Easy Granny Square Sweater Tutorial

Welcome back to The Secret Yarnery! If you've been looking for a fun project to try, let’s dive into this Four-Square Granny Sweater. It’s perfect for beginners and is made entirely from four granny squares. That means you can personalize it, choose your own colors, and best of all—no sewing pieces together! I’ll walk you through every step to make this comfy, stylish sweater that you can wear with pride.

Let’s get started! Whether you're in a hot climate or cold, you can adapt this pattern to your taste. Ready for a mix of creativity and simple crochet techniques?

Materials Needed

Before we start, here’s everything you'll need for this sweater project:

• Yarn: I used worsted weight yarn, #4. You can use any colors from your stash, and this is perfect for clearing out those scrap yarns.
• Crochet Hook: I’m using a Clover 7mm hook. I prefer this hook for chunkier yarns because it's lightweight, long, and works up fast. You can learn more about yarns and hooks here.
• Scrap yarn: Make sure to gather scraps that blend well for a more colorful look!
• Scissors: For cutting those ends.
• Stitch markers: These will help with joining, especially for the sleeves and body.

All set? Let’s jump into crocheting!

Starting the Granny Squares

What makes this sweater so beginner-friendly is that it’s built around the simple and familiar granny square. If you’ve never made one before, don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through it.

Granny squares are classic crochet blocks made up of clusters and chains, forming a square shape that's easy to customize. You can build your squares as big or small as you like, depending on how fitted or loose you want your sweater to be.

Making the Magic Ring

We’re going to start this granny square with a magic ring. I love magic rings because they eliminate that big hole that often forms in the center of granny squares. Here’s how to create one:

1. Put the yarn tail over your non-dominant hand and grab it with your thumb.
2. Wrap the yarn around your fingers, creating an X shape.
3. Slip your hook under the short strand, grabbing the long strand, and pull it through.
4. Chain three to begin.

Once you’ve made your magic ring, work 19 double crochets into the ring. The chain 3 counts as your first stitch, so you’ll complete 20 stitches in total. This ensures a nice circular center.

Closing the Ring

After you finish the double crochets, pull the tail to close up the center tightly (this avoids gaps in your square). Remember to secure everything by slip-stitching into your chain and cutting the yarn.

Now you’re ready to move on to the next round!

Building the Granny Square Pattern

Each round of this project will help grow your square, which will eventually form the body of your sweater.

Transitioning to the Next Color

You can switch yarn colors for each round, which makes for a visually appealing end result. I love picking colors from my scrap basket—there’s no need for new yarn! Crochet allows you to experiment. To join your next color:

1. Find a corner stitch, and join the yarn by pulling through both loops.
2. Chain two and double crochet into the same space.

The secret to a great granny square project is in alternating colors, which gives it that distinctive look. Be sure to work over the yarn tails as you go to reduce the amount of final weaving!

Creating the Corners

As with any granny square, corners are vital. Here's a quick trick I like: alternating between big corners and small corners.

• Small corners: 1 double crochet, chain 1, 1 double crochet into the corner space.
• Big corners: 2 double crochets, chain 1, 2 double crochets into the corner space.

Continue alternating the small and big corners as your square grows. This keeps the square nicely in shape, preventing it from bunching or rippling.

Growing the Granny Square

As your square grows, it's essential to decide how large you want it to be. Grab a t-shirt or your favorite tank top as a guide. Lay your granny square over it and check the width. Remember that crocheted fabric stretches!

Once your first square is the desired size, repeat the process to create three more squares. Feel free to play with color orders in each square; the variations will make the final piece exciting.

Joining the Squares into a Sweater

When all four squares are finished, it’s time to assemble them! The best part? No sewing. Simply join the squares together as you go using slip stitches.

Preparing the Squares

Lay the squares out in front of you to visualize where they’ll connect. I recommend joining one square entirely and leaving one side unfinished on the rest. This allows you to “join as you go”—no need to come back and attach seams later.

