Learn how to crochet a granny square with our video tutorial
Always wanted to learn to crochet, but not sure where to start? Mastering how to crochet a granny square is a great place to start. While granny squares may look complicated, they're actually pretty simple. Once you start you won't be able to stop!
A granny square, also known as an ‘afghan square’ in the US, forms the basis for many crochet patterns. And once you've mastered it, you'll be able to crochet your own blanket, cushion or cardigan. There are so many granny square projects to inspire you, including gorgeous crochet vests, or simply stitch them all together into a stylish crochet blanket.
Not only is the classic granny square quick and easy to make, it's an attractive and useful craft project to use up oddments of yarn. You can experiment with changing colours for different effects, or make a single-coloured square.
For a full guide to crochet stitches for beginners, see our how to crochet guide.
Instructions below are in UK abbreviations as below:
Slip stitch (ss)
Chain (ch)
Treble crochet (tr)
How to crochet a granny square step-by-step in pictures
Step 1
Make 4ch and join with a ss to form a ring.
Step 2
Round 1: 3ch, 2tr in ring, 3ch, [3tr in ring, 3ch] 3 times, join with a ss to 3rd of 3ch at beginning of round. Fasten off.
Step 3
To join a new colour, make a slipknot and put in on your hook in your right hand, insert your hook into the instructed space or stitch, and bring a loop of your new yarn through this stitch, like a ss.
Step 4
Round 2: Join your new yarn into any 3ch space (one of the corners of your square), make 3ch, work [2tr, 3ch, 3 tr] all into this same space, 1ch, work *[3tr, 3ch, 3tr] all into same space, 1ch; repeat from * twice, join with a ss to 3rd of 3ch at beginning of round. Fasten off.
Step 5
Round 3: Join your new yarn into any 3ch space (this is always going to be the corner of your square), make 3ch, [2tr, 3ch, 3tr] all into this same space, 1ch, *3tr into next 1ch space, 1ch, work [3tr, 3ch, 3tr] into next 3ch space, 1ch, rep from * twice, 3tr in next 1ch space, 1ch, join with a ss to 3rd of 3ch from beginning of round. Fasten off. We put a double stitch all around to give a neat edge.
The granny square shown above ends here. But you can keep going if you wish, for a bumper-sized square! You will begin to see the pattern form.
In the video above, we also show you how to join granny squares – perfect if you want to make a blanket.
And if you'd like to learn more crochet techniques, check out our video guides to crochet tulip stitch and crochet waffle stitch.
What are your favourite colours for a granny square? Share your crochet with us by tagging @primamag on Instagram!
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