A crochet granny square is the classic building block of crochet: a small square made of clusters of three trebles, worked in rounds from the centre out. Once you can make one, you can make blankets, cushions, bags, cardigans and coasters, and you can use up every scrap of yarn in your stash.
Quick answer: To crochet a granny square, make a magic ring, work 3 chains (counts as a treble), 2 trebles and 2 chains, then (3 trebles, 2 chains) three more times and join (UK terms; US double crochet). On each new round, work (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in every corner space and 3 tr in each side space with 1 ch between groups. Four rounds in DK with a 4mm hook (US G-6) make a 10cm square in about 20 minutes.
In this step-by-step guide we show you how to crochet a granny square in UK terms, with exact stitch counts for every round, US terms alongside, and photos for inspiration. We also cover changing colours, a solid granny square variation, three ways to join squares and a handy chart of how many squares you need for a blanket.
What is a crochet granny square?
A granny square is made of groups of three treble stitches (US double crochet) separated by small chain spaces. The corners are made by working two groups into the same space with a 2-chain gap between them, which turns the circle of stitches into a square. Patterns for granny squares have been printed since the nineteenth century, and you can read more about their history on the Wikipedia page on granny squares.
- Easy to learn: you only need chain, slip stitch and treble.
- Portable: one square fits in a pocket, so you can crochet anywhere.
- Scrap friendly: each round uses a few metres, so leftovers are perfect.
- Endlessly useful: join squares into almost anything.
What you need to crochet a granny square
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) acrylic, cotton or wool. One round uses 1 to 4 metres; a four-round square uses about 10 metres (roughly 5g).
- Hook: 4mm (UK 8, US G-6) for DK yarn.
- Yarn needle and scissors: for weaving in ends.
- Optional: a blocking mat and rust-proof pins.
Our crochet yarn guide and crochet hooks guide explain how to choose materials. DK is weight 3 in the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system.
Abbreviations (UK terms with US equivalents)
| UK term | Abbreviation | US term |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Chain |
| Chain space | ch sp | Chain space |
| Slip stitch | ss | Slip stitch (sl st) |
| Double crochet | dc | Single crochet (sc) |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double crochet (dc) |
The treble is the main stitch in every crochet granny square. If you need to practise it first, follow our treble crochet guide. Our UK vs US crochet terms guide explains why the names differ.
How to crochet a granny square: step by step
Work with the right side facing you throughout; you never turn the work. At the start of each round, the 3 ch counts as the first treble.
Starting ring
Make a magic ring, or work 4 ch and join with a ss into the first ch to form a ring. A magic ring closes the centre completely; see our magic ring tutorial.
Round 1
3 ch (counts as 1 tr), 2 tr into the ring, 2 ch. *3 tr into the ring, 2 ch* three times. Join with a ss to the top of the 3 ch. (12 tr in 4 groups, 4 corner ch-2 sps)
Round 2
Ss in the next 2 tr and into the corner ch-2 sp. 3 ch, (2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the same sp. *1 ch, (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the next corner sp* three times. 1 ch and join with a ss to the top of the 3 ch. (24 tr in 8 groups)
Round 3
Ss in the next 2 tr and into the corner sp. 3 ch, (2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the same sp. *1 ch, 3 tr in the next ch-1 sp, 1 ch, (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the next corner sp* three times. 1 ch, 3 tr in the last ch-1 sp, 1 ch, join with a ss. (36 tr in 12 groups)
Round 4
Ss in the next 2 tr and into the corner sp. 3 ch, (2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the same sp. *[1 ch, 3 tr in the next ch-1 sp] twice, 1 ch, (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the next corner sp* three times. [1 ch, 3 tr in the next ch-1 sp] twice, 1 ch, join with a ss. (48 tr in 16 groups)
Fasten off and weave in the ends. In DK yarn with a 4mm hook, a four-round crochet granny square measures about 10 to 11cm across.
Making a bigger crochet granny square
Every new round follows the same rule: work (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in each corner space, and 3 tr in every ch-1 space along the sides, with 1 ch between each group. Each round adds four groups (12 trebles), so you can keep going to any size.
| Round | Groups | Trebles | Approximate size in DK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 12 | 4cm |
| 2 | 8 | 24 | 6.5cm |
| 3 | 12 | 36 | 8.5cm |
| 4 | 16 | 48 | 10 to 11cm |
| 6 | 24 | 72 | 15cm |
| 10 | 40 | 120 | 25cm |
A single giant crochet granny square, worked until it is big enough, makes a whole blanket with no joining at all.
Changing colours in a crochet granny square
Changing colour on every round is what gives a crochet granny square its cheerful, patchwork look.
- Fasten off at the end of a round after the joining ss.
- Insert the hook into any corner space, pull up a loop of the new colour and work 3 ch.
- Continue the round as usual from (2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in that corner.
- Work over the old and new tails as you go to save weaving in later.
Joining each new colour in a different corner keeps the joins from lining up and makes the square look even.
Solid crochet granny square variation
A solid crochet granny square has no holes, so it is warmer and better for bags and cushions. Work Round 1 as above. On every following round, work 1 tr into each treble along the sides instead of groups and chain spaces, and work (2 tr, 2 ch, 2 tr) into each corner space. Each round adds 4 trebles to each side.
