how to crochet a granny square

Question

Here's a breakdown on how to crochet a granny square, a fundamental and versatile stitch pattern for beginners and experienced crocheters alike!

Answer 1

Here's a breakdown on how to crochet a granny square, a fundamental and versatile stitch pattern for beginners and experienced crocheters alike!

Materials:

• Yarn (worsted weight or aran weight yarn works well for beginners)
• Crochet hook (size that matches your yarn weight, check the yarn label for recommendations)
• Scissors (optional, tapestry needle for weaving in ends)

Basic Stitches:

• Slip stitch (sl st): A basic way to join yarn or end rows. Insert your hook under both loops of the stitch you want to join into, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook, then pull through the loop that's already on your hook.
• Chain stitch (ch): The base stitch for most crochet projects. Yarn over, hook the yarn with your hook, and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• Double crochet (dc): The main stitch used in granny squares. Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated in the pattern, yarn over, pull through the first two loops on your hook, yarn over, and pull through the last two loops on your hook.

Instructions:

1. Starting chain: Make a slip knot and chain 4. Join the chain into a ring with a slip stitch through the first chain you made. (This slip stitch closes the loop).

2. Round 1: Chain 3 (this counts as your first dc stitch). Work two dc stitches into the center ring you just formed. Chain 2, then work two more dc stitches into the center ring. Continue this pattern all the way around the center ring, working two dc stitches, chain 2, two dc stitches, until you've completed a round. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 you made at the beginning of the round. (You should have four corner spaces created by the chain 2 stitches).

3. Round 2 and beyond: Chain 2 (this counts as your first dc stitch). Work two dc stitches into the first chain space from the previous round. Chain 2, then work three dc stitches into the corner space (made by the chain 2 from the round before). Chain 2, then work two dc stitches into the next chain space. Repeat this pattern for all four corner spaces, working three dc stitches into each corner space and two dc stitches into each side space. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 2 you made at the beginning of the round.

Tips:

• Each round will start with a chain (usually 2 or 3) that counts as your first dc stitch.
• The corner spaces are created by the chain 2 stitches in the previous round. You'll work extra dc stitches in these corner spaces to create the diagonal granny square shape.
• Maintain a consistent tension as you crochet to create an even granny square.
• You can change colors at the end of any round by weaving in the end of the old color and starting with the new color.

Continuing the granny square:

• Repeat rounds 2 and onwards for as many rounds or as large as you want your granny square to be.

Finishing Up:

• Once you've reached your desired size, fasten off your yarn by cutting the yarn, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the back loops of a few stitches to secure it.

Assembly (optional):

• Granny squares can be joined together using slip stitches or sewing to create larger projects like blankets, bags, or coasters.

Variations:

• There are endless variations of granny squares! You can experiment with different colors, yarn weights, and even incorporate other stitches into your granny squares.