Traditional Granny Square

Traditional Granny Squares can be constructed in a wide variety of ways. Depending on the pattern or designer, you might turn your square, or work in the round without turning. Do you add two chains into the corners or three? Crocheted granny squares are so fun to experiment with and you can choose the little details that work best for you and your granny square project.

Here’s the way I like to make my granny squares.

Ch 4. Sl st into first ch to form ring.

ROUND ONE

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, (ch 3, 3 dc in ring) 3 times, ch 1, hdc in top of beg ch-3. Do Not Turn.

ROUND TWO

Working the first two double crochets of each round by going around the post of the half double crochet makes a nice corner that’s super easy to make.

Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc around post of hdc, [ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, hdc in top of beg ch-3. Do Not Turn.

ROUND THREE

Round 3: Ch 3, 2 dc around post of hdc, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, ch 1, hdc in top of beg ch-3. Do. Not. Turn.

ROUND 4 & BEYOND

Round 4: Ch 3, 2 dc around post of hdc, [(ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp) to ch-3 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp] 3 times, (ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp) to last ch-3 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-3 sp, ch1, hdc in top of beg ch-3. Do Not Turn.

Fasten off or continue working Round 4 to desired size.

ABBREVIATIONS

  • beg: beginning
  • ch: chain
  • dc: double crochet
  • hdc: half double crochet
  • sl st: slip st
  • sp: space

U.S. Crochet Terminology was used for the granny square instructions.

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30 Responses to “Traditional Granny Square”

  1. Donna

    What type of border looks good with granny squares?

    Hello Donna,

    Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Marilyn

    Trying to learn to crochet not had much luck I will keep trying as your article seems to have alot of help

    Reply
  3. Yvette Williams

    Your instructions are clear and concise. My fellow seniors at my local center are enjoying your information. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Jeanette Campbell

    I am not ignoring your emails, I am in hospital and don’t have access to my yarn and needles just now .

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Lorraine,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership and your question(s) to programdirector@program-director.net. Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Nebbie

    Making a magic circle first, then ch3, then dc2 in circle for first 3 DC group, then ch3 dc3 in circle for second 3 DC group, then ch3 dc3 in circle. for third 3 DC group, then ch3 dc3 in circle for fourth 3DC group, then ch1, HDC in top of ch3 in Row 1.
    Row 2: Then, ch3, 2dc, ch1 (could use stitch marker to make ch1 to stand out), then 3dc ch3 3dc & ch1 (mark) for 1st corner of grannie square, then dc3 ch3 dc3 & ch1 (mark) for 2nd corner, then dc3 ch3 dc3 & ch1 (mark) for 3rd corner, then dc3 ch1 HDC in top of ch3 for 4th corner for row 2.
    Row 3: ch3 dc2, ch1 (mark), look for ch1 sp (marked), dc3 in this sp & can now remove st marker, then dc3 ch3 dc3, ch1 (mark) for 1st corner, then find ch1 sp w/st marker dc3 & remove st marker, then dc3 ch3 dc3 & ch1 (mark) for 2nd corner, then find marker for ch1 dc3 & ch1 (mark), then dc3 ch3 dc3, ch1 (mark) for 3rd corner, then dc3 remove st marker, ch1 (mark) then dc3 ch3 dc3 for 4th corner ch1 (mark) HDC.
    Can make more rows, or stop & finish off & remove all st markers. This may be more complicated or easier; I don’t know.

    Reply
  6. KUHLAYA

    WHEN I CAN TEACH MYSELF HOW TO CROCHET GRANNY SQUARES; THEN I’M GOING TO TEACH MY TWO LITTLE GRANDDAUGHTERS. THIS SHOULD BE A FUN PROJECT FOR THE THREE OF US AND GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO REMEMBER ME BY WHEN I’M GONE.

    Reply
    • Suzanne

      That is such a lovely idea! I hope you and your granddaughters really have fun!!

      Reply
  7. Nancy crognale

    I am always looking for new patterns to i can do easily . Thank yo

    Reply
  8. Sylvia

    Thanks for the instructions. Years ago, I bought a leaflet type of basic crochet instructions. When I forget how, such as double, half soluble I always refer to that and it really helps. Those who comments they don’t understand could probably find such a leaflet at Walmart or places that carrycrafts.

    Reply
  9. Serena Shaffer

    I don’t understand how to read the instructions I am more of a hands on learner.

    Reply
    • Dorothy O'Bryant

      I know what you mean. I learned at my grandmothers knee. No pattern to read. In most patterns for beginners, all you need to know is: chain [ch], double crochet [dc], half-double crochet [hdc] and slip stitch [sl]. Happily Hooked has some very good You Tube tutorials on how to crochet. I hope this helps

      Reply
    • Tonya Clark

      Same for me! Especially when doing half double crochet, and counting some as a double crochet.

      Reply