How to join granny squares
Slip stitch join
Hold two squares with the right sides together. Work a ss through the back loops of both squares all the way along one edge. It is quick and creates a neat ridge on the wrong side.
Whip stitch join
Lay two finished squares side by side, right side up. With a yarn needle, sew through the back loops of the facing edges. It gives an almost invisible seam and is the best choice for beginners.
Join as you go
On the last round of each new square, replace the middle chain of each space with a ss into the matching space on a finished square. The squares connect as you crochet, so there is no sewing at the end. It takes a little practice but saves hours on a blanket.
To finish a blanket neatly, add a border; our crochet blanket border guide has several options.
How many granny squares for a blanket?
Using a 10cm square (four rounds in DK), here is a quick guide. Add a few extra squares for the border and any mistakes.
| Blanket | Size | Squares | Approximate yarn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby blanket | 60 x 80cm | 6 x 8 = 48 | about 250g |
| Lap blanket | 100 x 130cm | 10 x 13 = 130 | about 650g |
| Single bed throw | 130 x 190cm | 13 x 19 = 247 | about 1.25kg |
| Cushion cover (front and back) | 40 x 40cm | 2 x (4 x 4) = 32 | about 160g |
Yarn amounts are estimates based on about 5g per square; always buy an extra ball of the main colour.
Crochet granny square project ideas
- Blankets: our crochet Christmas blanket is a granny square throw in red, green and cream.
- Coasters: a two- or three-round square makes a quick coaster; see our crochet coasters.
- Baskets and bags: sew five solid squares into a box for a storage basket.
- Cushions: join 16 squares for each side of a 40cm cushion.
- Stripes: if you love the granny look but not joining, try our granny stripe blanket.
A short history of the granny square
The granny square grew out of thrift. Crocheters in the nineteenth century worked small motifs from leftover wool and joined them into useful covers, and an early printed example appeared in an 1885 issue of the American magazine Prairie Farmer. The style became hugely popular in the 1960s and 1970s, when bright crochet granny square blankets, waistcoats and bags were everywhere. Today the crochet granny square is back in fashion, from catwalk cardigans to bucket hats and tote bags.
Part of its lasting appeal is that the same simple motif can look completely different depending on colour. Scrappy multicolour squares feel nostalgic and cosy, two-colour squares look crisp and graphic, and a single neutral shade gives a calm, modern texture.
Crochet granny square colour schemes
| Look | Centre | Middle rounds | Last round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic scrappy | Any bright | Mixed brights | Black or cream |
| Christmas | Red | Green | Cream |
| Nursery | Pale yellow | Mint and pink | White |
| Modern neutral | Mustard | Oatmeal | Charcoal |
| Seaside | Navy | Turquoise | White |
Using the same colour for the last round of every crochet granny square ties a scrappy blanket together and makes joining look neat.
Left-handed crochet granny square tips
Left-handed crocheters follow exactly the same pattern; the square simply grows in the opposite direction. Work the rounds clockwise, keep the right side facing you and join each new colour in a corner as usual. When you join squares made by right- and left-handed makers in the same blanket, the only difference is the slight slant of the trebles, which disappears after blocking.
Common crochet granny square problems and easy fixes
The crochet granny square is twisting
Make sure you are not turning the work, and that you start each round in a corner space. Blocking also straightens a slight twist.
The corners are not square
Check you have 2 ch in every corner and 1 ch between the groups along the sides. Too many chains make the corners ruffle; too few make them pull in.
The square is wavy
Your chains may be tighter or looser than your trebles. Try working the chain spaces with a slightly larger or smaller tension, or go down half a hook size.
The squares are different sizes
Tension changes from day to day. Measure a few squares, block them all to the same size and use the same hook throughout.
Tips for a perfect crochet granny square
- Weave in ends as you go: it is much less daunting than 200 squares of ends at the end.
- Block before joining: pin each square to the same size, spray with water and leave to dry.
- Plan your colours: lay the squares out on the floor and take a photo before joining.
- Keep a counter: note how many squares you have made in a notebook or app.
Loved working in the round? Take it further with our crochet mandala pattern, eight rounds that you can hang in a hoop.
Two big granny squares make a lovely crochet cushion cover: see our free granny square cushion pattern.
Ready for more colourwork? Try mosaic crochet, where one colour per row creates bold geometric patterns.
Frequently asked questions about the crochet granny square
How long does it take to crochet a granny square?
A four-round crochet granny square takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you know the pattern. Your first one may take 40 minutes.
What size is a granny square?
In DK yarn with a 4mm hook, a four-round square is about 10 to 11cm across. Each extra round adds roughly 2.5cm.
How much yarn does a granny square use?
About 10 metres (roughly 5g) of DK yarn for a four-round square.
Is a granny square good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the best first projects because it only uses chain, slip stitch and treble, and you finish a square quickly.
Is this granny square pattern in UK or US terms?
It is written in UK terms. In US terms, tr is double crochet (dc) and dc is single crochet (sc). The pattern is otherwise the same.
