How to Crochet an Easy Granny Square

There has been a long standing tradition in my family that each new baby born receives either an afghan or a baby quilt. I have lost count over the years of just how many afghans I have crocheted, but I can say that my favorite by far has always been a Granny Square Blanket. I have never seen another pattern that can be so customizable. It can be made in solid color, or multiples, or in the case of the one I am making, one single multi colored yarn. Here is how I make my granny squares.

Easy Granny Square

Materials

• Your choice of yarn
• A crochet hook
• Scissors

Instructions:

You can find a printable copy of these instructions by clicking here.

The First Row

1. Make your slip knot, then chain 4.
2.  Slip Stitch into the first stitch making a small loop. 
3. Chain 3  then double crochet 2 times  into the center loop you created in  step 1. (note: if you lay your waste threat / tail on the edge of the loop and crochet over it, it hides the thread)
4. Chain 2 the double crochet 3 times into the loop.
5. Chain 2 the double crochet 3 times into the loop.
6. Chain 2 the double crochet 3 times into the loop.
7. Chain 2. Slip stitch into the next cluster of 3 by placing your hook between the first and second bar in the double crochet, then repeating this in between the next bar, and then into the corner hole for a total of 3 slip stitches. 

The Second Row

1. Now that you are at the corner hole on the end of the first row, chain 3 (this will mark your first stitch of the second row.).
2. Double crochet 2 times into the corner hole.
3. Chain 2.
4. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
5. Chain 2.
6. Double crochet 3 times into the next corner hole.
7. Chain 2.
8. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
9. Chain 2.
10. Double crochet 3 times into the next corner hole.
11. Chain 2.
12. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
13. Chain 2.
14. Double crochet 3 times into the next corner hole.
15. Chain 2.
16. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
17. Chain 2.
18. Slip stitch into the next cluster of 3 by placing your hook between the first and second bar in the double crochet, then repeating this in between the next bar, and then into the corner hole for a total of 3 slip stitches. This will end your second row at a corner hole.

3rd Row

1. Now that you are at the corner hole on the end of the second  row, chain 3
2. Double crochet 2 times into the corner hole.
3. Chain 2.
4. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
5. Chain 2.
6. Double crochet 3 times into the next hole.
7. Chain 2.
8. Double crochet 3 times into the next corner hole.
9. Chain 2.
10. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
11. Chain 2.
12. Double crochet 3 times into the next hole.
13. Chain 2.
14. Double crochet 3 times into the next corner hole.
15. Chain 2.
16. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
17. Chain 2.
18. Double crochet 3 times into the next hole.
19. Chain 2.
20. Double crochet 3 times into the next corner hole.
21. Chain 2.
22. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.
23. Chain 2.
24. Double crochet 3 times into the next hole.
25. Chain 2.
26. Slip stitch into the next cluster of 3 by placing your hook between the first and second bar in the double crochet, then repeating this in between the next bar, and then into the corner hole for a total of 3 slip stitches. This will end your 3rd row at a corner hole.

For Rows 4, 5 and 6

For these rows, you are going to continue the pattern above.

1. You will start at the corner hole at the end of row 3, chain 3 then double crochet 2 times into the corner hole. Chain 2. Double crochet 3 times into the same corner hole.Chain 2.
2. Each corner always gets 2 sets of 3 double crochet with chain 2 in between and  before and after.
3. Each single whole on the sides of your square gets a single cluster of 3 double crochet with a chain two before and after. 

Example of Row 4:

1. Chain 3 (This counts as a double crochet) then 2 Double Crochet, Chain 2, 
2. 3 Double Crochet in same corner hole, Chain 2,
3. 3 Double Crochet (single hole) Chain 2.
4. 3 Double Crochet (single hole) Chain 2.
5. 3 Double Crochet, Chain 2, 3 Double Crochet in the same corner hole. Chain 2.
6. Repeat until the end of the row.

End of 6th Row. 

1. Instead of slip stitching to the corner hole slip stitch into the first stitch of the ending cluster, then chain 2.
2. Starting by placing your hook between the bars of the next 2 double crochets, make a single crochet, then single crochet in between the next to bars. 
3. Your next stitch should go in the corner hole. Place 6 single crochet in the corner hole.
4. Place a 2 single crochet between the bars in the next cluster, then 2 tingle crochet in the next hole.
5. Repeat this pattern of 6 single crochets in corner holes, a single crochet between each bar in the clusters, and 2 single crochets in each single opening on the sides of the square.
6. When you reach the end of your border row, tie off by placing a slip stitch in the first stitch of the border. Remove your hook and then pull the loop until it is 3-4 inches long. Cut the center of the loop leaving a nice long tail. We will be tucking those tails using a needle when we attach our squared together in our next post.