Crochet a Granny Square Pattern for Beginners (Super Simple & Easy Tutorial)


Crochet a Granny Square Pattern for Beginners (Super Simple & Easy Tutorial)


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If you’re learning how to crochet, there is one project that every crocheter starts with — and for good reason.

The classic granny square.

Granny squares are timeless, beginner-friendly, incredibly versatile, and one of the best ways to build confidence when you’re first learning how to crochet. With just a few basic stitches, you can create beautiful squares that turn into blankets, sweaters, cardigans, pillows, bags, and so much more.

In this beginner guide, I’m going to walk you step by step through how to crochet a simple granny square — slowly, clearly, and in a way that makes sense even if you’ve never made one before.

No complicated stitches.
No confusing shaping.
Just a super simple and easy granny square that anyone can make.

Let’s get started. 🧶✨

Why Granny Squares Are Perfect for Beginners

Before we jump into the pattern, let me tell you why granny squares are such an amazing place to start.

Granny squares are:

✔ Worked in the round (great practice)
✔ Repetitive and easy to memorize
✔ Forgiving if you make mistakes
✔ Quick to finish
✔ Perfect for scraps of yarn
✔ Endlessly customizable

Once you learn this one simple square, you can make:

  • Blankets

  • Sweaters

  • Cardigans

  • Pillow covers

  • Bags

  • Scarves

  • Table runners

  • Wall hangings

It’s truly one of the most useful crochet skills you’ll ever learn.


                 

What You’ll Need 🧺

To crochet this beginner granny square, you’ll need just a few simple supplies:

If you’re brand new, I recommend checking out:

And don’t forget to download my free printable Crochet Abbreviations Cheat Sheet from my Freebies section — it will help you understand patterns much faster as you continue learning.

Before You Begin: Two Ways to Start Your Center

You can begin your granny square in one of two ways:

Option 1 – Chain Circle (Great for Beginners)

This is the easiest and most common method.

  1. Tie a slip knot

  2. Chain 4

  3. Join to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a small circle

This creates the center of your granny square.

Option 2 – Magic Circle (Tight & Closed Center)

If you prefer a tight, closed center with no hole, you can use the Magic Circle method instead.

If you’re new, the chain circle method is perfectly fine and easier to learn first.

Granny Square Pattern – Step by Step

We’ll be working in rounds, building outward from the center.

🧶 Round 1 – Creating the Center Clusters

Into your center circle:

  1. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet)

  2. Work 2 double crochet into the center

  3. Chain 2

This creates your first cluster and first corner.

Now repeat the following three times:

  • 3 double crochet into the center

  • Chain 2

When finished, you should have:

  • 4 clusters of 3 double crochet

  • 4 chain-2 corner spaces

Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain 3.

✨ At this point, your work will look like a small square with four corners.

🧶 Round 2 – Building the Corners

Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet)

In the same corner space, work:

  • 2 double crochet

  • Chain 2

  • 3 double crochet

  • Chain 1

This creates a corner cluster.

Now:

  • Skip to the next corner space (the large hole)

  • Work:

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 2

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 1

Repeat this in each corner space.

In your final corner:

  • 3 double crochet

  • Chain 2

  • 3 double crochet

  • Chain 1

Join with a slip stitch to the top of your beginning chain 3.

✨ You should now see your square clearly forming.

🧶 Round 3 – Adding Side Clusters

Chain 3
2 double crochet into the same space
Chain 1

Now repeat around the square:

  • In each corner space:

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 2

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 1

  • In each chain-1 space between corners:

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 1

Continue this pattern around the square.

When you reach the final corner, complete the corner, chain 1, and join with a slip stitch to the top of chain 3.

✨ Your granny square is now growing beautifully.

🧶 Round 4 – Continuing the Pattern

Round 4 is worked the exact same way as Round 3.

Chain 3
2 double crochet into same space
Chain 1

Then around the square:

  • In every chain-1 space:

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 1

  • In every corner space:

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 2

    • 3 double crochet

    • Chain 1

Join with a slip stitch at the end.

✨ You can stop here or continue adding rounds to make your granny square as large as you’d like.

Finishing Your Granny Square

Once you’re happy with the size:

  • Fasten off

  • Thread your yarn tails onto a tapestry needle

  • Weave in all ends securely for a clean finish

This step is important for durability and a polished look.

Adding a Simple Border (Optional but Beautiful)

If you’d like a clean edge, try a simple single crochet border.

Attach yarn in any stitch:

  • Single crochet evenly around the entire square

  • Work 3 single crochet in each corner

Slip stitch to join and fasten off.

This gives your square a neat, professional finish.

What Can You Make with Granny Squares?

This is where the real fun begins.

Once you know how to crochet a granny square, you can create:

  • 🛋 Blankets

  • 🧥 Sweaters

  • 🧶 Cardigans

  • 🛏 Pillow covers

  • 👜 Bags

  • 🧣 Scarves

  • 🖤 Decorative wall pieces

You can:

  • Change colors every round

  • Use one solid color

  • Mix bold shades

  • Try pastels

  • Create monochrome designs

There is no right or wrong — every granny square is beautiful in its own way.

Want to Learn More Crochet Basics?

If you’re continuing your beginner crochet journey, I highly recommend:

And don’t forget to grab my free printable Crochet Abbreviations Cheat Sheet — it’s perfect for keeping beside you while you learn.

Crochet Abbreviations Used

Here are the abbreviations used in this pattern:

  • mc = magic circle

  • ch = chain

  • dc = double crochet

  • sl st = slip stitch

  • sp = space

  • ch sp = chain space

Final Thoughts 🧶✨

Learning how to crochet a granny square is a huge milestone in your crochet journey.

With just:

  • Chains

  • Double crochet

  • Slip stitches

  • And a little patience

You can create something beautiful, useful, and completely customizable.

Whether you turn this into a blanket, a sweater, or your very first handmade gift — this simple granny square is the foundation for so many amazing projects to come.

Take your time.
Enjoy the rhythm of the stitches.
And most importantly — have fun with it.

Because crochet isn’t about perfection.
It’s about creativity, comfort, and making something with your own two hands.

🖤🧶✨




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