For a lot of people, the granny square is the first motif they learn once the basic stitches start to feel natural. It's a small square, worked in bold or soft colour combinations, and within a few evenings it can turn into a whole project. In this guide you'll learn the classic granny square pattern step by step, how to change colours neatly, how to join squares into a blanket or cushion, and which mistakes beginners make most often.
US or UK crochet terms?
This pattern uses US crochet terms. If you learned to crochet with UK terms, the names are different but the stitches are the same:
| US term | UK term | Abbreviation (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | Chain | ch |
| Slip stitch | Slip stitch | sl st |
| Double crochet | Treble crochet | dc |
What you need
- A 4 to 5 mm crochet hook (US G-6 to H-8), depending on your yarn and how tightly you crochet
- Yarn in two to four colours: leftovers work fine, or pick a fixed colour scheme if you're planning a blanket
- Scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in the ends
- Optional: stitch markers to keep track of colour changes
How to crochet a granny square: the basic pattern
A granny square is made of rounds of 3 double crochet stitches, with chains in between. Those chains create the little gaps (chain spaces) that you work into on the next round.
Round 1. Ch 6 and join into a ring with a sl st in the first chain. Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), then work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2, then work 3 dc into the ring. Repeat until you have four groups of 3 dc, each separated by 2 chains. Join the round with a sl st in the top of the starting ch 3.
Round 2. From now on you work into the gaps between the groups, not into the chain stitches themselves. In each corner space, work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. Between the corners, ch 1: that chain becomes the first side gap. Join this round with a sl st as well.
Round 3 and beyond. Repeat the same idea: in each corner space work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, and in every side gap work one group of 3 dc, with ch 1 between the groups. With each round your square grows a little further outwards.
Changing colours between rounds
A lot of the classic granny square look comes from the colour changes. To change colour without a messy join, finish the last double crochet of the round with the new colour: pull the new yarn through the final two loops of that stitch. The next round then starts in the right colour straight away.
Which yarn and hook to choose
If you're going to join your squares into a blanket or baby blanket, a soft, washable yarn is pleasant to work with. Durable Comfy is a logical choice: soft, washable and available in lots of colours, so combining them is easy. For a slightly firmer square with a vintage feel, for a cushion cover for example, Durable Coral suits better: a cotton yarn with a lovely retro colour range. A 4 mm hook works well with most of these yarns; if you crochet looser or tighter than average, go half a size up or down.
| Yarn | Fibre | Great for | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durable Comfy | 100% microfibre acrylic | Blankets, baby projects | Beginner |
| Durable Coral | 100% cotton | Cushions, bags, vintage look | Beginner to intermediate |
| Durable Cosy Fine | 58% cotton, 42% acrylic | Light, airy squares for scarves | Beginner |
Joining squares into a blanket
Once you've made enough squares, lay them out in the arrangement you want before you join anything. That way you won't accidentally sew two identical colours next to each other. Then join them with a single crochet seam through both loops of the outer stitches, or with the less visible mattress stitch using a tapestry needle. For a blanket, 80 to 120 squares of about 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) is typical, depending on the size you want.
Common granny square mistakes
Wonky squares usually come from corner spaces that are worked slightly too loose or too tight. At every corner, make sure you really insert your hook into the space between the groups, not into one of the chains. A second common mistake is too few chains between the groups, which makes the square cup or ruffle instead of lying flat. If in doubt, count the stitches in each group: there are always three.
Granny square FAQ
How much yarn do I need for a granny square blanket?
It depends on the size of the blanket and the number of squares, but for a medium-sized blanket you can easily count on 15 to 25 balls of 50 grams, spread over your chosen colours.
Can I crochet a granny square in one colour?
Yes. The pattern stays exactly the same; you just skip the colour changes.
Why isn't my granny square square?
Usually the number of stitches per side isn't increasing evenly, or you're working too tightly or too loosely in the corners. Count the stitches on each side after every round to catch it early.
What's the difference between a granny square and a solid square?
In a classic granny square, the gaps between the groups of stitches stay visible. In a solid granny square you fill those spaces with extra double crochets, which gives you a closed, even surface.
Can I make a round granny?
Yes, that's called a granny circle. You start the same way with a ring, but instead of corner spaces you work even increases in every round.
Which hook size should I use for a granny square?
For most medium-weight yarns, a 4 to 4.5 mm hook works well. Always make a test square first to check that the size suits your tension.
Final thoughts
A granny square is a small project that teaches you a lot: you practise double crochet, colour changes, and you get to know your own tension. Once you've got the hang of it, you can vary it endlessly, from a single cushion to a full blanket. Have a look at the Durable Comfy colours to put together your palette, and start your first square.
