Easy Granny Square Crochet Pattern - ideal for beginners

This free granny square crochet pattern is a quick and easy make that’s perfect for any level of crocheter. Whether you're new to crochet or looking for a relaxing project, granny squares are a timeless favourite and are a timeless fashion favourite.

Use them to build up your stash of motifs, or turn them into blankets, cushions, bags, clothing, and more.

Granny squares are ideal for using up small amounts of leftover yarn, and you can make them in endless colour combinations and sizes. They also make great travel projects and thoughtful handmade gifts. I love having a stack of them ready to use whenever inspiration strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Granny Square Crochet Pattern

• A quick project you can finish in one sitting, so you get instant satisfaction from finishing your square.
• A perfect stash-buster, and therefore a great way to use up your yarn leftovers.
• Versatile - turn your squares into blankets, garments, or accessories.
• Easy to customise with different colours and yarn weights.
• Great for gifts, charity makes, or mindful crafting.

How to Use Your Crochet Granny Squares

Once you’ve made a few granny squares you'll be hooked. Here are some ways to use them:

• Join them to create a cosy blanket or throw.
• Make a cushion cover using matching or contrasting squares.
• Sew them into a tote bag or drawstring pouch.
• Add a border and use them as coasters or table mats.
• Combine them with other motifs for a patchwork effect.
• Gift a bundle to a friend who enjoys crafting.

Copyright

Please read the copyright terms, which apply globally, before using or downloading your pattern:
The contents of this page, including the pattern instructions and images, are published under copyright to me ©Lynne Rowe 2025 under my brand Knit Crochet Create® and are for your own personal use only.

You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern for charity fundraising purposes, or to gift them to family and friends, but selling small numbers for profit is only allowed with permission. Please email lynne@knitcrochetcreate.com for permission.
By downloading or using this pattern, you therefore agree to these terms.

How to Get Your Free Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Follow the free version of the pattern below to get started straight away.
US crochet terms are given first – scroll down for UK crochet terms.

Buy the Premium Pattern to Download and Keep

Want to save it to your device or print it out? You can buy the ad-free PDF version:

• Buy on Ravelry here: Granny Square Pattern on Ravelry
• Buy on Etsy here: Granny Square Pattern on Etsy

Granny Square Crochet Pattern: Materials Needed

• Any yarn weight – this pattern works well with double knitting (8ply/light worsted), aran-weight (10ply/worsted) or even chunky (bulky) yarn.
• Matching hook size (check your yarn label for the recommendation).
• Yarn needle for sewing in ends.
• Scissors.
• Optional stitch marker if you’re new to working in rounds.

Tension or Gauge

Tension is not critical for this project. Just keep your stitches even and remember that different yarn weights will produce different square sizes.

Finished Size

This will vary depending on your yarn and hook, and number of rounds worked. For example:

• Double knitting yarn (8ply/light worsted) with a 4mm (US G/6) hook will give a square around 11cm (4.25in).
• Aran-weight yarn (10ply/worsted) with a 4.5mm (US H/7) hook will give a larger square of around 12cm (4.75in).

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s) = chain or chain stitches; dc = double crochet; rep = repeat; RS = right side; slst = slip stitch; sp(s) = space or spaces; yoh = yarn over hook.

Granny Square Crochet Pattern in US Terms

Using Color 1 and hook size for your yarn, make a magic ring then work Round 1 into the center of the ring.

Alternatively, make a slip knot on your hook, ch5, then slst in first of these 5ch to form a ring.

Place a removable stitch marker into the center of your ring, so that you know where to put your hook for Round 1.

1st Round (RS): Ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc in ring, ch2, [3dc in ring, ch2] 3 times, slst in top of beginning ch3 to join the round. You can now remove the stitch marker. Slst in each of the next 2 dc, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (4 3dc-groups, 4 corner ch2-sps).

