How to Make A Granny Square

Granny Squares are among my most favorite things in the world to make.  They are timeless, having both modern and vintage appeal.  They are pleasant and cheerful and I enjoy having them around whether in the form of garments, afghans, or other fun things for the home.  They are also super quick to whip one or more of them up, which is great instant gratification.

To make a granny square, you will need yarn and a crochet hook...the granny square shown here is made with an "H" hook and worsted weight yarn.  Let's begin!  With your hook, chain 4,

join into a ring with a slip stitch.  To begin round 1, chain 4,

Work (3 dc into center of ring, chain 1) 3 times, then 2 dc into center of ring.

Halfway around...

Join to close with a slip stitch.  It should look like a little "plus" sign.

First round is complete!  Now if you want to make round 2 in the same color, simply slip stitch until you reach a ch1 at the corner and keep going.  Here we'll switch colors, so cut yarn, leaving a tail, and fasten it with a slip stitch.  Join the new yarn at one of the corners as shown and tie securely.  Let's keep going with round two...

To work the corner of round 2, first chain 4, then 2 dc in same space, then chain 1, then 3 dc in the same space...first corner done!

Then chain 1, then work the next corner by working 3 dc in next space, chain 1, then 3 dc in same space, chain 1, repeat two more times to complete the round. 

Our next round will be a different color again, so complete the round by cutting yarn, leaving a tail, and fastening it with a slip stitch. Tie off securely.

Join the new yarn at one of the corners and tie securely.  For round three, work the corner in the same manner as the previous round: chain 4, 2 dc in same space, chain 1, 3 dc in same space, chain 1. Let's move now to working the side (non-corner) of the granny...

To work the side, simply work 3 dc in the next space as shown, then chain 1.

Keep working in this manner, with two clusters in the corners and one cluster on the sides until you finish the round.  Just be sure there is a ch 1 in between each grouping of 3 dc as you work each round.  That is what gives you those pretty spaces in between each cluster.  Join with a slip stitch and tie off.

If you wish, your Granny can be complete at this point or if you would like to make it larger or more colorful, you can keep adding rounds by repeating round three.

Try crocheting a bunch of Granny Squares in a rainbow of colors and joining them together to make a beautiful and unique afghan.  Or keep adding rounds and make one large Granny afghan.  The possibilities are truly endless...happy crocheting to you!

© Jennifer Dickerson 2013

Please note: Patterns are for personal and charity use only.  In addition, if you enjoy the pattern, please link to it, but do not copy the pattern to your own website or blog (including other languages).  Thank you!

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