How to Crochet a Granny Square for Absolute Beginners
Looking to dive into the world of crochet but unsure where to start? Granny squares are the perfect project for absolute beginners. They’re simple, fun, and versatile, allowing you to create anything from cozy blankets to stylish bags. Let me guide you through this easy step-by-step process so you can crochet your first granny square with confidence.
Here’s the full video tutorial for easy reference:
Why Granny Squares Are Perfect for Beginners
Granny squares are one of the easiest patterns you can start with as a new crocheter. Their repetitive nature helps you practice key skills like making chain stitches, double crochet, and joining rounds. Plus, they’re highly customizable. You can make them in any size or color combination, and they’re the perfect building blocks for larger projects. Ready to get started? Let’s talk about what you’ll need!
What You’ll Need for Your First Granny Square
Before crocheting, it’s important to have the right tools and materials. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Yarn
Choose a light-colored yarn with a smooth texture. Avoid fuzzy or dark yarns, as they make it harder to see your stitches. A pastel or bright color works well for beginners. For this tutorial, I used Ice Yarns' four-weight worsted acrylic.
Crochet Hook
Your yarn label will indicate the size of the hook you need. If it mentions knitting needles instead of crochet hooks, go up one size. For example, if the label recommends 5mm knitting needles, use a 6mm crochet hook. The larger hook helps make even, beginner-friendly stitches.
Other Tools
- Scissors: To trim your ends neatly.
- Needle: For sewing in the ends and finishing your work.
- Stitch Markers: Optional but helpful for marking the beginning and corners of each round.
For detailed guidance on choosing the right tools, check out my crochet guide collection.
Step 1: Starting Your Granny Square
Every granny square starts with a slip knot and a foundation ring. Here’s how to get started:
- Make a Slip Knot: Form a loop with your yarn, pass the tail over the working yarn, and pull it through. Tighten the knot onto your crochet hook.
- Chain 3: Wrap the yarn over your hook, turn it downward, and pull it through the loop on your hook. Repeat this three times.
- Create the Foundation Ring: Insert your hook into the first chain stitch, yarn over, and pull it through the loop on your hook. This forms a small circle that will serve as the base for your stitches.
Step 2: Crochet the First Round
Now comes the fun part—creating clusters of double crochet stitches.
- Chain 3: This acts as your first double crochet.
- Make Two Double Crochets in the Ring: Yarn over, insert your hook into the ring, yarn over again, and pull through. Yarn over, pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
- Form the First Cluster: Your chain 3 plus two double crochets count as your first cluster.
- Chain 2: This creates the corner space.
- Repeat: Crochet three double crochets (a cluster), chain 2 for the next corner. Do this until you have four clusters with chain-2 spaces in between.
- Join the Round: Slip stitch into the top of your starting chain 3.
Need more practice with basic stitches? Check my beginner crochet patterns.
Step 3: Expand Your Granny Square
Each new round adds more size to your square with additional corner and side clusters.
Round 2
- Start in a Corner: Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet) and crochet two more double crochets into the same corner space.
- Chain 2: This creates the corner space.
- Add a Corner Cluster: Crochet three double crochets, chain 2, and three more double crochets into each corner.
- Join the Round: Slip stitch into the top of your chain 3.
Round 3 and Beyond
- Side Spaces: For every new round, add clusters of three double crochets in these spaces between clusters.
- Corners Stay the Same: Crochet three double crochets, chain 2, and three more double crochets into each corner space.
The trick is simple: each round adds one more side space per edge. Want more variations? Explore my granny square pattern collection for ideas.
Step 4: Managing Your Yarn Ends
Securing and hiding yarn ends is critical to ensure your work doesn’t unravel when washed or stretched.
- Weave in the Ends: Use a needle to thread your yarn tail back and forth through the corner stitches. Make sure your tail is hidden and won’t poke out.
- Cut Excess Yarn: Carefully trim the yarn close to the stitches without cutting the fabric.
Step 5: Changing Colors Effectively
Adding new colors to your granny square adds visual interest, but it’s important to do it seamlessly.
- Choose a Corner: Always join your new color in a corner space to keep the transitions smooth.
- Join the Yarn: Pull a loop of the new yarn through the corner space and chain two with both strands to secure.
- Work Over the Tail: Crochet over the tail for a few stitches before leaving it to finish later.
For more details on color-changing techniques, check out the Color Changing Granny Square 2.0 tutorial.
Why Turning Your Work Matters
If you’re wondering why I turn my work after every row, it’s to keep the granny square straight and symmetrical. Without turning, the stitches start to twist, creating a subtle diagonal slant. This is noticeable when joining squares for larger projects. Turning ensures even, professional edges every time.
How to Use Your Finished Granny Squares
One of the best things about granny squares is their versatility. A single square can become a coaster, while multiple squares can make a blanket, pillow, or shawl. For inspiration, explore these granny square and block collections.
Conclusion
Granny squares are an easy and rewarding project for anyone new to crochet. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with colors, sizes, and patterns to create something truly unique. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery on YouTube for more tutorials and check out my written crochet patterns for easy reference.
Happy crocheting, and stay hooked!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What type of yarn is best for beginners?
Light-colored, smooth-textured yarn is ideal for beginners. Avoid dark or fuzzy yarns as they make seeing and working with stitches harder. A medium-weight yarn like worsted is a great choice.
2. How do I know what crochet hook size to use?
Check your yarn label for a recommended hook size. If it lists knitting needles instead, go up one size for your crochet hook. For example, if the label suggests 5mm needles, use a 6mm crochet hook.
3. What if my stitches look uneven?
It’s natural for beginners to have uneven stitches. Practice will help! To improve consistency, focus on maintaining even tension on the yarn.
4. Why turn your work after every round?
Turning your work helps prevent your granny square from twisting and keeps the edges straight and symmetrical.
5. Do I have to use stitch markers?
No, but stitch markers can be helpful for marking the start of each round and corners. They’re especially helpful for beginners learning to keep track of their stitches.
6. How many rounds should I make?
It depends on your project. For a coaster, 2–3 rounds may be enough. For larger items like blankets, you’ll add multiple rounds by repeating the same process.
7. What’s the best way to change colors?
Always join the new yarn in a corner space. Pull the new yarn through the corner, secure it with a chain, and crochet over the starting tail for a seamless look.
8. How do I fix a mistake in my granny square?
Carefully unravel your stitches up to the mistake, then start crocheting again from that point. It’s all part of the learning process.
9. How do I keep my granny square from curling?
Check your tension—it might be too tight. Also, blocking the finished square can help straighten and flatten it.
10. What can I do with leftover granny squares?
You can sew them together to make blankets, bags, scarves, or even clothing. They’re incredibly versatile for a variety of projects!
Written by Christa Patel
Christa Patel is a passionate crochet artist with over a decade of experience teaching beginners how to crochet. As the creator behind countless step-by-step tutorials and patterns, she specializes in making crochet accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Christa’s expert guidance has helped thousands of crafters bring their creative visions to life, from timeless granny squares to intricate designs.
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