2nd Round (RS): Join Color 2 with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as  first dc), [2dc, ch2, 3dc] in same corner sp, ch1, *[3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next corner sp, ch1; rep from * twice more. Slst in top of beginning ch3 to join, slst in each of next 2 dc, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (2 x 3dc-groups along each side, 1 ch1-sp along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

3rd Round: Join Color 3 with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as first dc), [2dc, ch2, 3dc] in same corner sp, ch1, 3dc in next ch1-sp, ch1, *[3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next corner sp, ch1, 3dc in next ch1-sp, ch1; rep from * twice more. Slst in top of beginning ch3, slst in each of next 2 dc, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (3 x 3dc-groups along each side, 2 x ch1-sps along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

4th Round: Join Color 4 with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as first dc), [2dc, ch2, 3dc] in same corner sp, ch1, [3dc in next ch1-sp, ch1] to next corner, *[3dc, ch2, 3dc] in next corner sp, ch1, [3dc in next ch1-sp, ch1] to next corner; rep from * twice more. Slst in top of beginning ch3, slst in each of next 2 dc, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (4 x 3dc-groups along each side, 3 x ch1-sps along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

5th Round: As 4th Round, but using Color 5. (5 x 3dc-groups along each side, 4 x ch1-sps along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

Optional Border Round

Finally, join your border color with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as first tr), [1dc, ch2, 2dc] in same corner sp, 1dc in every stitch and every ch-sp to next corner, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next corner sp, 1dc in every stitch and every ch-sp to next corner; rep from * twice more, slst in top of beginning ch3, slst in next dc, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (23 dc along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

Crochet Abbreviations (UK Terms)

ch(s) = chain or chain stitches; rep = repeat; RS = right side; slst = slip stitch; sp(s) = space or spaces; tr = treble crochet; yoh = yarn over hook.

Granny Square Crochet Pattern – UK Terms

Using Colour 1 and hook size for your yarn, make a magic ring then work Round 1 into the centre of the ring.

Alternatively, make a slip knot on your hook, ch5, then slst in first of these 5ch to form a ring.

Place a removable stitch marker into the centre of your ring, so that you know where to put your hook for Round 1.

1st Round (RS): Ch3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr in ring, ch2, [3tr in ring, ch2] 3 times, slst in top of beginning ch3 to join the round. You can now remove the stitch marker. Slst in each of the next 2 tr, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (4 3tr-groups, 4 corner ch2-sps).

2nd Round (RS): Join Colour 2 with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as  first tr), [2tr, ch2, 3tr] in same corner sp, ch1, *[3tr, ch2, 3tr] in next corner sp, ch1; rep from * twice more. Slst in top of beginning ch3 to join, slst in each of next 2 tr, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (2 x 3tr-groups along each side, 1 ch1-sp along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

3rd Round: Join Colour 3 with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as first tr), [3tr, ch2, 3tr] in same corner sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch1-sp, ch1, *[3tr, ch2, 3tr] in next corner sp, ch1, 3tr in next ch1-sp, ch1; rep from * twice more. Slst in top of beginning ch3, slst in each of next 2 tr, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (3 x 3tr-groups along each side, 2 x ch1-sps along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

4th Round: Join Colour 4 with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as first tr), [2tr, ch2, 3tr] in same corner sp, ch1, [3tr in next ch1-sp, ch1] to next corner, *[3tr, ch2, 3tr] in next corner sp, ch1, [3tr in next ch1-sp, ch1] to next corner; rep from * twice more. Slst in top of beginning ch3, slst in each of next 2 tr, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (4 x 3tr-groups along each side, 3 x ch1-sps along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

5th Round: As 4th Round, but using Colour 5. (5 x 3tr-groups along each side, 4 x ch1-sps along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

Optional Border Round

Finally, join your border colour with slst to any corner sp. Ch3 (counts as first tr), [1tr, ch2, 2tr] in same corner sp, 1tr in every stitch and every ch-sp to next corner, *[2tr, ch2, 2tr] in next corner sp, 1tr in every stitch and every ch-sp to next corner; rep from * twice more, slst in top of beginning ch3, slst in next dc, slst into corner space, then fasten off. (23 tr along each side, 4 corner ch2-sps).

Share Your Creations!

If you love this pattern and make lots of squares, I’d love to see your finished granny squares! Tag me on Instagram [@knitcrochetcreate] so I can admire your colour combinations and see what you make with them.

If you enjoyed this easy granny square pattern, check out my other stash-busting projects like the Daffodil Flower Granny Square or my Easy Crochet Scarf Pattern – both are free on the blog.

Explore more yarn stash ideas over on my Pinterest board here.