How to Crochet a Granny Square [Step-By-Step Tutorial Video + Pro Tips]
Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet granny squares! The granny square is the most recognizable motif in the crochet world, so it’s no surprise that it’s experiencing a rebirth in the world of fashion. Get in on the trend or just add these fun little squares to your growing list of crochet techniques with this easy-to-follow crochet video tutorial.
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Classic granny squares are constructed of 3-dc groups worked in the round. Additional groups are added by working in the spaces between groups. The result is a sweet little square with endless possibilities. A simple granny square can turn into a bag, pillow, sweater, or anything else your heart desires. Make multiple granny squares to put a different spin on these projects.
The very first crochet project I ever completed was a camouflage granny square afghan. It was hideous and full of mistakes but I so was proud of myself. Since then, I learned several tips and tricks to make the perfect granny square every time, and I’m excited to share that knowledge with you!
Time to Learn the Granny Square
There are dozens of blog posts, magazines, books, and videos that explain how to do a granny square. My tutorial video sets itself apart by walking you through how to make a granny square AND imparting my wisdom on turning common beginner pitfalls into crochet victory! Learn the basics of these classic squares and build on your knowledge as you tackle even more crochet projects.
Here’s what you can expect from my granny square tutorial video:
- What supplies are best to make granny squares
- My trick for a painless magic ring
- How to avoid the dreaded “granny vortex of doom”
- The proper way to fasten off a granny square
- Seamlessly adding color to granny squares
Grab some yarn and get “hooked” on granny squares with me!
Continue Your Granny Square Journey – VIDEO TUTORIALS
There’s a whole wide world of granny square goodness out there for you to discover. You’ll go far if you take the time to build a strong foundation of crochet knowledge. Check out these video tutorials to grow your crochet motif skills:
- The Best Granny Square Color Changes
- Master the Join As You Go (JAYG) Technique
- 4 Ways to Seam your Granny Squares
Granny Square Project Ideas
By now, you probably have a giant pile of little squares just waiting to turn into something magical. Here are some project ideas for you to try.
1 // Sweet Granny Baby Blanket. This free crochet pattern is one of my earliest designs and was created for a very special little girl in my life. This labor of love combines several small squares on the bias, creating an even edge by adding in a few triangles. Find the free pattern HERE and the temperature blanket it inspired HERE.
2 // Autumn Granny Square Blanket. Looking to crochet a blanket using ALL of the colors? Or maybe you have a massive stash of yarn scraps that need to be put to good use? Try making this epic blanket, which uses a fun circle-in-square motif for an eye-catching design. View this epic project HERE.
3 // Boho Granny Square Bag. Are you a visual learner, looking to make a project step by step with the instructor? Try out the Boho Granny Square Bag pattern that I designed in collaboration with The Crafters Box. Find the materials kit + digital workshop HERE.
4 // Rose City Tote Bag. Want to see the chaos of designing + making a crochet tote bag? Look not further than the Rose City Tote. I challenged myself to create a project from start to finish on my YouTube channel, and I’m pretty dang proud of the result. Follow along with me to make this adorable bag in the tutorial HERE.
Need even more inspo? Check out my granny square board on Pinterest! CLICK HERE
If you’re looking for like-minded crochet fanatics, join the TLYC Makers Facebook group. We are a mighty group of international makers who enjoy sharing our latest projects and helping each other out. Request access to this private group HERE.
I am SO excited about learning how to make granny squares! I knit two temperature afghans so I have a ton of leftover worsted weight yarn in lots of bright colors. This is the technique I’ve been most looking forward to learning. Thanks for your videos. They’re the best! ❤️
I am looking forward to making granny squares, because one of my projects for this Crochet Academy calls for granny squares.🥰
I made the Rose City tote and CAN’T WAIT to make the Joan sweater!! How many colors should you mix in a granny square? I have 2 shades of gray and a peach and would like to make something granny. Which color should be the center? how many rows of each?
I love your version of the granny square. I’ve been crocheting for a minute and still had learned something new. Thank you so much
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! There are many little tweaks you can make in granny squared to adjust them just so 🙂
I loved the tip about flipping your work to avoid the vortex look. I never realized that was an issue because my first pattern (for a blanket) created a dual-color square that was a diagonal – half way around my square, flip, return to the starting point, switch colors, continue to the half-way mark in the other direction, flip, return to starting point, switch colors, repeat.
Granny squares are “chef’s kiss”.
Greetings Toni, thank you so much for sharing you with us. Seeing your face light up when you talk about All Things Crochet makes me want to crochet. The passion that you display is infectious. May God continue to bless you with the talents & skills He has given you while granting you your heart desires. May God also bless you in, with, and through your future endeavors.
