The Easiest Granny Square Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 19/05/2025

Granny squares: those charming, versatile squares that are the building blocks of countless blankets, shawls, and other crocheted wonders. While they might seem intimidating to beginners, the truth is, creating a perfectly lovely granny square is surprisingly simple. This timeless craft offers a fantastic way to express creativity, using a small amount of yarn to create something beautiful and ultimately functional. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a refresher or a complete novice eager to try your hand at this classic technique, you'll find this pattern incredibly straightforward and rewarding.

This tutorial offers a foolproof method to master the art of granny square crochet, guiding you through each step with clear instructions and helpful visuals. Get ready to unleash your inner artisan as we delve into the easiest granny square tutorial, a step-by-step guide that will have you confidently creating these delightful squares in no time. Let's begin!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • yarn
  • crochet hook
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors to avoid fraying yarn and potential injury. Always cut yarn away from yourself.
  • Be mindful of your hook size. Using a hook too small can make the work too tight and difficult, while a hook that's too large will result in a loose and uneven square.
  • If you're a beginner, start with a light-colored yarn so you can easily see your stitches. This makes it much easier to follow the pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Creating the Center Ring

    • Begin with a slip knot and chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
    • Chain 1, then work 3 double crochet stitches into the center ring. This chain one does not count as a stitch.
    • Chain 1, and repeat step 2 three more times. Slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet to join the round.
    Chain 1, and repeat step 2 three more times. Slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet to join the round.Chain 1, and repeat step 2 three more times. Slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet to join the round.Chain 1, and repeat step 2 three more times. Slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet to join the round.
    Creating the Center Ring

  2. Round 2: Establishing the Corners

    • Chain 1. Work 3 double crochet stitches into the first corner space (the large gap between the chain-1 spaces).
    • Chain 1. Skip the next chain-1 space and work 3 double crochet stitches into the next chain-1 space.
    • Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch.
    Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch.Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch.Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch.
    Round 2: Establishing the Corners

  3. Subsequent Rounds: Increasing Size

    • Chain 1, and work 3 double crochet stitches into each corner space (the spaces between the chain-1 spaces from the previous round). Work 3 double crochet stitches into the spaces between the corners.
    • Join each round with a half double crochet to create a neat and stable connection, avoiding the use of a slip stitch which might result in curling.
    Join each round with a half double crochet to create a neat and stable connection, avoiding the use of a slip stitch which might result in curling.Join each round with a half double crochet to create a neat and stable connection, avoiding the use of a slip stitch which might result in curling.
    Subsequent Rounds: Increasing Size

  4. Finishing the Granny Square

    • Repeat Round 2 until you reach the desired size. When finished, weave in the ends.
    Repeat Round 2 until you reach the desired size. When finished, weave in the ends.
    Finishing the Granny Square

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Pulling the tail tightly after completing each round will help close the gaps and create a more defined square.
  • Using a half double crochet to join rounds helps prevent curling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Varying tightness of stitches throughout the square leads to uneven size and shape.
Solution: Maintain a consistent tension by keeping your yarn taut but not overly tight.

2. Incorrect Corner Increases

Reason: Missing or extra stitches during corner increases creates oddly shaped corners or gaps.
Solution: Carefully count your stitches before and after each corner increase to ensure accuracy.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for making granny squares?
Medium-weight (worsted weight) yarn is ideal for beginners as it's easy to see your stitches and works up quickly. Acrylic yarn is a great budget-friendly option, but you can also use cotton or other fibers depending on your desired look and feel of the finished project.
I'm having trouble with my corners; they're not looking neat. What can I do?
Make sure you're working the correct number of chain stitches in each corner (usually 3) and that you're consistently working your double crochet stitches evenly around the square. A loose tension can make corners look wonky, so try tightening your stitches slightly.