Here’s how to start joining:

1. Join the first square to a second one using a slip stitch.
2. Work through the back loops only of both squares. This creates a beautiful flat braid effect with plenty of stretch.

Joining the Sleeves

For the sleeves, we’ll create a tube by joining two additional granny squares. These can be short or long, depending on your preference. You can create:

• Short sleeves: Add just a simple row of single crochet to finish off the sleeves.
• Long or bell sleeves: Keep adding rows or granny squares for a more dramatic sleeve.

Fold the edges of your sleeve squares and mark the centers (this helps with even joining later).

Marking and Joining the Sleeves

Use your stitch markers to mark important points like the center, shoulder, and underarm. Align these before joining the sleeve to the body to ensure a smooth fit.

With the sleeve marked, you’ll join it to the body piece using your slip-stitch technique.

Constructing the Neck and Completing the Sweater

Once the sleeves are done, focus on the neckline. Count your stitches to center the neckline, ensuring both sides of the body are aligned. After forming the neck, I like to try on the sweater for fit, making any adjustments before finishing the body.

Whether you want a round neck or a slightly deeper V, now is the time to customize to your liking.

Weaving in the Ends

When you’re happy with the joins, weave in all the loose ends. I like to use a blunt-tip needle like the ones recommended here, so none of your stitches unravel. This creates a polished final look.

Adding Finishing Touches

Now that your Easy Granny Square Sweater is complete, here are a few ideas to personalize it:

• Color combinations: If you're wondering which colors to use, check out the Granny Square patterns and review some stunning suggestions to inspire your palette.
• Embellishments: Add buttons or cute little crochet flowers to the neckline or sleeves for a unique touch.

Feel free to go wild, whether you keep it simple or make it bold.

Left Handed?

 

FAQs

Q1: What is a Granny Square Sweater?

A Granny Square Sweater is a crocheted sweater made entirely from granny squares—a classic crochet block design. It's versatile and customizable with various colors and patterns.

Q2: What skill level is required for this project?

This project is suitable for beginners. The sweater is made using basic crochet stitches, and the tutorial provides step-by-step guidance.

Q3: Can I use different yarn weights for this project?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, although it may alter the final size and texture of the sweater. Adjust the hook size accordingly if using different yarn weights.

Q4: Is there any sewing involved in assembling the sweater?

No sewing is required. The squares are joined using slip stitches, making the assembly process simple and sewing-free.

Q5: Can I use leftover yarn for this project?

Absolutely! This project is perfect for using scrap yarn, allowing for creativity in color combinations and reducing waste.

Q6: How can I customize the size of the sweater?

Customize the sweater size by adjusting the size of each granny square. Lay the squares over a garment you like for size reference and adjust accordingly.

Q7: How do I ensure my sweater fits well?

To ensure a good fit, measure as you go. Comparing your granny squares to an existing piece of clothing can help guide sizing.

Q8: Can I add embellishments to my Granny Square Sweater?

Yes, feel free to add embellishments like buttons or crochet flowers to personalize your sweater and enhance its design.

Q9: Where can I share my completed project?

Share your completed project on social media platforms like Instagram or join The Secret Yarnery Facebook group to showcase your work.

Q10: What if I struggle with a part of the pattern?

Refer to the video tutorial linked in the content, as it provides visual guidance and further explanations for each step.

 

Conclusion

You've now created your very own crochet granny square sweater, and it wasn’t hard at all! With just four squares and some slip stitches, you've put together a chic and cozy piece that’s perfect for any time of year. If you'd like to follow a written version, you can always check out our easy crochet patterns.

Don’t forget to share your work with us! Tag me on Instagram and join The Secret Yarnery Facebook group to show off your tailored designs. Alternatively, check out some of our other awesome crochet sweater patterns here.

Happy crocheting and remember—stay hooked!

Passionate about making crochet simple and fun, Christa Patel is the founder of the Secret Yarnery, where she provides step-by-step tutorials and easy-to-understand patterns perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Known for her clear instructions and friendly demeanor, Christa makes crocheting feel approachable and rewarding for everyone who wants to create something beautiful with yarn.