40+ Granny Square ideas to try today!
So you've whipped up a beautiful batch of granny squares, and now you're not sure what to do with them? Well we're here to help with tons of granny square ideas!
If you're only just starting out on your crochet journey, catch up with the basics with our guide to How to make a granny square.
And if you're looking for individual square patterns, you can find loads of them in our Free Granny Squares Patterns post!
What to make with granny squares?
The most common granny square projects are blankets, bags, scarves and cushions - but there's so much more you can do with these fun crochet squares!
From jewellery to slippers, coats to curtains - once you can make a basic granny square, there's a world of granny square ideas for you to try!
3 Quick projects to make with granny squares!
Get inspired by this quick video of 3 things you can make with granny squares - great for using up any squares that you've made to celebrate Granny Square Day.
(P.S. you'll find the full free pattern for the granny square slippers here on Gathered!)
Granny Square ideas to make today!
Free Granny Square market bag crochet pattern
Join a bunch of granny squares and add a strap for this handy out-and-about bag – use it for storing your latest crochet project or taking with you to the shops.
Whether you use it as a crochet handbag or crochet market bag, your belongings will be safe with granny square style!
- Find the free granny square market bag crochet pattern here on Gathered
Free granny square cardigan pattern
Colourful, stylish and warm – we can’t wait to make this cosy cardi. It’s the ideal project for Granny Square Day and this free pattern from Red Heart is available to download for a limited time.
Crocheted in complementary colourways, this project uses four different motifs with a bold black border to really make those colours pop! While it may look like the work of a professional, it’s easy to do. Hooks at the ready!
- Create a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear for years to come with this free granny square cardigan pattern
Free Granny Square Slippers crochet pattern
All you need is six squares per foot to make the cosiest of homespun slippers.
This design by Fran Morgan is a great project for crochet beginners who want to practice getting their granny squares perfect, as well as ending up with a fabulous finished item!
- Get started on your free granny square slippers pattern today
Granny square cardigan crochet pattern
Regular readers of Simply Crochet will remember this epic crochet cardigan from issue 90, but if you missed it, you can still buy the pattern on Etsy!
This super-popular design by Cassie Ward uses a combination of super-size granny squares and fun fringing to create a cardigan that you'll love to wear!
- Get the granny square cardigan crochet pattern on Etsy
Free Granny Square Scarf crochet pattern
Carmen Heffernan's All Squared Away Scarf mixes all the vintage granny square vibes with a bold colour palette for the cosiest of Autumn-ready crochet patterns.
- Mix and match your squares with this free granny square scarf crochet pattern
Free baby blanket granny square crochet pattern
Crochet a rainbow-full of colour to instantly cheer up nurseries, sofas and picnics with our free granny square baby blanket crochet pattern designed by Becky Skuse.
Crochet a beautiful blanket
Find even more granny square ideas in our roundup of free granny square blanket patterns.
Free Granny Square Cardigan pattern
This free granny cardigan pattern is a great project for practicing those classic 3-treble granny clusters, as well as making an easy garment that you'll love wearing all year round! It's a granny square project that, surprisingly, doesn't involve any squares!
- Everyone should try this free granny square cardigan crochet pattern
Granny square necklace crochet pattern
Gwen Buttke McGannon's granny square necklace pattern is a must-make for those of you who love teeny tiny crochet!
It's hooked up using Scheepjes maxi sweet treat crochet thread and a 1.6mm hook, so get ready for some intricate crochet stitches that create a real showstopper of a necklace!
- Go glam with this granny square necklace crochet pattern on Ravelry
Free granny square fringed top crochet pattern
If you fancy using your love of granny squares to make a super-special garment, you'll love this fabulous fringed top by Emma Leith.
If you're feeling confident, you could even incorporate your favourite granny square in place of the main granny motif.
- Create this gorgeous garment with the free granny square fringed top crochet pattern on Gathered
Free granny square blanket cardigan crochet pattern
Is it a blanket? Is it a cardigan? Actually, it's both!
This fab free pattern by HanJanCrochet transforms the classic granny square blanket into a super-comfy granny square cardigan, perfect for cool summer evenings!
