Amazing Free Crochet Granny Square Patterns

Are you looking for free crochet patterns for granny squares? In this post, I’ve compiled unique patterns to ignite your creativity. Each of these granny square patterns is stunning and challenging, so I hope there’s something motivational here for you, no matter whether you’re a crocheted newbie or an advanced crocheter.  

Are you interested in beginner and free granny square patterns? Do you want to learn how to crochet a granny square or looking for a step-by-step tutorial on a solid granny?   please read my previous post: 30 Free Crochet Patterns for Granny Squares addressed particularly to beginner crocheters.

What is the point of granny squares? Why are they so popular?

We all have some nostalgia for traditional granny squares and some fond memories from childhood. But there are so many other reasons to love them. Like these:

• Only basic crochet techniques are required. Master the chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet and sl st, and you are OTW.
• They are one of the most beginner-friendly patterns… for kids too! 
• Great for teaching a new crop of crocheters. 
• You don’t need whole skeins of yarn. Just take short lengths, like leftover bits from larger projects. Combine them to make a colorful granny square panoply!
• You don’t need a lot of equipment.
• Also, they’re modular. You can make individual granny squares until you have a stack to connect. Or, you can make a blanket of a certain size, like a baby blanket, and then it can grow by adding more squares in the future.
• Single granny squares, or another small numbers of them, can be coasters or parts of larger projects.
• Crocheting of any kind can be a stress reliever. It’s meditational, with the added bonus that you actually make something. 
• Feel like trying something new, but don’t want to take on a whole, huge project? Make test pieces as granny squares.
• Build confidence and stamina without risking a larger project.
• Create whole bunches of varied ones as gifts!

Do you know where the granny square originated? I don’t either, and no one does! The stories about its origin are vague at best. Lost in the mists of time, you could say.

Supposedly, they’re called Granny squares because way back when, grannies would save scraps of yarn from old projects or frogged fabric to make scrap squares. These were patchworked together into colorful blankets. Since grannies supposedly couldn’t do any heavy labour, they were usually the ones to sew these blankets together. Hence, Granny squares!

What is called a Granny Square?

The basic granny square patterns consist of groups of 3dc made in a square block. Nowadays, you’ve got granny square variations like solid granny squares, sunburst granny squares, and so on. There’s not one clear-cut definition that is universally recognized, as far as I know, and so, it’s all grannies!

For me, a Granny square IS square and can be used in multiples (like for blankets or pillows) and has a little element of dc’s or clusters. But that’s just my definition, and you can have your own! It doesn’t matter anyway – they’re beautiful to look at and fun to make and that’s what counts.

What can I use a Granny Square for?

You can join squares together to make a granny square blanket, cardigan, bag, bunting, fingerless. Honestly, the list is endless. Not only can you make a bunch of them and join them to make an afghan or a bedspread, but you can also use them separately as decorations or as the center of a baby blanket.

Many crocheters use blocks to make accessories, too! Bags, backpacks, and totes are stylish and work up quicker with a granny centerpiece or backbone.

What yarn should I use for a Granny Square?

Almost any type of yarn is suitable for use in a granny square design. If you’re a beginner, I’d stick to cotton yarns like Catona, Lily or acrylics such as Bernat, Stylecraft, Red Heart. They’re available in a range of colors and have clear stitch definitions, making it easy to crochet with. Try to pick a medium weight yarn (#4 Medium) or thinner. It will be easier to see the stitches in your granny square project.

If you already made a few easy granny square patterns and you are looking for more: Stop! Here are some divided into 11 intermediate and advanced patterns to love crochet even more! Be proud of your accomplishments.

Amazing Granny Square Free Crochet Patterns

Here are Granny Squares that rock and will make you excited about crocheting a granny square again. I have for you 10 free crochet patterns for granny squares and a bonus one which is not free but definitely worth the money. 

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 pattern on Ravelry.

