by Alison
This is a basic Granny square
A Granny square is the building block of crochet work. Every crocheter can learn to make a Granny square and it is lots of fun.
Each row is made with a different color yarn and there are four rows in total. You can add as many rows as you like.
Pattern tips for Granny squares
Turn your work
I make my Granny squares but I turn the work from the front to the back each row change.
This means that row 2 (and all even rows) are done with the wrong side facing (WSF) me as I start the row, and row 3 (and all odd rows) are done with the right side facing (RSF) me as I start the row.
I do this because if you continue on the right side all the time the square can easily become slightly out of shape as you are always going one way.
But, if you turn the work each row it creates a balance for the square as the stitches are worked first one way and then the other way.
It is like knitting on two needles where you knit one way and then the other way, but when you do circular knitting (all the same way) the work starts to creep in one direction.
Over time I have found that Granny squares made right-side-facing then wrong-side-facing keep their shape even after being washed for years.
How to Make Corners
Every corner is a 3 chain (3ch or ch3) corner. If you have 3 chains in the corner you have one on each side when you are sewing up. This helps to keep the squares well, square as you sew.
Sometimes I add add a 1 ch between the groups of 3dc on the sides.
Joining Granny Squares
I recommend sewing your squares together. I am not keen on crocheting them together as that can make a bulky seam and it is not always regular in tension.
When you sew your squares together the seam lies flat which is nice. In this particular Granny square pattern I will use the same black yarn that I used for row 4.
If every Granny has the same color on the last row it is easier to sew them together so it looks neat.
Crochet Terminology
Please note: This pattern used US/Canadian crochet stitch notation not UK or RSA. You can learn more about the difference between USA and UK crochet terminology and follow along.
Materials
- 5mm crochet hook
- I used Vanna’s Choice yarns in three colours. It is like a double knitting weight yarn and smooth when running over the hook. Weight [4]. See more on yarn weights.
- Tapestry sewing needle to sew in the ends.
Basic Granny Square Pattern
First row
The first row is in a yellow.
Foundation chain: With yellow, ch 5, join with slip stitch (sl st).
Row1: Ch 2 (as 1st stitch), 2 dc, ch 3 (corner), 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 3, join with ss. Sew in ends as you go.
Second Row
The second row is white.
Row 2: With white, wrong side facing, in a corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, in next corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, in next corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, in next corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, join with a sl st. Sew in ends.
Third Row
The third row is pink. Row 3: With pink and right side facing, start in a middle gap, 3dc, in first corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, 3dc, in second corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, 3dc, in third corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, 3dc, in last corner gap 3dc ch3 3dc, join with sl st. Sew in ends.
Finished Granny Square
This particular Granny square is an example.
You can make this Granny square in any combination of color and the color choices depend on what you will be using the squares for.
See more about choosing colors for your crochet projects and make sure to select the best combinations for the projects you make.
Author Bio
Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.
With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.
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