How to Crochet a Granny Square

Granny squares are popular as they are versatile and can be varied in so many ways just by changing the pattern a little or by changing colours.

I will include more pictures below the pattern to show the different ways it can be used.

Form a Ring of Chain Stitches by crocheting 6 chains and then the two ends with a slip stich.

When working crochet in rounds, 3 chain stitches are often used as a substitute for the first double crochet stitch in a round; that is the case here. In the first round, the double crochet stitches are worked inside the ring. In subsequent rounds, the double crochet stitches are worked inside the spaces previously formed by chain stitches.

Ch. 3, 2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times, sl st to join to the 3rd chain stitch from foundation loop.

Work 3 sl sts (2 sl sts with the old color, and join the new color in the third) so that your crochet hook is adjacent to the space formed by the closest set of chain sts. Ch 3, 2 dc in space, ch 2 to form corner, 3 dc in same space, ch 2, (3 dc in next space, ch 2 to form corner, 3 dc in same space, ch 2) 3 times, sl st to join to the 3rd chain stitch you crocheted at the beginning of the round.

Work 3 sl sts (2 sl sts with the old color, and join the new color in the third) so that your crochet hook is adjacent to the space formed by the closest set of chain sts. Ch 3, 2 dc in space, ch 2 to form corner, 3 dc in same space, ch 2, (3 dc in next space, ch 2, 3 dc in next space, ch 2 to form corner, 3 dc in same space, ch 2) 3 times, 3 dc in next space, ch 2, sl st to join to the 3rd chain stitch you crocheted at the beginning of the round.

You can continue adding as many rounds as you want to your granny square. Each subsequent round will follow the same basic procedures used in the preceding rounds. You'll start with 3 chain stitches substituting for the first double crochet. In the corners, you will work 2 sets of 3 double crochet stitches separated by 2 chain stitches. Otherwise, you will work 3 double crochet stitches in each space, separated by 2 chain stitches on either side.