How To Crochet a Granny Square

Here is how "Granny" made a quick and simple crocheted blanket. It is something most beginners can learn quickly, as the technique is the same for each row. Using Granny squares, you can crochet a blanket without having to carry the blanket-in-progress with you. You make the squares individually, then stitch them together.

Step 1  

Obtain yarn of your choice.

Step 2  

Obtain an appropriately sized crochet hook.

Step 3  

Chain six. Form a slip knot around the hook, wrap yarn around the hook, and pull it through the loop in the knot. Now the yarn that you pulled through is wrapped around the hook, and you can pull another loop through that. Be sure to leave a little extra yarn at the beginning in case it is needed later.

Step 4  

Slip stitch into first chain (to form a ring). Pull a new loop through the loop that's already on the hook, as well as through the chain stitch.

Step 5  

Chain three (equivalent of a first stitch of double).

Step 6  

Make three double crochet into the center of the ring.

Step 7  

Chain two.

Step 8  

Make three double crochet into the center of the ring.

Step 9  

Chain two.

Step 10  

Repeat two more times, for a total of 4 groups of 3 dc (double crochet).

Step 11  

Slip stitch into the top of the three chain to finish the round.

Step 12  

Add a new color for the next row if you like... simply start crocheting with the new color.

Step 13  

Chain three (an equivalent of a first double crochet).

Step 14  

In the "corner," one of the spaces created by the chain two between sets of double, do 3 double, chain two, and three more double. This begins to create the square.

Step 15  

Chain two to the next corner, and repeat. Do all 4 corners, and then slip stitch to the first corner to finish the round. Each corner should have two sets of three dc, each separated by two chain stitches.

Step 16  

Change colors again if you like.

Step 17  

Double crochet TWO bunches of three (separated by two chain stitches) into each corner... but only ONE bunch of three dc into each "flat side" hole from here on out.

Step 18  

Continue for as many rounds as you want. The number of side spaces will continue to increase. You can make a potholder by backing your square with sturdy cloth, an ornamental doily with a thinner yarn, or even a baby blanket. Sew multiple squares together to make an afghan.

Tips

• Darker yarns often make it harder to count your stitches. Try a lighter-colored yarn for your first try.
• Using a bigger needle/hook and thicker wool make a bigger project quicker.
• Try alternating yarn colors, switching off after completing a row or two.
• When starting and ending alternating colors, always make sure that your ends are secure, tied off well, tucked in, and hidden. You can do this through knot tying or crocheting your ends into the square. there is nothing worse than finishing a blanket and having it come apart, due to not securing ends and centers.
• Granny squares can also make great scarves when sewn in a row - a project that requires fewer squares than a blanket.
• If you are making a potholder, be sure to use cotton or wool yarn, not acrylic. Acrylic will melt with heat.
• Alternate method, dc'ing into each loop, not into holes. 

Warnings

• British stitches and American stitches have different names for the same stitch, so be sure to keep an eye out for where a pattern comes from.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet hook-- any size, but size H is typically used for worsted weight yarn.
• Use a larger hook for bulky weight yarn (use the suggestion on the yarn label).
• Yarn-- Red Heart is a good name brand for beginners as it is cheap, great quality, and readily available.