Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (2024)

Share

Pin

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

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (1)

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.
  • 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
  • Scissors: A nice pair of yarn scissors are great for cutting yarn ends when required.
  • 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):

  1. Yarn over (yo) the crochet hook, insert the crochet hook into the designated stitch.
  2. Yo the crochet hook again, draw the yarn through the stitch, so there are 3 loops on the crochet hook
  3. Yo the crochet hook again, draw through 2 loops, so there are 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  4. 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.

  1. Make aslip knot.
  2. Yo (yarn over)
  3. Draw a loop of yarn back through the loop on the crochet hook. You have completed your first chain stitch.
  4. Yo and draw a loop through the loop on the crochet hook for each new chain stitch.

Slip Stitch (sl st):

  1. Insert the crochet hook into the designated stitch
  2. 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.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (2)

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.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (3)

Next, join with a sl st to the fourth chain from the hook to form a ring.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (4)

Chain 5.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (5)

*3 dc into the ring, chain 2 (forms a corner), repeat from * for a total of 3 times.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (6)

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (7)

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (8)

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

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (11)

3 dc in the same chain 2 corner space.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (12)

*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.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (15)

Round 3: Sl st into the first chain 2 space, chain 5

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (16)

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (17)

3 dc into the same chain 2 corner space.

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (18)

*ch 1, 3 dc in the next chain 1 space, chain 1

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (19)

(3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc) in next chain 2 corner space, repeat from * 2 more times

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (20)

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!

Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (23)
Easy & Free Basic Crochet Granny Square - This is Crochet (2024)

FAQs

What is the best crochet stitch for granny squares? ›

A basic granny square is generally comprised of chains and treble stitches, worked from the centre outwards.

What is the easiest square to crochet? ›

Basic granny square patterns are ideal projects for beginners because they are quick to make and use a small amount of yarn. However, they're not only for beginners; crocheters of all skill levels make granny squares because they can be used to assemble more complex projects, like blankets and sweaters.

What is the easiest thing for a beginner to crochet? ›

What's the easiest crochet project to start with? Small square coasters or dishcloths allow you to practice and learn new stitches with a quick payoff. Simple scarves, baby blankets, and granny square throw blankets are also good choices.

What size needle do I need to crochet a granny square? ›

So if your granny square blanket uses dk/sportweight/8 play yarn you would use a 4mm hook. If it is Aran /worsted/10ply then you'd use a 5mm hook Chunky/12ply then 6mm . If the stitches work up too tight for you then go up a size so 4.5mm, 5.5mm or 6.5mm.

What is the most basic granny square? ›

A basic granny square features the chain stitch and double crochet stitch worked in groups of three. A chain stitchtypically separates each dc cluster from the next. And in each corner space, a set of double crochet clusters are worked, separated by a couple of chain stitches to form a corner ch 2 sp.

How long does it take to crochet a granny square? ›

The short answer is it totally depends. A 4-6 round granny square can be made in 10 minutes or less. Large granny square blankets might take 6-8 hours to make.

What is the best crochet tool for beginners? ›

One of the hardest things when I first started to crochet was keeping control of my yarn. For this reason, I highly recommend bamboo, wood or plastic crochet hooks to start. The good news is, plastic and bamboo crochet hooks are quite inexpensive and can be found in a lot of dollar stores here in Ontario.

What is the easiest and fastest crochet stitch? ›

1. Double Crochet (dc) The double crochet stitch (treble crochet – tr – in UK terms) creates a medium density fabric and works up quickly. With only one yarn over and two loops to pull through, it's an easy and efficient stitch.

What should a beginner learn to crochet? ›

The single crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches, and it's often one of the first stitches that beginners learn. Once you've created a foundation chain, you can start working single crochet stitches into it to build your fabric.

Which crochet stitch is most efficient? ›

In conclusion, of the basic crochet stitches, the double crochet and the treble crochet stitches use the least amount of yarn. They are short in the length and weight of yarn used for a 4 by 4-inch swatch. The Solomon's Knot consumes the least yarn among common lacy crochet stitches.

What are the different stitches for granny square? ›

Crochet granny squares can range from basic double crochet stitches to complex lace. There are popcorn stitch squares, heart granny squares, modern granny squares and even cupcake grannies. Here are a few types of patterns many crocheters enjoy.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 5732

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.