- Find the free granny square blanket cardigan pattern at hanjancrochet.com
Mini motif granny square crochet backpack pattern
Our very own Matt Spiers shows you how to whip up a batch of mini squares and join them into a one-of-a-kind backpack with his Mini Motif Backpack.
The raised colourful circles in the centre of the squares help to create a fun polkadot effect, and the backpack even has a handy zipped pocket on the front too!
- Show off your skills with the mini motif backpack crochet pattern on Ravelry
40 Fabulous Granny Squares Crochet Pattern Book PDF
Looking for inspiration? Explore 40 brand-new granny square patterns, specially crafted by our amazing designers!
Buy the Granny Squares Crochet Pattern Book from the Gathered Shop.
Fiesta fringe blanket pattern
Celebrate the wonder and simplicity of crochet with this winter warmer.
There are two colourways to choose from in this free pattern from Red Heart. Go for soft, warming neutrals or darker bolder tones. Or even better, hook up both!
- Make this cosy comforter with this free fiesta fringe crochet blanket pattern
Free Granny Square sweater embellishment crochet pattern
This amazing crochet-hacking pattern by Emma Friedlander-Collins is a great way to use up any squares you've made while practicing for Granny Square Day. Plus, it also allows to give an old worn-out jumper a new lease of life! We do love an eco-conscious crochet project!
- Give this free granny square crochet sweater embellishment project a try
Free granny square potholder crochet pattern
Give your kitchen an instant hit of vintage vibes with this modern crochet potholder by Mama in a Stitch. Hook it up in monochrome yarns or mix it up with your favourite colours!
- Hook up this free granny square potholder crochet pattern in an evening
Free crochet earrings granny square project
This design has got to be one of our favourite granny square ideas. Whip up these mini squares and turn them into DIY crochet earrings with this free pattern by Whistle & Ivy.
- Accessorise in crochet style with this free crochet earrings granny square pattern
Granny square poncho crochet pattern
If you're looking for an epic project that is made (almost) entirely from granny squares, then you'll love this funky granny square poncho pattern by Marianne Rawlins!
A range of different sizes of squares, brilliant colours, some spectacular stripes and of course that super-cool tassels edging makes this a project that you'll love wearing almost as much as you'll love making!
- Find the granny square poncho crochet pattern on Ravelry
Free granny triangle bunting crochet pattern
Whether you're hosting a garden party or off on a road trip in your camper van, nothing says 'party' quite like this fab free bunting pattern.
Take a break from squares with these simple granny triangle motifs, which can be made in solid shades or stripes, and are topped off with some pretty popcorn stitch edging!
- Celebrate with our free Granny crochet bunting pattern on Gathered
Granny square pouch crochet pattern
When it comes to granny square ideas, this design is simple but oh so effective!
Turn your grannies into cute pouches to store earphones and notions with this fabulous pattern by Mikaela Bates!
- Try this granny square crochet pouch pattern on Etsy
Free granny square pincushion crochet pattern
We're loving the whimsical vintage vibes of Lulu Loves' granny square pincushion topped off with a flower motif.
Use up odds and ends of yarn to make this lovely pincushion for your sewing stash. It would also make a wonderful handmade gift or stocking filler for a loved one.
- Find the free granny square pincushion crochet pattern on the lululoves blog
Vintage granny square cardigan crochet pattern
We've known that crochet cardies were cool for years, so we're glad to see social media is catching on.
Want to make your own on-trend cardi? Check out this amazing granny square cardigan by Maggie Weldon!
- Get this vintage granny square cardigan crochet pattern on Etsy
Supersize granny square cushion pattern
So you've mastered the basic granny square and are looking for ways to show off your squares around your home?
Go classic with this beginner-friendly pattern for making a granny square cushion from You Say I Crochet.
- Go large with this supersize granny square cushion pattern on Etsy
Coastal granny halter top pattern
How we love to be beside the seaside! This summer project from Red Heart takes granny-core to a whole new level with complementary shades of coastal blues, dreamy cream and crisp white.
There is an element of assembly know-how required for this project, so keep an eye on the pattern and you’ll soon whip up this stylish top.
