The granny square is a much spoken of central part of the world of crochet. It is in its simplest forms one of the easiest crochet patterns you will learn to make, and yet it can create some of the most impressive works. The main granny square stitch is the double crochet, with some chains and a magic circle thrown in for good measure.
Granny squares are the basis from which a huge amount of designs are formed, yet despite being a relatively simple thing there are some major pitfalls in its use. So let’s take a look at how to crochet a simple granny square blanket!
Contents
Here is a video tutorial with instructions for creating your initial granny square. Please note that in the video I refer to double crochets, which is the US term and not the UK term, which is triple or treble crochet!
How do I start a granny square blanket?
Let’s start by looking at the first thing you will need to do to make your granny square. Funnily enough, your square begins with a circle.
Traditionally your granny square is born through the magic circle.
Sometimes known as a magic ring or even a magic loop, this central piece is the platform that your entire work rests upon.
So it’s really important to get it right.
Here are my instructions for making a magic circle. Check them out and follow along with the tutorial video if you need a helping hand.
To make a traditional granny square you need a magic circle with four stitches around the outside.
Whilst it is possible to begin a granny square with a circle made up from a simple chain, the magic circle is preferable because when done right it makes a strong, enduring and solid centre piece.
It helps your pattern grow into an intricate design that has a sturdy foundation that looks as good as it is.
Increasing your granny square
Once you have your magic circle created, you will need to close it off by slip stitching into the first stitch you made. From there you will extend outwards with a chain of three.
Granny Square Blanket Pattern
To help you follow along with the video, and to guide you on your way once you have started, here are some written instructions:
- Create a magic circle with four stitches around the outside
- Close the circle with a slip stitch into the first crochet
- Chain three from the slip stitch
- Double crochet into the same stitch as you closed, twice
- Chain three from your second double crochet
- Double crochet three times into the next stitch
- Chain three from your third double crochet in that stitch
- Repeat into the next stitch
- For the final stitch repeat again, but just chain two from the third double crochet
- Slip stitch to join to the third crochet of your original chain of three
- You now have a square
From this simple square you are simply going to build up the outer rows, making it as big as you like. From a small square to a large blanket!
- Into one of the open corners of the square, chain three
- Double crochet twice into the same corner
- Chain three from your last double crochet
- Then double crochet three more stitches into the same corner square
- Chain one from your last double crochet
- Double crochet three times into the next corner along
- Chain three from the last double crochet
- Double crochet three into the same corner
- Chain one to join the next corner
- Repeat!
Following the instructions above your pattern will grow by one additional central hole for each row you add.
The main things to remember are to chain three in the corners, but only chain one between the gaps. This will keep your pattern square and tight!
Crocheting a granny square blanket
From a simple granny square the crochet world expands and really comes to life.
To begin with you can add variety by extending the size and playing around with different colours of yarn. Choosing to create formal consistent patterns, or fun and funky designs by switching colours during a row.
Once you have mastered the individual granny square you can make numerous different patterns, and move on to make a patchwork granny square blanket from a multitude of seperate pieces.
Why not let us know how you are getting along with granny squares in the comments box below?