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Classic Granny Square Pattern for Beginners (Round by Round)
A classic granny square is made of clusters of 3 double crochet worked into the spaces of the previous round, with (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every corner. Start with a ring, work 4 clusters, and each new round adds one cluster per side.
Updated:
- Corner rule: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each ch-2 corner space; side rule: 3 dc in each ch-1 space between clusters.
- Round 1 has 4 clusters; every round adds 4 more, so round n has 4 × n clusters.
- A beginner setup: worsted (#4) yarn and a 5 mm (US H-8) hook gives a 4-round square of roughly 5 in (13 cm).
- In UK terms the same pattern uses treble crochet (tr) instead of double crochet (dc).
- Squares are joined by whipstitch, slip stitch or single crochet seams, or by joining as you go on the last round.
Materials and abbreviations
- Worsted-weight (#4) yarn in one or several colors (acrylic or cotton).
- 5 mm (US H-8) hook, or the size on your yarn label.
- Yarn needle and scissors.
| US | Meaning | UK |
|---|---|---|
| ch | chain | ch |
| sl st | slip stitch | ss |
| dc | double crochet | tr (treble) |
| sp | space | sp |
| ( ) | work everything inside into the same space | ( ) |
The pattern, round by round (US terms)
Start: ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring, or make a magic ring.
Round 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (4 clusters, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 2: sl st in next 2 dc and into the ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner space, ch 1. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times. Join to top of ch 3. (8 clusters)
Round 3: sl st to the corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times. Join. (12 clusters)
Round 4 and beyond: work the corners the same way and put 3 dc, ch 1 into every ch-1 space along the sides. Each round adds one cluster per side.
Cluster count per round
| Round | Clusters per side | Total clusters | Total dc |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 4 | 12 |
| 2 | 2 | 8 | 24 |
| 3 | 3 | 12 | 36 |
| 4 | 4 | 16 | 48 |
| 5 | 5 | 20 | 60 |
Counting clusters per side is the fastest way to check your work. If one side has more or fewer, you either skipped a space or worked twice into one.
Changing colors
Classic grannies change color every round or two. The cleanest method: finish the round, fasten off, then join the new color with a slip stitch directly into a corner space and start with ch 3. Starting each round in a different corner helps hide the joins.
Weave in each tail behind stitches of the same color so it does not show through. Many crocheters crochet over tails as they go to save time; work the next round's stitches around the tail held along the top of the previous round.
Why squares twist, and how to keep them square
- Square twists or spirals: normal for joined rounds with a turning direction that never changes. Some crocheters turn the work after each round to counter the lean. Blocking also straightens it.
- Corners look rounded: check you have ch 2 (not ch 1) in the corners.
- Square ruffles: chains between clusters are too long or tension is loose.
- Square cups: chains are too tight; loosen them.
To block, pin the squares to size on a foam mat, mist with water and let them dry. Acrylic can be steam-blocked carefully without pressing the iron onto the fabric.
Joining granny squares
- Whipstitch: place two squares right sides together and sew through the back loops with a yarn needle. Flat and nearly invisible.
- Slip stitch join: crochet the squares together through the back loops. Firm, with a small ridge.
- Single crochet seam: worked on the right side for a raised, decorative ridge.
- Join as you go: on the last round of each new square, replace the corner and side chains with slip stitches into the neighboring square. No sewing at the end.
Step by step
- Make the center ring. Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to the first chain, or make a magic ring if you want no center hole.
- Work round 1. Chain 3, work 2 dc into the ring, then chain 2. Work (3 dc, ch 2) into the ring three more times and join to the top of the chain 3. You have 4 clusters.
- Move to the corner. Slip stitch across the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 space so your yarn sits in a corner, ready to start round 2.
- Work round 2. In each corner space work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), with chain 1 between corners. Use the chain 3 as the first dc of the first corner. Join; you have 8 clusters.
- Work round 3. Work the same corners, and in each ch-1 side space work 3 dc, with chain 1 before and after. Join; you have 12 clusters, 3 per side.
- Keep growing. Repeat round 3, adding one 3-dc cluster in every side space, until the square is the size you want.
- Fasten off and weave in. Cut the yarn, pull it through the last loop and weave in all tails on the back. Block the square so it lies flat with straight sides.
Yarny includes a step-by-step granny square guide; tap “I need help” under any round to ask the AI helper, and use the yarn color palettes to plan color changes.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a granny square?
It depends on yarn, hook and number of rounds. With worsted yarn and a 5 mm hook, each round adds roughly 1 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 4 cm) to the width, so four rounds give about 5 in (13 cm). Measure your first square and plan from there.
How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?
Divide the blanket width by the width of one blocked square, and the length the same way, then multiply. For example, a 30 by 36 in baby blanket from 6 in squares needs 5 by 6, which is 30 squares.
Why is my granny square not square?
Common causes are missing a corner chain, working only 2 dc in a cluster, or skipping a side space. Count clusters per side after each round; all four sides should have the same number.
Is a granny square double crochet or treble?
Both, depending on terms. The stitch is US double crochet, which UK patterns call treble crochet. The square itself is identical.
Does the chain 3 count as a stitch?
Yes, in the classic granny square the starting chain 3 counts as the first double crochet of the round, so you only work 2 more dc to complete the first cluster.