How to crochet a granny square

When it comes to making crochet squares, there are a couple of different ways that they can be made. By far the most popular way to crochet a square is by making a crochet granny square, but before we get onto these iconic motifs we’ll quickly guide you through the various methods of making crochet squares. You can use the handy links below if you would like to go to a specific section.

• How to crochet a square – Double crochet in rows
• How to crochet a square – Double crochet in the round
• How to crochet a grannny square

How to crochet a square

Even if you’ve only learnt some very basic crochet stitches, then you have the capability of making a crochet square. Working rows of simple stitches until the height matches the width is the simplest form of how to crochet a square.

To make a crochet square, simply to chain your desired width (remember to add one extra for your turning chain), double crochet in the second chain from your hook and in each chain across, then just continue working rows of double crochet stitches until your square reaches the same height as your width.

In fact, making a crochet square in this way is often done before starting larger patterns in the form of a tension square, which is where you create a simple square using the stitches used in the pattern to ensure that your tension and yarn choice match that of the pattern designers. You can find out more about this in our how to check your tension guide.

When it comes to making simple squares in rows, it’s unfortunately not just a simple case of working the same amount of rows as the amount of stitches that set your width. Factors such as the thickness of your yarn, the size 0f your hook, how loose of tightly you crochet and which stitches you use can all make a difference to the height and width of your work. For example, if you made a square with treble crochet stitches it is going to require less rows than if you made it with double crochet stitches.

This is shown in the example above, where although the width of this square is made up of 27 double crochet stitches, it requires a height of 30 rows to achieve the perfect 15 x 15cm square.

How to make a crochet square in the round

Although working squares in rows is often used for checking tension, when crochet squares are used as motifs within patterns they are more commonly constructed by using crochet in the round. The reason for this is that when you crochet in the round, your square increases in size equally on all sides.

Most crochet squares that are constructed in the round usually get categorised as a type of granny square, however, here’s how to crochet a square in the round using simple double crochet stitches.

Simple double crochet square pattern

Round 1 Ch2, 8dc into second ch from hook,
ss to beg dc. [8 sts]

Round 2 Ch1, (dc in next st, ch2, dc in next st) 4 times, ss to beg dc. [8 sts, 4 ch-2 sps]

Round 3 Ss into next ch-2 sp, ch1, *(dc, ch2, dc), dc in each st to next ch-2sp; rep from * 4 times, ss into first dc to join.

Repeat Round 3 to desired size.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

This simple crochet square illustrates how squares made in the round work. Because you work two double crochet stitches into each corner, each side grows by two additional stitches with every round.

Some people find that their squares can sometimes start to twist or slant in one direction, which is often due to tension or the way people work. If this becomes a problem for you, then a pro tip is to take the unconventional step of turning your work for each round (although you will need to essentially reverse the pattern for rows worked in the other direction).

Your crochet edges may naturally be a bit wobbly and not perfectly straight, but this can easily be rectified with blocking. Find out more about how to block crochet and get your squares looking nice and neat.

How to crochet a granny square

If you fancy learning how to make a granny square, then you’ve come to the right place! Granny squares are a super-popular element of crochet, which can be used to make blankets, clothes, accessories and more!

Granny squares are so popular, we even celebrate them online on the 15th August each year with Granny Square Day, where people from across the world hook up their favourite granny squares and share pictures of them on Instagram!

In this tutorial we’ll show you how to make a granny square with step-by-step instructions, or alternatively you can check out our how to make granny squares video tutorial!

You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. Our how to make a granny square tutorial is written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.

How to make a granny square