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Why do we love squares? Because there are so many of them! 😉 Among the plentiful amazing patterns everyone can find the one to start their next project. Crochet granny squares are very popular among beginners because they are easy to make. Granny squares are pretty small, allowing you to count your stitches quickly and easily frog a row or two to correct any mistakes before you get away from them too far. I love squares, because I can finish a few each day and put a project away without worrying about unraveling a large part of my work till the next time.
Although there is many patterns available, there are 2 basic square patterns you should learn first: a simple / classic granny and the solid granny.
How to Crochet a Granny Square for Beginners
Granny is one of the most popular techniques and you will be able to quickly learn how to crochet different squares using the granny technique. There are 2 basic granny square patterns – the basic granny (classic, traditional granny) and the solid granny. These two patterns are based on basic stitches – double crochet stitch, chain stitch, and slip stitch. Both are simple to learn and are the base for other, more complicated square patterns.
Basic Granny Square Pattern
The Basic (Classic, traditional) granny square is the simplest one to learn and is perfect for beginners. It is based on 3 basic crochet stitches. Characteristics for this pattern are 3 double crochet stitches together creating a cluster (group of stitches). After you master the basic granny, a great way to use it is to make blankets, scarves, vests, and many more different projects.
To start the granny square, make a slip knot. Ch4 and insert your hook into the first chain.
sl st
slip stitch into the top
3 dc in next
granny clusters
first stitch
first double crochet
round 1 round 2 round 3
corner space
make 3 double crochets
2 double crochet
2 dc
chain 1, ch 1
center of the square
chain 3
How to Crochet Solid Granny
The Solid granny is also based on the double crochet but is less airy than a basic granny. As it creates a denser texture, using granny solid you can make a wider range of items like granny square tote bags, tops, throws and patchwork blankets.
50 Free Granny Square Patterns
Here is the list of the most popular granny square patterns. Each of this pattern is free and you will find the link to the tutorial beneath its description and photos.
If you are making your first crochet squares, it’s good to start with the basics. Learn to crochet Classic Square and Solid Granny first, and then try different squares
below. The easiest squares are at the top of the list, However, you may find some of the patterns easier for you than others depending on your abilities and the crochet project you have made before.
Classic Granny Square Pattern
You can’t ever forget or forego the classic granny. This timeless piece is always in style. Follow our step-by step tutorial to learn how to crochet this basic square.
Go to the full article and photo tutorial on Your Crochet.
Solid Granny Square
The solid granny is based on the double crochet, but is more dense than a basic granny. It is great for many crochet projects like blankets, bags and event tops.
This tutorial you will find on Your Crochet.
African Flower Granny Square
In the center of the granny square is an 8-petal flower. This floral granny square is a favorite crochet pattern by many because it allows one to display the art of crochet using contrasting or monochromatic colors.
The free crochet pattern you will find on Your Crochet. See the pictures of the great projects that use this square. You can learn how to make a hexagon granny square based on this pattern here – African Flower Hexagon.
Crochet Heart Granny Square Free Pattern and Video Tutorial
Adorn your basic square with this cute heart motif. No additional skills are needed – simply change the yarn color in the right places! Crochet alongside this free written pattern or watch a video tutorial to see every movement up close.
photo by Crochetpedia
Find this pattern on Yourcrochet.com.
Battenberg Blanket
Once you learn how to make a solid square, you are good to go with a bigger project, like a blanket. This one is made from little squares – plain and colorful mixed together, just like their eponymous cake.
Find original free tutorial on Ravelry.
Granny Square Heart
Next, you can never get enough of patterns for crochet hearts and these two will be perfect for any occasion. As it turns out, all you need is love… and the perfect square. There is no other square like a solid granny, to make something really nice!
Find more info on Lanukas blog. More info about photos on Instagram.
Granny Loves a Baby
This easy pattern will allow you to break up the solid texture of a square and add more airyness to your project. Less is more.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on Ravelry.
Mitered Granny Square
The mitered granny is a variation of the basic granny pattern, but has a diagonal construction. It gives opportunities to play with color changes and create beautiful geometric patterns.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on Crochet Frog:
Pizza Pie Square
Who doesn’t love pizza? This playful pattern will be your kids’ favourite. And it’s so simple, you can give it a try, even if you are a crochet newbie.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on Sewrella: Pizza Pie Square
Victorian Lattice Square
The Victorian lattice granny square is an amazing square which looks nice by itself but creates a whole other level pattern when joined with its sister Victoria Lattice squares.
Find free tutorial on Ravelry. More info about photos on Instagram.
Butterfly Garden Square
A similar idea to the Victorian Lattice Square, but this time the empty spaces evokes butterflies.
Find original free pattern on Ravelry. More info about photos on here.
Circle Granny
If you already know the basic solid square, the next step will be practicing to make a circle. You will have a beautiful square, and you will get some new useful skills as well.
Find this pattern on Lullaby Lodge blog.
Daisy Granny Square
This cheerful square is perfect for intuitive beginners who want to try out popcorn stitches. In just 3 rounds of single crochet, double crochet and bobble stitches, you’ll have a 4″ daisy granny block!
