A granny square is the most iconic and fundamental crochet motif, making it the perfect project for beginners. It’s built from the center outward, primarily using the double crochet (dc) stitch and chain spaces (ch-sp) to create its signature block structure.
Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to crochet a classic granny square.

Materials Needed
- Yarn: Medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) is recommended for beginners. You can use one color or several.
- Crochet Hook: The size recommended for your yarn (usually found on the yarn label).
- Scissors: To cut the yarn.
- Tapestry Needle: To weave in the ends.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- dc: double crochet
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Instructions
Round 1: The Center
- Create a starting ring: You can either use a Magic Ring (which pulls the center tight) or the Chain Method (which leaves a small hole). We’ll use the Chain Method here:
ch 4
. Join with a sl st to the first chain to form a ring.
- Make the first side and corner:
ch 3
(this counts as your first dc).- Work 2 dc into the center ring. This is your first 3-dc cluster.
ch 2
(this forms your first corner space).
- Repeat three more times:
- Work 3 dc into the ring.
ch 2
.
- Join: You should now have four 3-dc clusters separated by four ch-2 corner spaces. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning
ch 3
. - If changing colors, cut the yarn and tie off.

Round 2: Building the Corners
- Start: If you changed colors, join the new yarn in any ch-2 corner space. If using the same color, sl st into the next two dc’s and then sl st into the corner space.
- First Corner:
ch 3
(counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the same corner space.ch 2
.- Work 3 dc into the same corner space. This forms your first full corner: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
- First Side Space:
ch 1
(this creates the side space between the clusters).
- Next Corners: Move to the next ch-2 corner space.
- Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into that space.
ch 1
.
- Repeat the corner and side chain sequence two more times.
- Join: Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning
ch 3
. - If changing colors, cut the yarn and tie off.

Round 3 and Beyond: Expanding the Sides
The pattern for every subsequent round is the same: you work corners into the corner spaces and 3-dc clusters into the side chain spaces.
- Start: If you changed colors, join the new yarn in any ch-2 corner space. If using the same color, sl st over to the corner space.
- Corner:
- Work (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the corner space.
- Sides:
ch 1
.- Work 3 dc into the next ch-1 side space.
ch 1
.- (Note: In Round 3, you have only one side space. In Round 4, you’ll have two side spaces, etc.)
- Next Corner: Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next ch-2 corner space.
- Repeat the side and corner sequence around the square.
- Join: Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning
ch 3
.

Continue repeating this process until your granny square reaches the size you desire!
Finishing
- Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to thread all the loose yarn tails into the back of your work. This hides the ends and prevents the project from unraveling.
- Blocking (Optional): Gently wetting the finished square and pinning it flat until it dries will help straighten the edges and make the motif look perfectly square.
Video tutorial: