UK treble crochet)
st: stitch/stitches

Pattern Notes:

This pattern is worked in US crochet terms, not UK. If you are unsure about the difference between the two terms, check out my blog post here, where I explain it in detail.
The chain 3 at the beginning of each round does count as a double crochet.
Do not turn at the end of each round.

If you're more of a visual learner, check out the video tutorial here!

Method:

Creating the circle:

Begin by chaining 5.
Insert your hook into your 1st chain, and make a sl st. You should now have a circle.

Round 1:

Chain 3.
Working into the circle you have made, make 2dc.
Chain 3.

Green crochet yarn looped on a gold hook against a wooden background. The crochet piece is partially completed.

*Make 3dc into the circle, then chain 3*. Repeat from * 2 more times (you should finish with a chain 3, and should have 4 sets of 3dc).

Gold crochet hook with a yellow handle and green yarn forming a stitch on a wooden table.

Yellow crochet hook with green yarn stitches on a wooden surface, creating a loop pattern. Relaxed crafting scene.

Green crochet granny square with a gold crochet hook. The background is a light wooden surface with visible grain patterns.

To close the round, sl st into the 3rd chain of your beginning chain 3.

Green crochet granny square with a yellow hook on a wooden surface. The yarn loops into a flower pattern, suggesting a calm crafting mood.

Round 2:

Chain 4.

Green crochet granny square and a yellow crochet hook on a rustic wooden background. The yarn is looped in a floral pattern.

Skipping over your first set of dc, *make 3dc into your chain 3 space from the previous round.
Chain 3.
Make 3 more dc into the same space.
Chain 1.*

A yellow-handled crochet hook with green granny square creating a pattern on a wooden surface. The setting evokes a calm, creative mood.

Repeat from * in each corner.

Green crochet granny square with a flower pattern on wooden background, featuring a gold crochet hook in the corner.

When you get to the final corner, make 3dc, chain 3, 2dc.

Green crochet granny square with a gold hook on a light wooden table.

Sl st into the 3rd chain of your beginning chain 4 to close the round.

Green crochet granny square with a hook resting on a wooden surface. The yarn is loose, ready for further stitching.

Round 3:

Chain 3.
Make 2dc into the same space.
Chain 1.

Green crochet granny square in progress with yellow-handled crochet hook on rustic wooden surface.

*In the corner, make 3dc, chain 3, 3dc.
Chain 1.
In the next chain 1 space, make 3dc.
Chain 1.*

Green crochet granny square with a yellow hook on a wooden background. The crochet piece features a floral pattern and unfinished loop.

A green crochet granny square and yellow hook on a wooden surface, showcasing detailed patterns. Simple and rustic crafting scene.

Repeat from * around, working in each corner and chain 1 space.
You will have finished with a chain 1. To close the round, sl st into the 3rd chain from your beginning chain 3.

Green crochet granny square and yellow crochet hook on wood surface.

Green crochet granny square with intricate pattern on wooden surface, alongside a gold crochet hook with a yellow handle.

Round 4:

Chain 4.
Skipping over your first set of dc, make 3dc in the chain 1 space and chain 1.

Green crochet granny square on wood background with a yellow crochet hook. Yarn loops stand out, creating a cozy, handmade feel.

In each corner, make 3dc, chain 3, 3dc, chain 1. In each chain 1 space, make 3dc and then chain 1.

Green crochet granny square in progress, with a yellow crochet hook on a light wooden background. Yarn is looped through a corner.

Green crochet granny square with a yellow crochet hook on a wooden background. The pattern is detailed and textured, conveying a crafty mood.

Green crochet granny square with a crochet hook on weathered wood background. The yarn's texture and the hook's metallic surface are visible.

Continue around until you reach the chain 1 space. Here, make 2dc.

Green crochet granny square with yellow hook on wooden surface, showing a close-up of intricate knitwork. No visible text.

To close the round, sl st into the 3rd chain of your beginning chain 4.

Green crochet granny square with a yellow hook on a wooden surface.

Round 5:

Chain 3.
Make 2dc into the same space.
Chain 1.

Green crochet granny square in progress with a yellow-handled crochet hook on a textured wooden background.

Make 3dc in the next chain 1 space.
Chain 1.

Yellow crochet hook with green yarn starts a granny square on a wooden surface; calm and crafty vibe.

*In the corner, make 3dc, chain 3, 3dc.
Chain 1.

Green crochet granny square with a yellow-handled hook on light wooden surface. The pattern is intricate, showcasing detailed stitching.

Work around your square, making 3dc, chain 3, 3dc, chain 1 in each corner, and 3dc, chain 1 in each chain 1 space.

Green crochet granny square in progress with a gold crochet hook on a light wood surface. Rustic, casual setting.

You will have finished with a chain 1. To close the round, sl st into the 3rd chain from your beginning chain 3.

Green crochet granny square in progress with a yellow crochet hook on a light wooden surface.

Green crochet granny square with a floral pattern, in progress with a yellow-handled crochet hook, on a wooden background. Cozy and creative mood.

You may have started to notice a pattern. You can work as many rounds as you would like. Remember, the rule when starting is: if you starting chain lines up with some stitches, you chain 4 and skip to the first gap. If not, and they line up with a gap, you chain 3 and start in that gap.

When you have your desired size, fasten off, cut the yarn, and sew in any tail ends. You can also change the yarn colour to create a colourful square.

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