Learn to crochet · lesson 11 of 12 · about 30 minutes

How to crochet a granny square (UK terms)

A classic granny square is made of groups of three trebles worked into chain spaces, growing out from a small ring. Each corner gets 3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr in the same space, so the square grows evenly on all four sides. In US patterns the same groups are written as double crochet.

Step by step

1. 1Make the centre ring

   Make 4 chains and slip stitch into the first chain to close a ring. A magic ring works too, if you’ve practised one.

2. 2Round 1

   Chain 3 (this counts as your first treble). Work 2 tr into the ring, then 2 ch. *3 tr into the ring, 2 ch; repeat from * twice more. Slip stitch into the top of the first 3 chains. You have 4 groups of 3 trebles [12 tr] and 4 corner spaces. Patterns vary in how they start: Lion Brand begins with 2 chains as the first stitch, and Simply Crochet begins with 5 chains that stand for a treble plus the first 2-chain corner. The finished square looks the same.

3. 3New colour, or carry on

   To change colour: fasten off, put a slip knot of the new colour on your hook, push the hook into any 2-ch corner space and slip stitch. To keep one colour: slip stitch into the next 2 trebles and into the corner space instead.

4. 4Round 2

   Chain 3 (counts as a treble), then (2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) all in the same corner space. 1 ch. *(3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the next corner space, 1 ch; repeat from * twice more. Slip stitch into the top of the 3 chains [24 tr]. Every group goes into a space, never into the tops of the trebles.

5. 5Round 3

   Join in a corner space as before. Chain 3, (2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the same space, 1 ch, 3 tr in the next 1-ch space, 1 ch. *(3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the next corner, 1 ch, 3 tr in the next 1-ch space, 1 ch; repeat from * twice more. Slip stitch to the top of the 3 chains [36 tr].

6. 6Keep going if you like

   Each new round is the same idea: (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in every corner, and 3 tr with 1 ch either side in every space along the sides. Each side gains one group per round, and the square gains 12 trebles.

7. 7Finish

   Fasten off and weave in every tail on the back, through the stitches, as in lesson 9.

Check your work

• Your rounds have 12, 24 and 36 trebles.
• There are four corners, each with a 2-chain gap between two groups of 3 trebles.
• The square lies flat and the sides are roughly straight.

Common mistakes

The square slowly twists or slants.

This is common and often comes from tension. Simply Crochet suggests turning your work at the end of each round, which some makers prefer.

The square ripples or pulls in.

Granny patterns vary in how many chains go between groups. If yours ripples, try 1 chain fewer between groups; if it pulls in, try 1 more.

The edges look wobbly.

That’s normal for a first square. Blocking (pinning it out damp and letting it dry) evens up the stitches.

How many granny squares for a blanket →

Sources: simply-yarn.com, lionbrand.com, yarnspirations.com, blog.bellacococrochet.com, simply-yarn.com, craftyarncouncil.com, craftyarncouncil.com, simply-yarn.com. Written in UK terms; the US name is in brackets the first time a stitch appears.