Although given a rather derogatory name, granny squares are one of my favourite things to crochet. They are very relaxing, and they can be used in many different ways. Lots of simple squares can be turned into a beautiful blanket, or its cousin, the African flower, can make gorgeous toys. Personally, I use granny squares to make cute blankies, and here is one example.
Even if you didn’t know that they are called granny squares, you’re probably still familiar with them. And there is a reason for why they are so popular – they are very easy to make.
In this tutorial, I’m first going to show you how to make a one-coloured square, and then I’m going to show you how to change colours between rounds. You can also find a video showing you in real time how to make the first two rounds of a granny square below, if you prefer that to text.
To make a granny square, you start with a chain of 6. You can make them fairly tight. If you’re a complete beginner, here’s all you need to know about foundation chains and chain stitches.
Make a slip stitch in the first chain stitch, to form a circle. If you find that your circle is too small or too big later on, you can always go back and use more or fewer stitches in the foundation chain.
Now it’s time to make the first round of the square. Start by making three chain stitches. This will count as your first double crochet stitch (which is the US term, and the same as the UK treble). Next, make two double crochet stitches (real this time). These three stitches are the first side of the first round.
Note! The circle is your loop, not the loops of the chain stitches.
Time to make a corner. You can adapt this to how sharp you want your corner to be, but I like my squares to be square, so I make two chain stitches for my corners.
Keep going like this. Three double crochet stitches to make the side, two chain stitches to make the corner. But when you get to the last corner, only make one chain stitch and then a slip stitch in the first double crochet stitch (which is actually a chain). And you have finished your first round!
To continue, the key is the cluster of three. Begin this round as the previous round. Make a chain of three, and then make two double chain stitches (dc) around the chain stiches that form the corner. Make three dc in the corner (no, there are no extra stitches between the clusters). Make two chain stitches to form a corner, and then make three more dc around the same corner from the previous round. This is another reason why I like to make two chain stitches for my corners, it makes them less crowded.
Now you just keep going like until you finish your second round. And again, only make one chain stitch for the last corner before making a slip stitch in the first dc (not actually a dc) of this round. Your granny square should now look like this.
You can keep going with the same colour for the rest of the square if you want, but if you want to add stripes, I will show you a simple way to change colour between rounds. First, cut of the thread for the first colour and pull through the loop to secure it. Leave enough to hide the end, by weaving it through the back of the stitches (a few centimetres or a couple of inches is enough, but to much is better than too little).
Take the new colour and tie the end between two clusters. No, you don’t have to tie it, and there are other ways of doing this, but tying is beginner friendly, and you don’t have to worry about untangling. And it won’t be noticeable when you’re done. Next, pick up the yarn through the loop.
Make a chain stitch. This is your new starting point.
Now, you just repeat the previous round. Start with three chain stitches and then two dc. After that, three dc in every gap between the clusters. Make the corners with two clusters of dc with two chain stitches in between.
Make the square to your preferred size. Finish with a slip stitch, cut of the thread and pull through. Use a big embroidery needle to hide the ends on the back side.
Tada!
Or if you prefer the video version (not including change of colour).
VIDEO (1st 2 rounds)
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