- Start making a special project with this free halter top crochet pattern
Free granny square cushion pattern
If you're looking for the perfect first project, this cute granny square cushion by Debora Bradley is a simple make that you can hook up in no time.
You can also master your crochet joins using our how to join granny squares tutorial.
- Cosy up with this free granny square cushion pattern from Gathered
Free puff stitch granny square blanket crochet pattern
We all love a classic granny square blanket, but sometimes you wanna mix things up!
This blanket pattern by Esme Crick says goodbye to the traditional granny square and hello to a gorgeous puff stitch square with a circular sunburst-style motif in the centre. Fancy!
- Get hooking the free puff stitch granny square blanket crochet pattern today
Retro granny square beaded curtain crochet pattern
Evoke Seventies vibes and hippy chic with Emma Leith's Beaded Curtain Crochet Pattern – topped with row upon row of (you guessed it) colour-popping granny squares!
- Find the epic beaded curtain crochet pattern on Ravelry
Glorious granny square projects
Looking for more granny square projects? Then why not try Susan Pinner's Granny Squares and Shapes Book, with 20 fun crochet projects to hook up for you and your home!
Free granny square bag crochet pattern
Carry all your purchases back from the shops in your very own colourful, crochet bag for life.
This free pattern is designed by Ali Campbell, who was a guest blogger on the Gartur Stitch Farm website.
- Find the free granny square crochet bag pattern here
Crochet granny cardigan pattern
Get sparky with a red and yellow colourway, or go for softer neutral blends – the choice is yours with this Red Heart design.
This vibrant pattern switches from squares to self-striping rows on the sleeves to create a contrasting, punchy look that’s sure to wow.
- Learn new skills with this free granny square cardigan pattern
Deck the halls with granny round baubles
Ho ho ho, we couldn't resist throwing a little festive make into this round-up!
If you're looking to switch up your basic squares, try granny rounds and turn them into unique Christmas baubles with this pattern by Sew Silly Lily.
- Get that festive feeling with this granny Christmas bauble pattern on Ravelry
Free granny square lampshade pattern
Nothing beats granny square designs for adding warm touches to any room, and we love Carmen Jorissen's simple but cosy idea of making a Granny Collage Lampshade.
- Light up your world with this free granny square lampshade pattern
Cropped granny square jacket pattern
We've found a lot of awesome garments made out of granny squares on our quest for the perfect Granny Square Project, but this stylish cropped jacket by Theodora Goes Wild is one of our absolute favourites.
We're not sure if it's the sleeves, the pom pom trim, or the yarn shades she's used, but the whole combo makes this one of our favourites in our Granny Square ideas round-up.
- Find the cropped granny square jacket pattern on Etsy
Simple granny square scarf crochet pattern
If you're not quite ready to brave a full garment, Sara Huntington has the perfect beginner solution for how to show off your squares in style.
Her easy Granny Square Scarf is the perfect project for crochet beginners and turns your finished squares into a scarf that wows.
- Find the simple granny square scarf crochet pattern on Ravelry
Free rectangle granny square baby blanket crochet pattern
No Granny Square project round-up would be complete without the ultimate in crochet projects (and ultimate family heirloom) – a baby blanket.
- Get this free rectangle granny square baby blanket crochet pattern at Yarnspirations
Granny crochet hoodie pattern
Turn heads and make a statement with a hoodie in neon brights! Green Scream, Pink Punch, Hot Stuff and Neon Lights are the shades you’ll be hooking up in this inspirational design by Red Heart.
- Get started on an eye-popping project with this free granny square hoodie crochet pattern
Granny square pencil case crochet pattern
This granny square pencil case pattern by Hilde Ropstad is the perfect way to add a homespun touch to your desk or school supplies.
- Impress your friends with this granny square pencil case pattern from Etsy
Something for the weekend
The Granny Square Weekend book by Emma Varnam contains 20 inspiring granny square projects that can easily be hooked up in a couple of days!
Granny square sweater crochet pattern
Hannah Cross's Square Flair jumper was first featured in Simply Crochet magazine and is the pinnacle of Granny Square fashion.