Find this pattern on Lullaby Lodge blog.
Heart Granny
Back to hearts now! Here is a little C2C-looking heart, that will be perfect as an accent or applique.
Find this pattern on JellyBeanJunction blog.
Heart Granny 2
In addition to double crochets, this pattern also uses half double crochets to form a heart. By doing so, you’ll be able to create a more solid shape in the center.
Read more about this square here.
Block Stitch Square
Regular, geometrically spaced voids are amazing. This mosaic-like effect is nicely highlighted by the intermittent connectors of alternate yarn colors.
Find original free tutorial on Pattern Paradise blog.
Farmhouse Granny Square
This square with a puff stitch diagonal is a wonderful building block. This design looks amazing when you extend the lines over a large blanket or throw.
The full article about the pattern is here: Farmhouse Granny
Kaleidoscope Granny Throw
Here is another example of how you could modify the wonderful square to make it a thoroughly modern and amazing project. It’s stunning… and yet as simple as any other granny-based project.
Read more about Kaleidoscope Granny here.
Many Cats Square
If cats are your thing, then these cat-themed granny things definitely are your thing too! In particular, you will note the versatility of decorated granny crochet.
The full article about the pattern is here: Many Cats Square
Lily Pad Granny Square
Flower, colors and a solid edge… Can you think of a better building block for a beautiful throw or afghan?
Find original free pattern on Pasta and Patchwork blog.
Blizzard Warning! Square
Wrap up in this gorgeous blanket on a blustery day! Better still, the stunning pattern is a particularly mesmerising project when done in a color gradient.
Read more info here.
Sweetheart Square
Floral and subtle, the Draiguna square is a fun base for many blanket and throw projects.
The full article about this pattern is here:
Kitty Cat Square
For more cat-themed projects, please check out these afghans. The versatility of the cat as a model animal for patterns is undeniable.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are here:
Kitty Cat Granny Square for Afghans
4-Heart Granny
A lovely square for a baby blanket, the 4-heart shape reminds me of a clover, so the pattern can also be used for St. Patrick’s day. The square measures 5 3/4″.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are here:
Boho Diamond Square
A square with a modern twist. There are lots of combination you can use it to create a mosaic blanket. You can easily personalize it by changing colors.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on YouTube:
Sweetest Baby Granny
This interesting square will be an amazing pattern for a baby blanket. Each square measures about 4.25″, so using them you can make a 6 x 6 square blanket.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on Moogly:
Bunny Square
A bunny (rabbit?) will be a great pattern for practice before Easter. This one is so cute, that it can be used for any baby shower blanket.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on Maisie and Ruth:
Water Lily Square
The full article about the pattern and the photos are on Instagram:
Arches All Around Square
Here is a square that’s a lot like peacock feathers, but also a bit like cathedral arches. It’s absolutely stunning, and the combination of blue and purple is absolutely amazing.
Arches All Around – visit the pattern site.
Solid Triangles
A great pattern if you need triangles or a colourful bunting to hang up.
Find the tutorial here – Solid Triangles.
Around the World Granny Square Blanket
Here we go with a classic design in a large project. Coupled with fashionable colors, this is a sure hit.
Read more about this pattern here.
Squared Diamond Granny
Read more about this blanket here.
Daisy in the Corner Square
Here is another square blanket with a rosette. Indeed, this is a beautiful example of how to use an eccentric motif to really draw the eye and set the tone for each square.
The full article about the pattern and the photos are here:
Calm Cove Square
Here is a lovely square that draws its inspiration from an island in the sea. It’s an easy project with a little twist through the use of puff stitches in the middle. The square can be used on its own, but it can also function in a blanket or afghan. If you reinforce the edges, the square is a good idea for a coaster or doily. Of course, the sky’s the limit in terms of color, and you will have fun making a bunch of these to create a real varied, fun blanket.
Skills: Easy Designer: Crochetpedia
Go to the pattern: Calm Cove Square
Stoney River Square
Here is another great idea for a square to include in your blanket or afghan projects. This light and airy square will produce blankets with a very interesting texture, that can be further enhanced by varying the colors used. Moreover, the pattern is easy to make and your afghan projects will just fly off the hook.
Skills: Easy Designer: Becca Bomgardner
Go to the pattern: Stoney River Square
Janey Square Pattern
The Janey Square Pattern is unique in that it’s a granny square with a 3D rosette. This is a beautiful project that can be stylized in so many ways.
Go to the free tutorial on Ravelry.
Pimlico Granny
The Pimlico Afghan Square is great for many crochet projects like blankets, bags and event tops. You can make this square with any yarn.
Sophie’s Garden Square
Dare I say it? Sophie’s garden is now a classic pattern in its own right. It is a beautiful floral mandala within a square.
Find the original free tutorial on LookAtWhatIMade blog.
Crocodile Stitch Afghan Block – Dahlia
Here is another beautiful square with a 3D floral center. The multiple layers give it so much depth.
