Free crochet pattern
How to crochet a classic granny square
This classic granny square is worked in rounds of three-double-crochet clusters separated by chain spaces, with chain-2 corners. Five rounds make a 6 inch square in worsted yarn. It is the foundation for blankets, bags and cardigans, and every round adds exactly twelve double crochet stitches.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated · Editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Yarn weight | Medium (#4) |
| Yardage | 25–35 yd (23–32 m) |
| Hook | 5 mm |
| Gauge | Rounds 1–3 measure 3.5 in (9 cm) square. |
| Finished size | 6 in (15 cm) square after 5 rounds |
| Time | about 30 minutes |
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) acrylic or wool yarn, about 30 yd / 27 m per square (use up to 5 colours)
- 5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
Yarn Kit & Substitution Options
This pattern calls for 35 yards of weight #4 yarn. Select a suggested yarn to see required skeins and estimated cost:
Caron Simply Soft · 100% Acrylic
315 yds per skein · High-yield yardage, silky no-scratch texture
1 skeins required
approx. $$5.49 total
Abbreviations (US terms)
- chain
- slip stitch
- double crochet
- space
- chain space
- repeat
- beginning
- round
Notes before you start
- The beginning ch-3 counts as a double crochet throughout.
- Do not turn between rounds; the right side always faces you.
- Stitch counts in parentheses count double crochet only, not chain spaces.
- To change colour, fasten off at the end of a round and join the new colour in any corner space.
Row progress: 0 of 6 done (0%)
Square
0 of 6 done- Ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring.Mark row complete
- Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (12 dc, 4 corner ch-2 sps)Mark row complete
- Rnd 2: Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (24 dc)Mark row complete
- Rnd 3: Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, 3 dc in last ch-1 sp, ch 1, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (36 dc)Mark row complete
- Rnd 4: Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *[3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] across to corner, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] across, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (48 dc)Mark row complete
- Rnd 5: Rep Rnd 4. (60 dc)Mark row complete
Working on:
Ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Finishing
- Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail.
- Weave in all ends along the back of the stitches, changing direction once so they hold.
- Block by pinning to a 6 in square, misting with water and letting dry.
Errata
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Frequently asked questions
How do I make the granny square bigger?
Keep repeating Round 4. Each round adds 12 double crochet and roughly 0.6 in (1.5 cm) to each side.
Why is my granny square twisting?
Twisting usually means the chain-1 spaces along the sides are too tight or a corner was skipped. Check that each side has one more cluster than the round before.
How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?
A 50 × 60 in throw needs about 30 squares of 10 in, or 120 squares of 5 in, plus a joining round and border.
