How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square (Step-by-Step)

The granny square is the crochet motif everyone eventually learns — the little four-sided building block behind blankets, bags, garments and cushions. If you can make one granny, you can make a hundred, and every one of them uses the same core rhythm: three double crochets, a small chain, three more double crochets. That's the whole song.

What you'll need

You don't need anything specialized. Any worsted-weight yarn and a 5.0 or 5.5 mm hook will do. If you're using leftover scraps, look for pieces that are all roughly the same weight so your finished square lies flat.

Foundation: the magic ring (or an easy alternative)

A magic ring makes a tidy, tight center — but it takes practice. If it's your first square, use the easier alternative: chain 4, then slip stitch into the very first chain to form a small loop. You'll work all of Round 1 into that loop.

Round 1: the center of the square

1. Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
2. Work 2 more dc into the ring. You've made your first cluster.
3. Ch 2 (this is a corner space).
4. *3 dc into the ring, ch 2.* Rep from * to * two more times.
5. Sl st into the top of the beginning ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off if you want to change colors.

Look at what you just made. You should have four clusters of three double crochets each, with four ch-2 corner spaces between them. That's a granny square. Everything after this round is just adding rings around that little center.

Round 2: adding your first ring

1. Join yarn (new color or same) with a sl st into any ch-2 corner sp.
2. Ch 3, then work 2 dc into the same corner sp, ch 2, then 3 more dc into the same corner sp. This is the corner cluster: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
3. Ch 1.
4. In the next corner sp: work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), then ch 1. Rep around the square.
5. Sl st into the top of the beginning ch-3 to close.

Rounds 3 and beyond

Every subsequent round follows the same rule: in every corner sp, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). In every ch-1 sp along the sides, work 3 dc. And between each cluster, ch 1. Repeat that around the square, close with a sl st, and you've completed another round. The square grows outward one round at a time.

The two mistakes new crocheters make

1. Working extra clusters along the sides. Each side gets one cluster of 3 dc per ch-1 sp. If you're accidentally adding two clusters into one sp, your square will grow lopsided.
2. Skipping the ch-1 between clusters. That ch-1 is what gives the granny its openwork look and keeps the corners loose. Without it, corners bunch and the square curls inward.

Blocking and finishing

Weave in your ends with a tapestry needle. Give the finished square a light spray with water, pin it into a true square shape on a foam mat, and let it dry overnight. Blocking is what takes a granny square from cute to professional.

What to make with granny squares

• Blankets — from a single-square lovey to a 100-square bedspread.
• Cushion covers — 8 squares (2 × 2 on each side, joined at the edges).
• Tote bags — a grid of 12 squares becomes a market bag with handles.
• Cardigans — six large grannies can become a boxy summer top.