The term "granny square" can be applied to any crochet motif or pattern that is worked from the center outwards, and indeed there are many variations. That's what keeps things interesting! And while granny squares are the quintessential crochet project, it's also entirely possible to go one's entire crochet career and never make the most traditional square. While memories of the 1970s might make you hesitate to embrace this classic, I think it deserves another look. With modern colors, it's the perfect blend of old and new, comfort and excitement! Here's how it's made:
How to Crochet the Traditional Granny Square
The Written Instructions:
Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch 2). [Dc 3 into ring, ch 2] 3 times. Dc 2 into ring, join with a sl st to 3rd ch of ch 5.
Round 2: Ch 5, dc 3 into the same ch sp. *Ch 1, sk 3 sts, [dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into the next ch sp. Repeat from * twice, then ch 1, sk 3 sts, dc 2 into same ch sp as start of round. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of ch 5.
Round 3: Ch 5, dc 3 into the same ch sp. *Ch 1, sk 3 sts, work 3 dc into next ch sp, ch 1, sk 3 sts,^ [dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into the next ch sp. Repeat from * twice, then from * to ^ again. Dc 2 into the same ch sp as start of round. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of ch 5.
Round 4: Ch 5, dc 3 into the same ch sp. *[Ch 1, sk 3 sts, work 3 dc into next ch sp] twice. Ch 1, sk 3 sts,^ [dc 3, ch 2, dc 3] into the next ch sp. Repeat from * twice, then from * to ^ again. Dc 2 into the same ch sp as start of round. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of ch 5.
At this point you can fasten off, or you can just keep going! I think you can see how the pattern works by now - 3 dc in each ch sp, a ch between each group, and 3 dc, ch 3, 3dc in each corner. And that's really all there is to the traditional granny square. It's as basic as they come, and just as beloved. I hope you get a chance to make one soon! (PS - Please pardon my errors and wonky voice, I had a wicked head cold! Luckily I'm better now!)
Be sure to Like the moogly Facebook page for the latest updates and have some fun with us! While the traditional granny square is well known and not copyrighted, the written pattern here is in my own words and copyright Tamara Kelly 2013. Please do not reprint, or repost this blog post or written pattern, but please do link to this page or video to share the pattern with others.TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com
Lorie says
Wow- you crochet so fast!
thanks for this tutorial- I am going to try and do the crochet a long at Little Bird Knits, so this is very timely and awesome!!
moogly says
Heh, that I do. I usually slow it down for the videos but since this one was to show the pattern instead of the actual stitches, I figured I could go at my normal speed. I'm glad you liked it!:D Have fun with the crochet a long!
Shelly says
I love your tutorials. Have you done one or are you planning on doing one for the solid granny square? I've come across a problem I have. Whenever I slip stitch in the chain 3 to end a round it always leaves a gap at the tap and makes it look really odd.
moogly says
I hadn't planned on it, but I'm always looking for ideas and will add that to the list! In the meantime, what about slip stitching into the chain space rather than the 3rd chain itself? That might eliminate the gap a bit. Everyone crochets a little differently, so it's something you'd have to try and see if it works for you.
Marie says
how big is the granny square you did with the 4 rounds. and what size hook did you use?
moogly says
Marie I believe it was an H hook, and it was probably about 4-5 inches wide/tall. A lot depends on your personal gauge and what yarn you're using! Both of the examples (the blue and the yellow) are worsted weight yarns worked with an H hook. But the fiber contents were different and they worked up into two very different sizes!
Sallie says
I notice you hold your hook differently than I do. I hold it with the hook between my thumb and index finger with the end up and the rest of the hook down under my palm. Its how I learn and have always used .
moogly says
Yes, there are several ways to hold the hook - and they're all correct! As long as it feels good and gets you results you want, then you're doing it "right." 🙂
galevee says
just pinned your instructions and enjoyed it very much. I would like to see more crocheting a granny square on the diagonal using two colors. I just discovered this technique and need more practice making the change of colors less noticeable. Thanks for all your time on the instructions. I like the video and written instructions together:)
elaine says
hi I am new to crochet and I have been told that certain crochet stitches have different names in the U.K to those used in the U.S
if this is so please can you tell me which ones are different.
absolutely love you tutorials.
Elaine.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much elaine! Here's a chart that might help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crochet_stitches
Jen says
I just shared this with the lady who runs a chairity group who makes Granny Sq blankets for those in need. She may pinn it to their blog http://www.grannysol.wordpress.com 🙂 Im trying to learn to make them so I can help make blankets for those in need, they accept pre-made Granny sqs and yarn donations from people all over the U.S.!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Jen! And thank you for sharing your talents with those in need!
Pam says
I have found several patterns on how to make the Granny Squares, but no one has showed how to put the squares together into the afghan. Do you have a tutorial or instructions for this? I am making the squares from your tutorial but I don't know how to put them together. Thank you.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Pam! There are dozens of different ways to put them together. I hope to cover some more soon, but for now I have tutorials on both whipstitching and sc and sl st joining.
Jo says
Thank you sooooooo much for this. Having the video to watch made it much easier to learn !
Tamara Kelly says
I'm so glad to hear it Jo! 🙂
Peg says
I've been trying for a week to figure granny squares out. I've gone to various sites and watched countless videos. Well, I'm happy to report that your video finally made it possible for me to finally GET IT! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. I'm well on my way to a beautiful afghan!
Tamara Kelly says
oh yay! i'm so glad to hear it, thank you!