Go to the full pattern on Ravelry
Denna Square
For some reason, as I look at the Denna square, I can’t help but to think of traditional windmills. I love it.
Go to the full pattern on Ravelry
More V’s Please Afghan Square
Here is a square that’s simply perfect for building larger projects. Also, it’s a wonderful, fabulous piece of art that will function great by itself.
Go to the free pattern on Ravelry
Picture Perfect Peony Square & Hexagon
This peony square is a great example of combining a “3D” textured middle and voids to define a flower and the space around it.
Find the original article pattern on Craftycc blog.
Simple 10-Petal Square
Deceptively simple, this 10-petal granny is a great addition to spice up a larger but blander project. The colors change it’s character so much.
Find this pattern on Ravelry
Blizzard Warning! Square
It’s snowing here in the Rockies, and this blanket is such a wonderful reflection of this. Mapping a hexagon onto a square is difficult, but this pattern pulls it off fabulously.
Find the full pattern on Every Trick on the Hook blog.
Charlotte Square
Charlotte may be famous for her web, but here we show that her square is equally beautiful. I love the mitered corners!
Find the pattern on Look At What I Made blog.
Finding Balance Square
The Finding Balance square is a beautiful, highly textured square with a very developed surface. Given the right choice of colors, this will be a stunning center piece or recurring motif in an afghan or blanket. The prominent edge will strongly delineate the squares from one another and produce a very vibrant pattern. Of course, you can also use this as a stand-alone object, such as for under a pot or a flower vase.
Skills: Easy Designer: Rhondda Mol (Oombawka Design)
Go to the pattern: Finding Balance Square
Magnolia CrossBow Block
The Magnolia Crossbow square is a large afghan square, 10” or 12” on a side depending on the yarn used, that has a magnolia blossom as its central motif, surrounded by geometric patterns inspired by crossbows. This is a lovely project that has great potential for color variation, but is particularly attractive in subdued hues, with a slight pop to the magnolia blossom. The square can be used on its own, or stitched together to make larger projects, and will pose an interesting challenge allowing you to hone your skills.
Skills: EasyDesigner: Margaret MacInnis
Go to the pattern: Magnolia CrossBow Block
Festive Julie Ann Square
This pretty square measures 12′ x 12′ and you have to be familiar with or learn how to use long post loops. The square is designed in festive colors, but you can use your favorite color combo as well. Although the flower motif was not intended, it looks like a pansy to me.
Skills: Easy Designer: Linda Dean
Go to the pattern: Festive Julie Ann Square
Granny Squares Color Pattern Generator
If you are planning to crochet a colorful granny square blanket, a color pattern generator is a great help. It will allow you to plan and test a harmonized mosaic created from your squares. It can list the colors and even the name of the color of yarn you are to use in each row. Read more: https://yourcrochet.com/granny-squares-color-pattern-generator/
Granny Square FAQs
Here are some of the most frequent questions I get from you about granny squares:
How long does it take to crochet a granny square blanket?
This depends on the square’s simplicity, the desired blanket size, and your skills. Also, it depends on the yarn weight and hook size. A crochet blanket can be made in a few hours but can also take indefinitely 🙂
A simple granny from 4 rounds can be made in a few minutes, depending on your skills. If you are a beginner, and you can make 4 rounds of a simple 5” granny in 10 minutes, it will take you approx. 7 hours to make a stroller-sized baby blanket. With practice, you can decrease this time by half or more.
While choosing the pattern, remember that a larger yarn works faster, and simple patterns go faster. If you decide to add more colors of yarn or are using a thinner yarn or making smaller squares, it will take longer
What is the best size crochet hook for granny squares?
The best size of the crochet hook for squares will be determined by the yarn you are using. Check the yarn label to see which hook size is recommended. If you don’t have a yarn yet or are unsure which one to get, a worsted weight yarn (size 4) or thicker will be the best choice.
How do you crochet a granny square step by step?
A granny is one of the most popular techniques and you will be able to master it quickly. After you get proficient with the basic square, you can then use it to make blankets, scarves, vests, and many other different projects. You can crochet a granny even if you have never crocheted before. Go to a free pattern on the top of the post and follow the step-by-step tutorial.
How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket?
The Granny Blanket is one of the easiest projects you can make. To start to make a crochet granny blanket, first, you have to decide what type of granny blanket you are going to make. It can be blanket made from squares joined together and you can choose from classical granny, solid granny, or any of the more complicated squares present earlier in the post. You can also decide to go with a granny blanket made of one square only (see the lower left photo below). In that case, you will start from the middle of the blanket going outside.
In the photo below you can see different types of granny blankets:
photo: How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket
Conclusion
Here it is – a substantial assortment featuring 30 free crochet patterns for granny squares, each crafted by skilled designers. With your yarn and crochet hook in hand, you’re all set to begin your creative journey. Dive into the patterns, let your imagination soar, and remember to show appreciation to these remarkable designers by visiting their pages. Enjoy the crocheting process, and may your collection of squares be as diverse and expansive as your creative mind!
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