- Get this amazing granny square sweater crochet pattern on Ravelry
Granny back patch
One of the many joys of crochet is that it can enhance and embellish existing projects in a jiffy.
This design requires just four oversized squares. Easy and quick to make, you’ll have this upcycling project by Red Heart whipped up before you know it.
Free granny square dishcloth crochet pattern
It's fair to say washing the dishes is way down there on our fave activity list. It's on the same level as painting the walls and taking out the bins.
We think we can make it just that teeny bit more exciting with these easy granny square dishcloths though – or at least a bit more colourful.
- Add some fun to your washing up with this free granny square dishcloth crochet pattern
Free Bear hug granny square comforter crochet pattern
With the combination of a simple granny square and a little bit of super-cute amigurumi, you can give a little one an epic bear hug with this sweet comforter from Paintbox Yarn.
- Make this adorable free bear hug granny square comforter crochet pattern for a little one
Free granny square vest top crochet pattern
Why not combine simple granny squares and elegant stitches to create a crochet top that you can wear all summer long!
This beautiful vest design by Anne Egan uses cool cottons and a flattering empire waistline to ensure you can show off your crochet in comfort!
- Complete your summer look with this free granny square vest top crochet pattern on Gathered
Free granny square beach bag crochet pattern
This awesome drawstring style crochet bag is just what you need to keep your belongings safe when you're at the seaside.
The beach bag crochet pattern is made in super-chunky yarn and is constructed from 8 simple squares (plus the base and top), so you'll be able to hook it up super quick!
- Hit the beach with our free granny square beach bag crochet pattern
Granny Square mini skirt crochet pattern
If you're on the hunt for a granny square pattern that's perfect for summer fun, how about this mini skirt crochet pattern by You Say I Crochet.
Bright colours make this skirt really stand out, and although it comes in size small (8-10), the use of simple squares and the drawstring waistline means it can easily be customised to fit any size.
- Embrace retro style with this granny square mini skirt crochet pattern on Etsy
Granny square mitts crochet pattern
Keep your hands nice and toasty while still leaving your fingers free to crochet with these fabulous mitts by LullabyLodge.
All you'll need to do is hook up 4 lovely granny squares, then a little bit of extra crochet and ribbed edging transforms those simple squares into these gorgeous mitts. If you really want to show off your crochet while out on a walk, there's also a matching boot cuff pattern, too!
- Get ready for winter with this granny square mitts crochet pattern on Etsy
Granny tote bag pattern
Unique, handmade and stylish? This is our kind of bag for life! The striping effect of the yarn allows you to get five colours from just one ball of Moody Cherry.
This project from Red Heart is ideal for beginners who want to impress with their newfound skills.
- Show off your crochet talent with this free granny square tote pattern
Can I use different Granny Squares in a pattern?
Yes! You can absolutely mix and match your favourite granny squares to create a unique result.
The most important thing is to make sure that your granny square is the same size as the ones in your pattern. Patterns that use granny squares will normally include the measurements for each square, so it's easy to check.
If your square is slightly bigger or smaller, you may need to adjust your hook size or add or remove a round, or possibly even add an extra round of dc stitches if you just need to add a small amount to the size.
How to make perfect granny squares
There are a few techniques that people use to get their granny squares looking perfect, such as turning the work on each round or finishing each round with an invisible join.
But by far the most important thing is to block your crochet squares. Blocking will help to make your edges nice and straight and ensure that your square is perfectly... square! Check out our tutorial on how to block crochet.
Go big or go home!
Go supersize with your granny squares with our stunning free granny square sweater pattern.
Picking the right granny square project for you
Now that you've seen loads of inspiring granny square ideas, all you have to do is decide which one to start first.
If you get easily bored making the same thing over and over again, pick a project that has different motifs involved, or mix them up yourself.
If you're not a huge fan of that final assembly stage, maybe you'd be better off picking a project with a small amount of squares rather than one that requires loads of joins.
Get the perfect finish for your projects
Once you've hooked up all your granny squares, you need to join them together. There are different ways of doing this (some easier than others), each with its own different style.
Learn how to join granny squares in five different ways with Gathered
