How to Crochet a Granny Square

Granny Squares are one of those crochet projects that become much easier once you understand how each round changes the shape. In this tutorial, you will learn how to crochet a granny square from a small center ring into a four-round square using puff stitches, cluster stitches, chain spaces, and defined corner groups.

This granny square pattern follows the supplied tutorial transcription closely. The construction is distinctive because the first round creates the center, the second adds puff stitches, the third turns those stitches into cluster spaces, and the fourth round finally creates the square shape. The tutorial also emphasizes counting your stitches carefully, especially at the end of the first three rounds.

Before You Start Your Crochet Granny Square

The original tutorial begins with a slipknot followed by a chain of four. Those four chains are joined with a slip stitch to create the small ring that becomes the center of the motif. The first round is then crocheted into the hole in the middle of that ring.

One useful feature of this method is that the yarn tail can be crocheted over while you work. Later, pulling that tail closes the large center opening, giving the middle of the square a neater finish. If you enjoy making small crochet projects between larger makes, you can also explore our crochet base wrapper project for another project idea.

How to Crochet a Granny Square Step by Step

This crochet granny square is worked in four rounds. The shape does not appear immediately. Instead, the first three rounds build the center and create the spaces needed for the final square, so take your time with each round rather than trying to force the shape too early.

Round 1: Create the Center Ring

Begin with a slipknot using your preferred method. Chain four, then insert your hook into the first chain and make a slip stitch to form a ring. You should now have a small opening in the center where the first round will be worked.

Chain three to begin Round 1. In the terminology used by the transcription, this starting chain counts as the first U.S. double crochet. The tutorial notes that this stitch is called a treble in UK terminology. Work 15 more U.S. double crochets into the center of the chain ring, giving you 16 stitches in total when the starting chain is included.

As you work, place the yarn tail over the top of your hook so that you crochet over it. Once all 16 stitches are complete, check the count carefully. Pulling the tail then closes the large center hole. Finish the round with a slip stitch into the top of the starting chain.

Fasten off by making one chain, cutting the yarn with a tail, and pulling the yarn through the chain to secure it. The transcription then joins a new color through the top of any stitch, working under both loops. The short joining tail can again be placed over the hook while making the starting chain so it becomes secured into the work.

Round 2: Add the Puff Stitches

For Round 2, begin with a chain of two. This chain does not count as a stitch. Work the first puff stitch into the same stitch where the new color was joined. A puff stitch is built by repeatedly yarning over, inserting the hook, pulling up loops to the same height, and finally pulling through all seven loops on the hook.

After completing the puff stitch, make one chain. Continue around the round by working a puff stitch into the next stitch followed by one chain. The transcription describes repeating this sequence all the way around until there is one puff stitch in each of the 16 stitches from Round 1.

When the final puff stitch is finished, make the chain one after it and join the round with a slip stitch into the top of the first puff stitch. The starting chain is not counted as a stitch. Fasten off, then prepare the next color for the following round.

For the next color, look between two puff stitches to find the space. Insert your hook into that space, pull the new yarn through, and secure the short tail underneath the first chain. This placement matters because the next round is worked from the spaces between the puff stitches rather than directly into the puff stitches themselves.

Round 3: Build the Cluster Stitch Round

Round 3 uses cluster stitches. The first cluster is slightly different from the remaining clusters because its beginning chain forms part of the stitch. Start with two chains. These are treated as a partial double crochet, then work three additional partial double crochets into the same space.

For each partial double crochet, yarn over, insert the hook into the space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through two loops. Do this three times after the starting chain. You will have four partial double crochets represented by four loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all four loops to complete the first cluster.

Make two chains before the next cluster. In the following space, work four partial double crochets. Because none of these are completed individually at the final step, you will have five loops on the hook before the finishing yarn over. Pull through all five loops to complete the cluster. Continue working two chains followed by one cluster around the motif.

At the end of Round 3, check your work carefully. The supplied tutorial has 16 cluster stitches and 16 chain-two spaces. The round is joined with a slip stitch, with the tutorial preferring to pick up loops toward the back of the first cluster for a neater finish before fastening off.

Round 4: Turn the Motif Into a Square

Round 4 is where the circular-looking motif finally becomes a granny square. Join the next color into any chain-two space because the entire round is worked from the spaces created in Round 3. Secure the yarn tail over the hook as you make the opening chain.

Begin with a chain of four. The transcription counts this as the first treble crochet. Work two more treble crochets into the same space. You have now started the first corner area of the square.

Move to the next three chain-two spaces and work three double crochets into each space. This creates the first straight side. When you reach the next corner space, work three treble crochets into it, chain two, and then work three more treble crochets into the same space. This is the corner group that gives the square its sharp corner.

Continue around the motif using the same rhythm: three double crochets in each of the next three chain-two spaces, followed by a corner group of three treble crochets, chain two, and three more treble crochets. The corner groups occur in every fourth chain-two space.

How to Finish Your Granny Square Neatly

The final corner is handled slightly differently because you have already worked part of the corner where you originally joined the yarn. Complete the remaining three treble crochets in that same space, then make the final chain two.

At this point, the supplied tutorial demonstrates an invisible join instead of an ordinary slip stitch. This finishing method is chosen because it gives the edge a seamless appearance without the noticeable bump that can sometimes appear with a conventional join.

Make the Invisible Join

After the final chain two, cut the yarn and pull the tail through the chain. Thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle. Insert the needle underneath both loops at the top of the stitch beside the starting chain, then pull the yarn through without pulling excessively tight.

Next, insert the needle through the back loop only of the second chain of the corner. Pull the yarn through with enough tension to make the join blend naturally with the surrounding stitches. The goal is to keep the line of yarn consistent with the front loops of the other stitches rather than cinching the join tightly.

Finally, secure the yarn end by threading it down the back loops of the starting chain and then weaving the remaining end into the back of the granny square. This gives the finished motif a cleaner appearance and keeps the loose end secured.

If you enjoy making small crochet motifs and other playful patterns, our free crochet octopus keychain pattern is another project worth exploring once you finish your square.

Tips for Better Granny Square Patterns

Once you understand this particular granny square crochet pattern, the biggest improvement comes from developing consistent habits while you work. These simple checks can make the difference between a square that lies neatly and one that becomes uneven or difficult to shape.

• Count every important round. The first three rounds have clearly defined checkpoints. Check for 16 stitches in Round 1, 16 puff stitches in Round 2, and 16 clusters with 16 chain-two spaces in Round 3 before continuing.
• Keep the loops at an even height. The puff stitch instructions specifically call for pulling the loops up to the same height. Consistent loops help the puff stitches maintain a similar appearance around the round.
• Find the spaces carefully. From Round 3 onward, several stitches are worked into spaces rather than individual stitch tops. Gently separating the surrounding stitches makes those spaces easier to see.
• Secure color changes as you go. The tutorial repeatedly recommends laying the short yarn tail over the hook while making the opening chain. This helps hold the tail in place while you continue crocheting.
• Do not tighten the invisible join too much. The finishing instructions specifically warn against pulling the yarn too tightly because the joining line should blend with the front loops around it.

For additional guidance on basic crochet techniques such as slip stitches, foundation chains, joining rings, and finishing loose ends, the Crochet Guild of America basic crochet techniques guide is a useful authoritative reference. It explains the slip stitch method used to form a ring and discusses fastening off and weaving in loose ends.