Even if you are brand new to crochet, you are probably familiar with the granny square. Granny squares have been around for ages and seem to resurge in popularity over and over again. This is probably because they are quick, easy, and oh, so versatile. They can be pieced together to make just about anything … afghans, purses, placemats, sweaters, scarves … the list is endless. They are also a great way to use up your yarn scraps.
Traditional Granny Square Pattern
This pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms and abbreviations. Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern: Crochet Abbreviations, U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart.
With CA, ch 4, join in furthest ch from hook to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as st), 2 dc in ring, ch 3, *3 dc in ring, ch 3, repeat from *twice more, join in top of beg ch, drop CA — 12 sts.
Round 2: Join CB in any ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as st), 2 dc in same ch-3 sp, ch 2, *[3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, rep from * twice more, 3 dc in same ch-3 sp as first st of round, ch 3, join in top of beg ch, drop CB — 24 sts.
Round 3: Join CC in any ch-3 corner sp, ch 3 (counts as st), 2 dc in same ch-3 sp, *ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 corner sp, rep from * twice more, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-3 corner sp as first st of round, ch 3, join in top of beg ch, drop CC — 36 sts.
Round 4: Join CD in any ch-3 corner sp, ch 3 (counts as st), 2 dc in same ch-3 sp, *ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 corner sp, rep from * twice more, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch-3 corner sp as first st of round, ch 3, join in top of beg ch, drop CD — 48 sts.
Rounds 1 through 3 shown as a stitch diagram below …
Debbierose says
Lovely blog. I have learnt a lot in a few minutes using your hints/tips.
Wondering when crocheting a granny and there are several rows of the same colour how do you move to the next level seamlessly, or do do invisible join and continue in same colour?
Kara Gunza says
Hi Debbie 🙂 When continuing with the same color, I join with a slip stitch and then continue slip stitches over to where my next round should begin. Hope that helps!!
Leta Secrest says
I made a granny square tablecloth and it’s my favorite stitch.
Am going to make a granny square purse tomorrow,was going to start tonight,but feel like it.
Keep up with the good work
Madona M says
do you have a video on how to connect and finish off the granny square blanket.
kristy says
i would love to know wat size hook to use plz
Margie says
That’s what I want to know too. I think I will try Hook size H.
Nancy warren says
What does drop ca , drop cc ,join cd and join cb mean
Kara says
CA = color A, CB = color B, and so on.
heidi says
what ca and cb
Adele says
Love your patterns, thanks so much!
Kara says
My pleasure, Adele 🙂
Annette says
Thank you for inspiring me to introduce my 2 granddaughters to crocheting…. This will be my first lesson for them… after some practice with chain stitches… Wish me good luck …. One will catch on quick the other will love to use what is made.
Kara says
Good luck!! Some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother teaching me to crochet 🙂
t j says
Please, what about this pattern did you copyright? Maybe it’s just form? Love your work!! And your patterns!! 🙂
Kara says
Hi tj 🙂 You are correct … as your comment implies, the granny square has been around for longer than any of us. It is just my pics and wording that is copyrighted.
Sara @ My Merry Messy Life says
This is a great post, Kara! You know I’ve never crocheted a granny square?! Well, I will now that I’ve got your pattern! Love your color choices. Thanks for linking up at Hookin On Hump Day!
Melanie @ bear rabbit bear says
Lovely! I’ll be featuring your tutorial this week!
Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says
The granny squares turned out great! I have been meaning to attemp a granny square – so cute. Visiting from Craftionary linkup 🙂
Crafty Mischief says
These are beautiful! I love the colors!
SnuggleBunnie says
I love doing granny squares I will have a go at your pattern. Thanks for sharing hun
Kadie says
Great post!! I love how colorful your grannies are!! Mine are just one color so far.:)
Adrianne at Happy Hour Projects says
So I was all excited for this so I could get started, and it’s still way over my head. 😉 DO you have any good links that start with, “this is a hook”?
Kerry Lucinda Creel says
Bella Coco on YouTube is the only person that made it all click for me at first.
becktovintage says
Hi dear Friend, Your traditional grannies are so pretty and I like colors.. I am planning to make a granny square shawl or a baby blanket but I have not decided yet which kind of granny squares I will make..:)) I know The traditional Grannies are the best..:))
All best wishes…
Łucja-Maria says
Welcome!
Congratulations Prix, which you received from Anna.
Lucy
Mara says
<3 granny squares! Great idea to have a month full of them! I will keep an eye on you're blog.