Free crochet pattern

How to crochet a classic granny square

This classic granny square is worked in rounds of three-double-crochet clusters separated by chain spaces, with chain-2 corners. Five rounds make a 6 inch square in worsted yarn. It is the foundation for blankets, bags and cardigans, and every round adds exactly twelve double crochet stitches.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy

US termsUK terms

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 13, 2026 under our editorial policy · pattern testing in progress

Single flat traditional crochet granny square seen from directly above, with a tiny centre ring and concentric square rounds made of groups of three double crochet stitches separated by small open chain gaps, corners with chain spaces, rounds coloured mustard at the centre then rust, teal, and a cream outer round, geometric and simple with no flower or petal shapes, a wooden crochet hook beside it
Mustard · Rust · Teal · CreamSave to Pinterest
Pattern at a glance
DetailValue
Skill levelBeginner
Yarn weightMedium (#4)
Yardage25–35 yd (23–32 m)
Hook5 mm
GaugeRounds 1–3 measure 3.5 in (9 cm) square.
Finished size6 in (15 cm) square after 5 rounds
Timeabout 30 minutes

Materials

  • Worsted weight (#4) acrylic or wool yarn, about 30 yd / 27 m per square (use up to 5 colours)
  • 5 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
  • Tapestry needle

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch
chain
sl st
slip stitch
dc
double crochet
sp
space
ch-sp
chain space
rep
repeat
beg
beginning
rnd
round

Notes before you start

  • The beginning ch-3 counts as a double crochet throughout.
  • Do not turn between rounds; the right side always faces you.
  • Stitch counts in parentheses count double crochet only, not chain spaces.
  • To change colour, fasten off at the end of a round and join the new colour in any corner space.

Square

  1. Ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring.
  2. Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (12 dc, 4 corner ch-2 sps)
  3. Rnd 2: Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (24 dc)
  4. Rnd 3: Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, 3 dc in last ch-1 sp, ch 1, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (36 dc)
  5. Rnd 4: Sl st in next 2 dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *[3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] across to corner, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp, ch 1; rep from * twice more, [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] across, sl st in top of beg ch-3. (48 dc)
  6. Rnd 5: Rep Rnd 4. (60 dc)

Finishing

  1. Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail.
  2. Weave in all ends along the back of the stitches, changing direction once so they hold.
  3. Block by pinning to a 6 in square, misting with water and letting dry.

Errata

No corrections have been published for this pattern. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will log the fix here with a date.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make the granny square bigger?

Keep repeating Round 4. Each round adds 12 double crochet and roughly 0.6 in (1.5 cm) to each side.

Why is my granny square twisting?

Twisting usually means the chain-1 spaces along the sides are too tight or a corner was skipped. Check that each side has one more cluster than the round before.

How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?

A 50 × 60 in throw needs about 30 squares of 10 in, or 120 squares of 5 in, plus a joining round and border.

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