How To: Crochet a Granny Square

   I had someone ask me if I had any suggestions for a beginner crochet project. My very first project was an ottoman cover that I made out of granny squares.

   I tried to find the website I used, but I couldn't find it anywhere. I decided one thing that is lacking in the crochet community is how to do things at a beginner level. I am assuming that if you are learning how to do a granny square, you already know the basics of crochet. If you need help with how to do a certain stitch, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. Granny squares use a chain stitch, double crochet, and a slip stitch. This post has many pictures to try and show you every step.

   To begin, you are going to tie a slip knot. This is done by taking the end of the yarn and tying a knot around the part attached the skein. This keeps your yarn from accidentally coming undone.

   Slide the loop on your crochet hook and tighten it down. You don't want it too tight as it will have to slip off the end of your crochet hook.

   Chain six

   Put your hook through the loop next to your beginning knot.

   Slip stitch your chain closed so you have a circle. (yarn over, pull through both loops)

   Now we are going to start forming your square. At the beginning of every round you are going to start by chaining three. This counts as the first double crochet.

   Do two more double crochets. You will be going through the middle of the circle.

   And then chain two.

   Next, do three more double crochet and then chain two. Most crochet patterns have a pattern within the pattern. This one is three double crochets followed by two chain stitches.

   Do it two more times. You should now have four sets of three double crochets followed by two chain stitches.

   Next you are going to slip stitch into the top of your chain three at the start of the round.

   You now have the beginning of a square. Granny square stitches are done in the chain two spaces, so now you need to get over to the space in the corner to start your next round. Slip stitch in the next two spaces to move the yarn to the corner.

   Your last slip stitch should end in the beginning of the corner space. Since we are starting a new round, chain three.

   To form the corners, you will do two sets in each corner. This is the beginning three chain followed by two double crochets, chain two, and then do three more double crochets followed by another chain two. This is how you will do every corner in your granny square.

   Continue doing two sets in each space around.

   When you get back to the beginning, slip stitch it closed, then do the two more slip stitches to move to the corner space.

   Chain three to start your round.

   Do the two sets to form your corner. There is now another chain two space along the edge of your square.

   Do three double crochets, followed by a chain two, in the space along the side.

   Continuing around your square. Two sets in the corners and one in each chain two space along the side.

   Continue doing as many rounds you need until your square is the desired size, slip stitch to the corner and tie off your yarn.

   Next, sew in the ends.

   However you feel best about keeping it snug so it doesn't come out, is fine.

   You now have a granny square.

   Granny squares are great! You can use any size hook and make them as big or small as you'd like. Just continue the pattern around until you get your desired size. If you want to be creative, you can even change colors for each round. I have seen many beautiful afghans made from granny squares. You can also use this pattern to finish off a blanket, I've seen the same stitch pattern made into hats, box covers and many different projects. You can connect the squares many different ways to make any kind of pattern you'd like. The possibilities are endless!