The classic granny square – it has a special place in my heart as it’s the first thing I ever learned to crochet. Since then I’ve made so many and made them into blankets, cushion covers, bags and coasters. There are lots of variations on the granny square – gappy ones, solid ones, ones with flowers in the centre – search granny square on google and you will find all kinds.
This pattern is for the classic granny square – made with clusters of double crochets and chains in the corners. You will always work in the chain spaces and never in the stitches themselves. I’ve changed colour at each round, but it’s also possible to make single colour squares.
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet (American terms are used – this is a British treble crochet)
- slst = slip stitch
Round 1: Start with a magic circle or make a circle by chaining 4 and then slip stitching into the first chain.
Now chain 3, which counts as your first dc. Make 2 more dcs into the circle to make your first cluster of 3 stitches. (ch2, 3dc) 3 times. Finish with ch2 and join to the third stitch of the starting chain. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Round 2: Start with a standing dc in any ch2 corner space. Make 2 more dcs in the same space. ch 2 and make 3 more dcs in the same space. This is your first corner made. *ch1 and then make 3dc, ch2, 3dc in the next chain space. repeat from * 2 more times. ch1 and then join to the first dc with a slst. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Round 3: Start with a standing dc in any ch2 corner space. Make 2 more dcs in the same space. ch 2 and make 3 more dcs in the same space. This is your first corner made. *ch1 and then make 3dc in the next chain space, ch1 and then make 3dc, ch2, 3dc in the next chain space. repeat from * 2 more times. Then ch1, make 3 dcs in the next chain space, ch 1 and join to the first dc with a slst. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Round 4: Start with a standing dc in any ch2 corner space. Make 2 more dcs in the same space. ch 2 and make 3 more dcs in the same space. This is your first corner made. *ch1 and then make 3dc in the next chain space, ch1 and make 3dcs in the next chain space, ch 1, then make 3dc, ch2, 3dc in the next chain space. repeat from * 2 more times. Then ch1, make 3 dcs in the next chain space, make 3 dcs in the next chain space and then ch 1 and join to the first dc with a slst. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Now make lots more and join them together to make a cushion or blanket!
If you need help with your granny squares or with joining them, come along to my granny squares class. More info here: Crochet Granny Squares