As a crochet beginner, I have learned so much from you in the past couple of weeks. I also have been watching your other videos and made notes of the projects that I will love to start. One of them is to learn the Tunisian crochet.
Question? Is there a particular crochet yarn and hook that we must have to make the Sunshine Coaster set? I live in the U.S. Virgin Islands and there is only 1 craft store and all she has is red heart worsted weight yarn. Apart from that, she has crochet threads. Your input is greatly appreciated.
God blessings be upon you.
Hello my friend! Thank you so much for this message and I receive those blessings 🙂 For the coaster, you will need worsted-weight cotton. You can use acrylic – just be careful with very hot drinks. You will also need a 4.5mm crochet hook.
Wow!! This tutorial is awesome. I had to pause it several times as I worked with her. I really like the tips to help me avoid some common newbie issues. Thanks so much for making this tutorial. You’re awesome!
Wow! Really enjoying your video! Do you have written instructions for your creation? I can’t remember all the instructions of chains, DC etc. while watching you do this. I love your Crochet Academy. I have been following your blogs since day 1 of the course.
I don’t, but that’s a great idea. Let me work on it 🙂
Hi Toni,
How do you change colors cleanly in the corners of the granny square that allow you to have two different colors in the triangles that form the completed granny square and how do you hide the tails for these types of color changes in the granny squares? A video to see how you do this would be great to see along with any advise you have for this.
Hi! It sounds like you’re looking for directions on how to do a two-color granny square. These are really pretty, and ideal for projects that are meant to look quilted. You can find a video for this technique on YouTube 🙂
Dear Toni,
You have done the impossible! Although I learned to crochet from my ambidextrous grandmother at 9 (I’m left-handed, so my mother couldn’t teach me), I always hated granny squares. It was something of a textural issue with the stiff yarns and tight stitches my mother used. I am also a low-key color person. They always seemed too much.
Anyway, your teaching is so good and inspiring. You have not only improved my technique, taught me Tunisian crochet, but emboldened me and taught me to make my very first granny square. I am soon to turn 60, and have been an actual granny for over a decade.
Now, I see what the fuss is about! I can afford good yarn and do things my way. They are so satisfying to produce.
Thank you so much for breaking down a lifetime’s worth of silly judgement!
Awwwwwe, YAY! Congrats on your first Granny Square!
I have been crocheting for a couple of years and I have never done a traditional granny square. I love the knot for the magic ring.
Love the tip re: changing colors with a standing stitch! A few questions. First, when I try your magic ring technique, I see the knot between my stitches after pulling the ring tight. Any way to avoid this? Second, I’ve noticed that many patterns specify crocheting granny squares in continuous joined rounds rather than turning. Would you convert these instructions into turned rounds, or is there another technique to avoid “granny square vortex” without turning rounds?
So glad you’re finding the posts helpful 🙂 If you prefer not to see the knot, you may want to try a different method for your magic ring. There are lots out there that don’t start with a knot. As for the granny squares, you can convert them to turned squares pretty easily – you can usually turn your work and slip stitch to the corner and start the round. The only way I’ve found to avoid the vortex is to turn the work, keep the square small (maybe 6-8 rounds max), remove the chains between groups, and drop your hook size. Some combination of these options should work.
I absolutely love granny squares! I just finished a blanket for my mom. It’s 81 squares, each one different. She loves it! Thank you for the video. Even though I’ve been making granny squares for a very long time, I love some of suggestions you have. Especially the invisible join and the knot for the magic ring.
Aww! Granny squares! I love a granny square. I’m looking forward to crocheting your autumn granny square blanket. I have request that you choose the colors for me?? I want to do the border in black. Thank you in advance Toni.
I have never been a fan of granny squares, I think I was intimidated by it all! Determined to do everything you are asking of us in the crochet academy I gave it a try. OMG I finished it!! Now it took several tries, its nowhere near what yours looks like, but, I’m done! Thank you so much for the excellent video on this and the detailed explanations, it helped tremendously. I’ve only been crocheting about 3 years but still have so much to learn. I don’t have a facebook/instagram account so can’t post my work.
This just put the BIGGEST smile on my face. I’m so glad you tried a granny square despite your reservations. You should be so proud! It’s only up from here, and trying this square opens up so many new designs to try. Keep learning and experimenting! It makes this whole experience more fun.
I have been trying to master each part of crochet academy before moving on to the next! I always come back to your Granny Squares as it is so much fun and there are so many options! Crochet Academy has been the greatest thing I have done this year!
My goal is to make a granny square throw with my dk advent set and a coordinating color!
I love this idea so much! Granny squares and stitches are what got me into crochet in the first place, and I keep coming back to them – it’s my comfort project. Enjoy learning even more about granny squares and stitches – there are an infinite number of projects you can make!!