Owl Granny Square Pattern

This free owl granny square pattern combines a cute crochet owl with a traditional granny-square border. Use the finished squares to make an owl blanket, pillow, tote bag, bunting, or other colorful crochet project.

The owl is crocheted first as a round appliqué with pointed ears. Chain spaces are then added to the back of the motif so the granny-stitch border can be worked around it. Finish the owl with crocheted eyes and embroidered feet and beak.

This guest pattern was designed by Sarah of Repeat Crafter Me, who generously shared it here during Granny Square Month.

About This Guest Crochet Pattern

Sarah originally designed this owl granny square after searching for a similar pattern and deciding to create her own. The owl can also be used by itself as a crochet appliqué.

Sarah later used her finished squares to make an adorable crochet owl bunting.

The pattern instructions below are Sarah’s original design, shared here with permission. I have added headings, pattern details, and a few explanatory notes to make the post easier to follow.

Owl Granny Square Pattern

Pattern Details

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn
• Hook: 4.25 mm (US G-6)
• Finished size: Varies depending on yarn, hook, and tension
• Construction: The owl is crocheted first, followed by granny-stitch rounds worked from chain spaces attached to the back
• Gauge: Not specified

Supplies

• Worsted-weight yarn in your desired colors; the original sample used Vanna’s Choice
• 4.00 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Small black buttons no larger than ½ in. (1.3 cm) for the eyes
• Small amount of yellow yarn for the beak and feet
• Scissors
• Blocking mat and rustproof pins, optional

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this crochet pattern include Crochet Abbreviations, the U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart, and How to Make a Magic Ring.

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• sp(s) = space(s)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• tc = triple crochet

This pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms.

Pattern Notes

• The owl motif is made first.
• Round 4 forms the owl’s ears and the top of its head. It is worked across only part of Round 3 rather than all the way around.
• The chain spaces for the granny-square border are attached to the back of the owl.
• Work clockwise when adding the chain spaces.
• Block the owl motif before adding the square border if it begins to curl.
• The original design uses small black buttons for the eyes. If the finished project is intended for a baby or young child, embroider the eyes securely with black yarn instead of using buttons.

Crochet Owl Motif

Start by making your owl. This pattern would also make a great appliqué!

Round 1: Magic Ring, Chain 1, 8 HDC in magic ring, join to first HDC, chain 1

Round 2: 2 HDC in each around, join to first HDC, change color  (16 HDC)

Round 3: Chain 2, 2 DC in each around, join to first DC, chain 1 (32 DC)

Round 4: HDC, in next stitch: DC – TC – DC, SC in next 5, in next stitch: DC – TC – DC, HDC in next, slip stitch to join.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Turn owl over. You are going to be attaching a series of chain 3s where the brown DCs join the pink (see picture). It’s best to start to the right of the ear. Be sure to work clockwise (see photo). To start, draw your hook under the bottom of the DC, chain 3. Now skip every other DC. So your pattern should look like this:

SC and chain 3, skip one, SC and chain 3, skip one, SC and chain 3, all the way around. In the end, you will end up with 8 places where you have connected with SC’s and 8 chain-3 spaces. Slip stitch to join to the bottom of the first chain 3.

Editor’s note: The original instruction says to skip every other dc, but Round 3 contains 32 dc and this step requires 8 ch-3 spaces. To create the stated count, distribute the 8 sc and ch-3 attachments evenly around the circle—one attachment every 4 dc.

Adding the Granny Square Border

First Granny Square Round

Now working inside your chain 3 spaces…

Chain 3 – 2 DC – Chain 1 – 3 DC all in same space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, *3 DC – Chain 1 – 3 DC all in same space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, *Around, slip stitch to join to the top of the first chain 3, fasten off.

Second Granny Square Round

With new color and starting in corner space…

Chain 3 – 2 DC – Chain 1 – 3 DC all in same space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, *3 DC – Chain 1 – 3 DC all in same space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, rep from * around, slip stitch to join to the top of the first chain 3, fasten off.

Third Granny Square Round

With new color and starting in corner space…

Chain 3 – 2 DC – Chain 1 – 3 DC all in same space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, *3 DC – Chain 1 – 3 DC all in same space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, 3 DC in next space, Chain 1, rep from * around, slip stitch to join to the top of the first chain 3, fasten off, weave in all ends.

This is what the backside of your granny square should look like:

Now you can add the embellishments to the owl.

Adding the Owl’s Eyes

Magic Ring, Chain 1, 8HDC in magic ring, join to first HDC, fasten off leaving a long tail to sew on.

Sew on no larger than 1/2″ black buttons in the middle for eyes.

Embroidering the Beak and Feet

Sew on yellow yarn with tapestry needle. Loop the yarn through 3 times to make both the feet and beak.

Finishing the Granny Square

Weave in any remaining yarn ends securely.

Gently shape the owl and the surrounding granny-square border. Block the finished square if desired so the corners lie evenly.

How to Use Your Finished Owl Square

Use your finished owl granny square to make:

• A crochet owl blanket
• A decorative pillow
• An owl bunting or garland
• A tote bag
• A wall hanging
• A nursery decoration
• An appliqué for another crochet project

Many thanks to Sarah of Repeat Crafter Me for designing this adorable owl granny square and sharing it with Petals to Picots! The pattern and photographs are Sarah’s original work and are used with permission.

If you have questions about the original design, visit the Owl Granny Square Crochet Pattern on Repeat Crafter Me.

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