Classic Granny Square Pattern – Easy Photo and Video Tutorial

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All aboard the granny square bandwagon! Master the trending classic granny square pattern with this easy and fun step by step photo and video tutorial.


Granny Squares were the very first crochet pattern I ever crocheted. It all started with me hopping onto Facebook and seeing a friend of mine sharing a post from The Patchwork Heart.

I attempted crocheting before, after I learned how to knit from my grandma when I was a teen. But I mixed up slip stitch with single crochet stitches and couldn’t get it to work, so I gave up. Until the moment that I fell in love with granny squares.

Granny squares are an easy gateway into the exciting craft of crochet. They’re also seriously trending right now with celebrities like Jason Momoa and Kate Hudson are wearing Granny Square garments.

There’s no time like the present to learn to make the basic granny square pattern!

classic granny square pattern

What is the Classic Granny Square Pattern?

The traditional granny square pattern is a “classic crochet motif” many crocheters recognize. And like me, it’s usually the first one they learn and attempt.

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The classic granny square pattern uses the traditional granny stitch which involves just double crochet stitches and chains, so it’s perfect for beginners looking to make granny squares easy.

It’s easy to recognize by its square shape and beautiful lace appearance. Granny squares are ideal leftover yarn projects and they’re also perfect for combining into larger projects, such as blankets, scarves, bags, hats and so much more.

The Granny Square Variations

Granny squares can be made with more than just double crochet stitches. There are actually a whole bunch of different kinds of granny squares out there so it’s easy to get them mixed up.

Not all granny squares use the granny stitch. Some use single crochet stitches, half double crochet stitches, or treble crochet stitches instead. There are also variations that use more decorative stitches like waffle stitch or the boxed block stitch.

If you are looking for an option that isn’t lacy, then you should check out my tutorial on the solid granny square.

Some granny squares are made in horizontal or diagonal rows, but the most basic granny square tutorial is worked in the round from the center out. That’s the one we’ll be learning about today!

The Easiest Granny Square Pattern – Video Tutorial

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How to Crochet a Granny Square – Photo Tutorial

Supplies Needed

  • Yarn, any you like, even leftover yarn from your yarn stash
  • Corresponding Crochet Hook (look on the label of the yarn you are using to see the recommended hook size)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry Needle

Stitches and abbreviations used in the pattern

Learn all the basic crochet stitches HERE (US crochet terms)

  • st/sts = stitch/stitches
  • ch = chain
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • dc = double crochet

Classic Granny Square Pattern – Written with Photos

Round 1

Start with a magic ring or chain 4 and sl st to form a ring.

Ch 3, 2 dc, Ch 2, 3 dc, Ch 2, 3 dc, Ch 2, 3 dc, Ch 2, sl st to 3rd chain of the beginning chain, pull yarn in the middle to close the magic ring

classic granny square pattern round 1

Round 2

Ch 3, 2 dc in the space before the ch 3, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in each corner, [3 dc, ch 2] in the last corner, sl st to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain

basic granny square pattern round 2

Round 3

Ch 3, 2 dc in the space before the ch 3, ch 1, * 3 dc in the next ch-space, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in the corner, repeat from * all around, in the last corner place [3 dc, ch 2], sl st to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain.

basic granny square pattern round 3

Crocheting Larger Granny Squares

You can repeat round 3 as many times as you want to make your desired size of granny square. Play around with different yarns and hook sizes to create granny squares of all different sizes.

If you would like to practice this classic granny square pattern I would recommend using super bulky yarn and making this Baby Granny Square Blanket. It only takes about 2 hours to make!

granny square easy baby blanket

Basic Granny Square Pattern Chart

A crochet stitch diagram can help you visualize the traditional granny square pattern using the universal crochet language of symbols.

So the symbols below mean the following:

  • The circle in the middle is either a chain or a magic ring. This is where you start.
  • The ovals in the chart represent chain stitches. Notice that there is a chain 3 at the beginning of each round and a chain 1 between each cluster of double crochet stitches.
  • The T’s with an extra line through are double crochet stitches. In this chart, they connect at the bottom to show that multiple double crochet stitches are worked into the same spot.
  • The slip stitch is not shown here (usually a dot) but it’s where the last set of chains meet the chain 3 that the round started with.
granny square easy diagram

Connect the Squares Together

If you would like to learn how to connect Granny Squares then the “Join-As-You-Go” Method will likely be the best choice since you will not need to sew them together.

Crochet Join as you go method for blankets

But you can connect Granny squares also in other ways. I have a full tutorial for that as well. Be sure to check it out here: 5 ways to Connect Crochet Pieces.

5 Ways to Connect Crochet Pieces

Be sure to join my Crochet Facebook Group and show off your crochet creation. I would love to admire them and cheer you on as you’re working on creating it and after you finished it.

I’m also always here to support you through this and any other pattern and tutorial. Simply ask in my group and me and other amazing and kind crocheters will help you along.

If you like this traditional granny square pattern, you might like these also:

  1. Daisy Granny Square
  2. Boxed Block Stitch Granny Square Pillow
  3. Granny Square Bum Bag
  4. Waffle Stitch Granny Square Pillow
easiest granny square pattern

If you love this pattern and tutorial, please use the social media share buttons above or below and share this pattern link with the world and your friends.

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How to Crochet a Granny Square
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