by That is a fantastic choice! The Granny Square is the foundational motif of crochet—it’s simple, easy to memorize, and the perfect project for any beginner.
Here is a detailed, step-by-step tutorial for the Classic Granny Square pattern.
🟩 Classic Granny Square Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide
The Granny Square is constructed using groups of three double crochet (dc) stitches, called “clusters,” separated by chain spaces, worked outward in continuous rounds.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Medium-weight yarn (worsted/size 4). This size is highly recommended as the stitches are easy to see and handle.
- Crochet Hook: The size appropriate for your yarn (e.g., 5.0 mm or H/8).
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends).
Key Crochet Terms
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| Cluster (Cl) | 3 dc worked into the same space |
| Corner | (Cl, ch 2, Cl) |
Export to Sheets
Round 1: Creating the Center
We establish the center ring and the four initial sides/corners of the square.
- Start the Ring: Make a Magic Ring. (If the Magic Ring is too tricky, Chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring—this is often called the starting chain method.)
- First Cluster: ch 3 (This counts as your first dc). Work 2 dc into the center ring. (Total of 3 stitches).
- Corner Space: ch 2.
- Repeat: Work [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] 3 more times. (You now have 4 clusters and 4 chain-2 spaces).
- Finish: Pull the yarn tail tight to close the center hole. Join the round with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 2: Defining the Square
We only work into the chain spaces from the previous round. Do not work into the tops of the DC stitches.
- Move to Corner: You must move your hook to the first corner space. sl st into the next 2 dc stitches and then sl st into the ch-2 corner space (this puts you in the perfect starting position).
- First Corner: ch 3 (counts as dc). Work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the same corner space. (This is a complete Corner).
- Side Separator: ch 1 (This chain separates the clusters along the side).
- Repeat: Work [Corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 space, ch 1 (Side Separator)] 3 more times.
- Finish: Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 3: Expanding the Sides
The sides of the square now grow by adding a new cluster into the chain-1 side space created in Round 2.
- Move to Corner: sl st over the next 2 dc stitches and sl st into the ch-2 corner space.
- First Corner: ch 3. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the corner space.
- First Side Cluster: ch 1. Work 3 dc into the next ch-1 side space.
- Repeat: Continue the sequence [ch 1, Corner (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 side sp] 3 more times.
- Finish: Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Continuing to Grow & Finishing
- Growing: To make the square larger, simply repeat Round 3. The number of side clusters will increase by one in every round.
- Corners: Always get a full (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
- Sides: Always work (ch 1, 3 dc) into every chain-1 space.
- Finishing: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Pull the loop completely through the last stitch to knot it. Use your tapestry needle to weave the tails securely into the back of the work.
Your classic Granny Square Motif is complete! Would you like instructions on how to change colors on your squares, or how to join them together to make a blanket?
Video tutorial:
