Make a classic granny square.

The classic granny square is built from groups of three double crochet stitches. Corners use two groups separated by a chain space. This three-round version is a simple way to learn the structure before making a larger square.

What you need

• Smooth yarn and a hook suited to the yarn label.
• Scissors and a yarn needle.
• A stitch marker to mark the start of a round.

Finished size depends on your yarn and tension. Use one color for your first square so you can focus on the stitches.

Terms and pattern notes

US terms: ch = chain; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch; sp = space. A cluster means a group of 3 dc. Starting ch 3 counts as one dc. Ch 2 spaces form the corners; ch 1 separates clusters along a side. Do not turn between rounds.

Foundation

Ch 4. Sl st into the first chain to form a ring. Work the first round into the center of this ring rather than into the individual chains.

Round 1

Ch 3, work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2. Work [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] three times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

Check: four groups of 3 dc and four ch 2 corner spaces. There are 12 dc in total, counting the starting ch 3 as one dc.

Move to the next corner

Sl st across the next two dc and into the next ch 2 corner space. You are now ready to begin Round 2 in a corner.

Round 2

In this corner, work ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. Ch 1.

In each of the next three corner spaces, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), followed by ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

Check: eight groups of 3 dc, four ch 2 corners, and four ch 1 side spaces. Total: 24 dc.

Round 3

Sl st across the next two dc and into the next ch 2 corner space. In this corner work ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. Ch 1, work 3 dc into the next ch 1 side space, ch 1.

Repeat the following three times: in the next corner work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch 1 side space, ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

Check: twelve groups of 3 dc, four ch 2 corners, and eight ch 1 side spaces. Total: 36 dc.

Finish and shape

Fasten off and weave in the ends securely. Lay the square flat, gently straighten the corners, and block according to the yarn’s care instructions if needed.

Keep growing your square

For each later round, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every corner. Work one group of 3 dc into each ch 1 side space, with ch 1 between groups. Finish each round by joining to the top of the starting ch 3. Each round adds one more cluster along each side.

Want a seasonal project next? Discover the paid Snowflake Granny Square PDF in our shop. It is a separate design from this free classic square.