Easy Crochet Granny Square Tutorial for Beginners | Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Easy Crochet Granny Square Tutorial for Beginners | Step-by-Step Guide for 2025!

Ready to dive into the colorful world of crochet? In this simple step-by-step tutorial, I’ll guide you through creating your very first granny square. Perfect for absolute beginners, this tutorial explains every detail—from selecting the right yarn to finishing off your project with confidence. A crochet journey begins here, and trust me, you'll love the process as much as the result.

What Is a Granny Square?

A granny square is a classic crochet design made using clusters of stitches worked in rounds. It’s loved by beginners and experienced crocheters alike for its versatility and charm. Granny squares can be used alone or stitched together to create colorful blankets, bags, or even clothing pieces. They’re the perfect project for sharpening your crochet skills while having fun.

Materials You Will Need

To make your first granny square, keep it simple. The goal is to clearly see your stitches while you learn.

• Smooth yarn in a light color (no fuzzy halo, bumps, or textured strands). Avoid very dark yarn and avoid bright white, both make stitches harder to see.
• Crochet hook (match your yarn label, or go one size larger if your label only lists knitting needles). In the tutorial, Christa uses a size 4 worsted-weight yarn that suggests a 5 mm knitting needle, so she chooses a 6 mm crochet hook.
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (a sharp-tip needle is recommended for weaving in ends)
• Stitch marker

Useful supply links from the video description: recommended yarn, crochet hook options, stitch markers, and sharp-tip yarn needles.

Tip: If you don’t have a needle yet, leave longer tails for now. You’ll still want to weave them in later, because tails can loosen in the wash or when the fabric stretches.

Quick Tips Before You Start (So Your Squares Look Better)

A few small habits make a big difference, especially when you’re new.

Use a stitch marker. It keeps you from drifting into a spiral and wondering why your “square” is turning into a wonky shape.

Make all squares the same number of rounds if you plan to join them. A quick check is to line up the corner spaces, they should match from square to square.

Turn your work each round. This keeps the center from slowly twisting over time (more on that below).

For an additional written walkthrough on keeping color changes neat and avoiding twisting, see: Easy Crochet Granny Square for Perfect Color Changes Without Twisting!

Crochet Abbreviations Used (Quick Reference)

This tutorial uses a small set of stitches:

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet

The granny square is made from “clusters” of 3 dc worked into spaces.

Round 1: Slip Knot, Chain-3 Ring, and the First Corners

1) Make a slip knot and chain 3

Make a slip knot your usual way and place it on your hook.

Chain 3. When counting chains, count the visible loops between the knot and your hook. Don’t count the loop on your hook, and don’t count the knot.

2) Form the center ring

Insert your hook into the first chain you made.

Take a moment to set yourself up:

• Slide everything onto the thicker part of your hook so your loop stays even.
• Keep the center open using your fingers (a small U-shape helps).
• Keep your yarn tail running alongside your work, you’ll crochet over it to secure it.

Yarn over and pull through both loops to sl st, forming a ring.

3) Build the first round inside the ring

Chain 3 (this counts as a dc in this method).

Now work into the center of the ring, going over the tail when possible:

First section

• After the chain 3, make 2 dc into the ring. (Chain 3 + 2 dc = a set of three dc.)

Corner setup and repeats

• Chain 2.
• Make 3 dc into the ring.
• Chain 2.
• Make 3 dc into the ring.
• Chain 2.
• Make 3 dc into the ring.

As you add stitches, slide your clusters back around the ring if you need space. You want the clusters to sit side-by-side neatly.

4) Join Round 1 with a single crochet (hidden-style join)

Chain 1, then join with 1 sc into the top of the starting chain-3.

When you insert your hook, aim for two strands at the top of that chain so the join feels solid and tidy.

Keep that corner space open with your fingers, you’ll use it right away in Round 2.

Round 2: Create the Classic Granny Square Shape

Round 2 is where it starts looking like a square.

Start Round 2

Chain 3, then turn your work.

In the same corner space you’re holding open, make 2 dc (your chain 3 counts as the first dc in this round).

Place a stitch marker into that same corner space. This marks where you’ll finish the round.

Work the corners

Jump straight to the next corner space and make a corner:

• 3 dc
• ch 2
• 3 dc (all into the same corner space)

Repeat that same corner pattern in each corner space around.

When you reach the marked corner space, work 3 dc into that same space (and remove the marker when it’s in your way).

Finish options

Christa shows two common ways to end, depending on whether you want to stop or continue.

If you’re stopping on this color:

• ch 2
• sl st into the top of the starting chain-3
• ch 1 to secure, then cut yarn (leave about a 4-inch tail)

If you’re continuing with the same yarn and want the join tucked into the corner:

• ch 1
• sc into the top of the starting chain-3 (again, grab two strands)

That sc join leaves you sitting nicely in the corner, ready to build the next round without a visible “step” up the side.

Round 3: Add Side Spaces (It Grows Fast Now)

Round 3 introduces side spaces. The pattern is the same, you just have more places to put clusters.

Start Round 3 (continuing method)

If you’re continuing:

• ch 3
• turn your work
• in the same corner space: 2 dc
• move your stitch marker into that corner space again

Work the sides and corners

Now you’ll see spaces along each side between corner clusters. Each side space gets:

• 3 dc in the space

Each corner space always gets:

• 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc

At this stage, you’ll have two side spaces per side on the next round after this one. It keeps increasing by one space per side, every round.

Finish the round using the same two options as before (either stop with ch 2 + sl st, or continue with ch 1 + sc join).

Round 4 and Beyond: Repeat to Any Size You Want

Once Round 3 makes sense, the rest is repetition.