Pimlico Granny

Pimlico Afghan Square is great for many crochet projects like blankets, bags and event tops. You can make this square with any yarn.

Go to the free pattern on Ravelry.

Madux James Square

The Madux James Square is approximately 12″ (if you use a 5.00 mm hook);  you can also get 11″ squares (using a 4.5 mm hook). Like all squares designed by Pam Knighton-Haener, they are beautiful and unique with and eye-catching and intriguing structure. Using this block, you can create a wonderful blanket. A big surface composed of Madux James Squares will nicely underline their 3D geometric effect.

Go to the pattern: Madux James Square Free Crochet Pattern

Sophie’s Garden Square

Dare I say it? Sophie’s garden is now a classic granny square pattern that is a beautiful floral mandala within a square.

Find the original free pattern on LookAtWhatIMade blog.

3D Heart Granny Square

Looking to give your granny squares a fun twist? This 3D Heart Granny Square is a fresh take on a beloved classic. The raised heart design adds texture and a pop of personality—perfect for special blankets or statement accessories. It’s beginner-friendly and so satisfying to stitch!

Find the original free pattern on our website: 3D Heart Granny Square

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 free 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 free 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 free pattern on Craftycc blog.

Prince Protea Square

The Prince Protea square is another amazing mandala-inspired project. It’s a little staburst of colr on an ornate, multi-layered background. While you can make these squares subdued, the vibrant color contrasts in the photos below are really the forte of this pattern. Prince Potea squares are a great addition to your square quiver and can be used for blankets, afghans, throws and other wide, flat surfaces. Additionally, they can certainly be added as a decorative motif to something like a tote bag.

Simple 10-Petal Granny Square

Deceptively simple, this 10-petal granny square is a great addition to spice up a larger but blander project. The colors change it’s character so much.

Go to the free 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 original free 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 original free pattern on Look At What I Made blog.

Finding Balance Square Free Crochet Pattern

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. A link to a free pattern is at the end of the post.

Skills:  Easy           Designer:  Rhondda Mol (Oombawka Design)

 

Go to the pattern:  Finding Balance Square Free Crochet Pattern

Magnolia CrossBow Block Free Crochet Pattern

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: Easy    Designer:  Margaret MacInnis

 

Go to the pattern:  Magnolia CrossBow Block Free Crochet Pattern

Festive Julie Ann Square Free Crochet Pattern

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 

Emmalynn Square 12″

If you are looking for a large afghan square pattern, then you should consider the Emmalynn square. This 12” design is a beautiful flower-themed pattern that can be essentially endlessly varied in terms of color, and which can be worked into any larger flat project, or used on its own as a doily.

Skills: Easy    Designer:  Carolyn Christmas

Go to the pattern…

Emmalynn Square

More details about chitweed’s project

Flower Garden Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

Is your quiver of granny squares running a little short? Tired of the designs you know and have used many times over? Here is a granny square pattern to help you enliven your projects once again. Of course, even though flowers are a perennial favorite, the flower rosettes in these squares are unique and will add a touch of 3D texture to any project.

Skills:  Easy           Designer:  Hiromi Widerquist

Go to the pattern:

Flower Garden Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

Primavera Flowers Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

Skills: Easy   Designer : Dada’s Place

Go to the pattern:

Primavera Flowers Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

Mitered Daisy Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

Squares are a very useful building block in many projects, not just blankets. You can curve them around surfaces, join them at odd angles, work them in a diamond pattern, and there are countless other ways you can incorporate them into your work. That said, these flower squares will put a whole other dimension into your crochet patterns on their own.

Skills: Easy   Designer : Marrietta

Go to the pattern:

Mitered Daisy Granny Square Free Pattern

Amazing Granny Square Crochet Pattern – Bonus

Enchanted Garden Tote

Now, here is the most difficult challenge, to show the many ways the granny square can be used. Here, it’s built up into an easy classic: a simple granny square pattern on the side made from double crochet stitches.

Go to the free pattern page on Ravelry.

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