Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern: 4 Easy Rounds
Build a classic square from a chain ring, three-double-crochet groups, and four clear corners. This basic granny square crochet pattern includes all four written rounds, both original photos, and a step reader that remembers your place.
How This Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern Works
This square is worked in joined rounds, with clusters of three double crochets placed into spaces. The source uses a starting chain 2 that counts as a double crochet. It also ties off and turns the work after rounds 1, 2, and 3. Keep those details consistent instead of mixing in another granny-square method.
You can choose one color or several. The original turquoise-and-lime and black-gray-and-white examples show different combinations. A finished size, yarn quantity, yarn weight, numbered hook size, and formal skill rating are not supplied. This guide has not been independently test-crocheted.
Materials for the Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern
- Yarn in your chosen color or colors.
- A crochet hook matched to the yarn.
- A darning needle for weaving in ends.
These are the materials listed in the PDF. No exact yarn amount or hook measurement is specified. Keep enough of each color available to complete its round.
Stitches and Spaces
Use US terminology for this guide. The stitch abbreviations used below are defined in the table.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain stitch |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| dc | Double crochet, using US terminology |
| 3-dc group | Three double crochets worked into the indicated space |
| Corner | A ch-2 space between two 3-dc groups, after round 1 |
| Side space | A ch-1 space between groups along a side |
Work into the open spaces indicated, rather than into the tops of the individual double crochet stitches. At the start of every round, chain 2 and work 2 dc to make the first three-stitch group. At the end, join into the top of that starting chain 2.
Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern: Step Reader
Use Previous and Next while crocheting. Your current step and completed steps are saved in this browser when storage is available. The full written instructions remain below.
All Four Rounds, in Order
This basic granny square crochet pattern keeps the source’s chain counts, joins, and turns. The checks below are calculated from the written instructions, including the starting chain 2 as one dc.
Start: make the ring
Make a slip knot. Chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Work round 1 into the center of this ring, rather than into its individual chain stitches.
Round 1: four corners
Chain 2; this counts as the first double crochet. Work 2 dc into the ring. Chain 2. Work (3 dc into the ring, ch 2) three times. Slip stitch into the top of the starting ch 2. Tie off and turn the work. Check: four 3-dc groups and four ch-2 corners; 12 dc in total, counting the starting chain as a dc.
Round 2: build the square
Attach yarn with a slip stitch in any corner space. Chain 2 (counts as dc), then 2 dc in the same space. Repeat the following three times: ch 2, 3 dc in the same space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next corner space. Finish the starting corner with ch 2 and 3 dc in the same space; ch 1 and slip stitch into the top of the starting ch 2. Tie off and turn. Check: eight 3-dc groups, four ch-2 corners, and four ch-1 side spaces; 24 dc in total.
Round 3: fill the side spaces
Attach yarn with a slip stitch in any corner space. Chain 2 (counts as dc), then 2 dc in that space. Repeat the following three times: ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space. Finish with ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space, ch 1; slip stitch into the top of the starting ch 2. Tie off and turn. Check: twelve 3-dc groups, four ch-2 corners, and eight ch-1 side spaces; 36 dc in total.
Round 4: complete the motif
Attach yarn with a slip stitch in any corner space. Chain 2 (counts as dc), then 2 dc in that space. Repeat the following three times: ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space. Finish with ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next space, ch 1; slip stitch into the top of the starting ch 2. Tie off. Check: sixteen 3-dc groups, four ch-2 corners, and twelve ch-1 side spaces; 48 dc in total.
Finish and check
Weave in all ends with the darning needle. Check for four corners, consistent groups, and secure joins. The four-round pattern ends here. To enlarge the square, keep working a pair of 3-dc groups separated by ch 2 at each corner, with one 3-dc group in each side space and ch 1 between groups. This extension explains the repeating structure; the supplied written instructions stop after round 4.
Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern: Count Checks
| Round | 3-dc groups | DC total* | Ch-2 corners | Ch-1 side spaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| 2 | 8 | 24 | 4 | 4 |
| 3 | 12 | 36 | 4 | 8 |
| 4 | 16 | 48 | 4 | 12 |
*Includes the starting chain 2 as a double crochet. Chain spaces are counted separately. Each new round adds four groups, or twelve dc.
Both Original Square Photos
Compare the four corners, open side spaces, and color rounds. Stella badges cover legacy marks while every crochet detail remains visible.
Basic Granny Square Crochet Pattern: Questions
Why does the square have fewer than four corners?
Check round 1 first: it needs four 3-dc groups with a ch-2 space after each group. In later rounds, each corner contains two 3-dc groups separated by ch 2. Side spaces use ch 1.
Does the starting chain count as a stitch?
Yes. This pattern’s ch 2 counts as one dc. Add 2 dc in the starting space, not 3 dc. Join into the top of the ch 2.
Why turn after each round?
The source turns after rounds 1–3 to reduce the tendency of corners to pull in one direction. It suggests that this can avoid blocking. Treat that as the source’s approach rather than a guarantee: your yarn and tension still affect the shape.
Do I need to change color every round?
No. Use any number of colors, as the PDF suggests. Its written method ties off between rounds; you can reattach the same color while following those instructions.
Can I make a blanket from this square?
The PDF suggests joining squares for blankets, cushion covers, shawls, or scarves. It does not include a joining method, layout, or project yarn quantity. Choose those separately and measure a finished square before estimating your project.
Can I keep adding rounds?
Yes. Continue the corner and side-space structure described in the finishing step. Keep four corners and add one more side group on each side per round. The supplied round-by-round text covers only rounds 1–4.
Complete One-Page Pattern
The complete reference page is included below so you can compare every instruction and both photographs. Stella badges cover the legacy photo marks without changing the guide.
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