Each new round:

• Adds one more side space per side
• Keeps corners exactly the same: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc
• Uses the stitch marker to show where the round ends

So the “growth” is predictable:

• Round 3 gives you more side spaces to fill
• Round 4 has 3 spaces per side
• The next has 4, then 5, then 6, and so on

To keep squares easy to join later, make them all the same number of rounds. If the corner spaces line up from square to square, joining is much simpler.

If you want a project idea that uses lots of identical squares, see: Granny Square Blanket: A Cozy Project for All Skill Levels

How to Change Colors (And When to Do It)

You can change yarn:

• Every round
• Every two rounds
• Only when you feel like it

The key is how you end one color and start the next.

Step 1: Finish the old color cleanly

To end a color at the end of a round:

• ch 2
• sl st into the top of the starting chain-3 (grab two strands)
• ch 1 to secure
• cut yarn, leaving about a 4-inch tail
• pull the tail through and snug it down

Step 2: Turn your square before joining new yarn

Christa turns her work before joining the next color. This helps prevent the center from slowly twisting.

One side of your crochet can look slightly different from the other. Turning each round helps the square stay straighter overall, especially when you start joining many squares together.

For another twist-free granny square approach, see: Crochet a No Seam No Twist Granny Square – Beginner Friendly Guide!

Step 3: Join the new color in a corner space

Join in any corner you didn’t just finish in (Christa joins in a corner before the previous join, so she remembers to crochet over that tail soon).

• Insert hook into the corner space
• Pull up a loop of the new color (leave about a 6-inch tail)
• sl st with both strands to attach

Now chain 2 (in this joining method, that chain 2 is treated as the first dc for the new round).

In the same corner space, make 2 dc, crocheting over the tail for the first few stitches so it’s partly trapped.

Then continue around as normal:

• 3 dc in each side space
• 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner

When you reach that corner with the tail again, hold the tail along the top edge and crochet over it for a few stitches.

Finishing Your Granny Square: Weaving in Ends the Secure Way

Don’t skip this part. A granny square can look perfect, then come undone later if tails aren’t woven in well.

Where to hide tails

Christa weaves ends into the corners. Corners have extra stitches, so there’s more yarn to hide inside, and the join area stays tidy with no visible “step” on the edge.

How to weave them in

Thread your yarn needle and do the following:

Anchor first: run the needle through a few strands to lock the tail in place.

Weave through the middle of the stitches: try not to come out on the front or back edges where the tail could show.

Go back and forth: with a sharp-tip needle (which can pass through fibers), Christa recommends about two passes. With a blunt needle, do an extra pass (about three total) since it travels around strands instead of through them.

Trim the tail close to the work once it’s secure.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you've completed your first granny square! Whether it's a small start or you're envisioning a full-scale blanket, you've taken your first step into the world of crochet. Keep practicing, experiment with colors, and let your creativity shine. When you're ready for more patterns and tutorials, visit my blog for more crochet resources. Stay hooked!

Left-Handed?

FAQs 

1. What is the easiest granny square for beginners to try?

The classic granny square with three double crochet clusters separated by chain spaces is the best option for beginners. It’s simple, repetitive, and a great way to learn the basics of crochet.

2. How long does it take to crochet a granny square?

The time depends on the size of the square and your crochet speed. A small beginner square typically takes 15-30 minutes once you understand the process.

3. Can I use multi-colored yarn for granny squares?

Yes! Multi-colored yarns can add a vibrant touch without needing to change colors manually. However, for beginners, light single-colored yarns may make stitches easier to see.

4. Why are my stitches too tight or loose?

Tight or loose stitches often result from uneven tension. Practice holding the yarn and hook at a comfortable grip. Try using a hook size slightly larger or smaller to adjust your tension.

5. Do I need to block granny squares?

Blocking isn’t mandatory, but it makes your squares more uniform in size. It’s especially helpful when joining multiple squares for bigger projects like blankets.

6. Can I make granny squares without turning my work?

Yes, but the square may become slightly twisted or uneven. Turning your work at the end of each round ensures symmetry and keeps the project neat.

7. How do I join granny squares together?

There are several methods, such as slip stitching, single crocheting, or sewing them together with a yarn needle. The method you choose depends on the look you want for your finished project.

8. What size should my first granny square be?

For beginners, start with a small square, about 4-6 inches. You can gradually increase the size as you gain confidence.

9. What’s the difference between traditional and modern granny square designs?

Traditional designs stick to the basic three double crochet clusters, while modern designs often include variations in stitches, shapes, or patterns.

10. How do I fix mistakes in my granny square?

If you make a mistake, simply pull out the yarn until you reach the error. Crochet is forgiving, so you can easily redo the section without issues.

Christa Patel is a passionate crochet enthusiast, teacher, and founder of The Secret Yarnery. With years of experience in crochet, Christa is dedicated to helping beginners and seasoned crafters master the art of crochet through simple tutorials, detailed patterns, and creative tips.

Her warm teaching style and beginner-friendly guides have inspired thousands to pick up their crochet hooks and create stunning projects, one stitch at a time. From classic granny squares to modern crochet trends, Christa shares her extensive knowledge through her blog, videos, and workshops, making the world of crochet accessible to everyone.

When she’s not crocheting, Christa enjoys experimenting with new yarns, designing patterns, and fostering a vibrant community of crochet lovers worldwide. You can follow her journey and explore more of her work on her blog, The Secret Yarnery, or connect with her on YouTube.

Have something to share with Christa? Feel free to reach out and share your crochet creations or questions—she loves hearing from fellow crafters!