Free beginner granny square pattern (8 rounds, with a PDF)
This is a free granny square pattern for beginners: the classic square of 3 double crochet clusters and chain 2 corners, eight rounds, about 6 inches (16 cm) across. Every round ends with its stitch count, so you can check your work as you go. The full pattern is below, and there is a free PDF to print or keep on your phone.
What you need
- Worsted weight yarn, about 25 g (one color or a few)
- A 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- A yarn needle to weave in the ends
Finished size: about 6 inches (16 cm) square after 8 rounds. Your size depends on your yarn and how tightly you crochet, so yours may come out a little bigger or smaller.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US crochet terms.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| dc | double crochet (UK treble, tr) |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sp | space |
| beg | beginning |
More terms, with their UK names, are in crochet terms and abbreviations: a US and UK chart.
Pattern notes
- The ch 3 at the start of a round counts as 1 dc.
- Every round has four corners, each worked (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in a ch-2 space, and one more group of 3 dc along each side than the round before.
- The number in brackets at the end of a round is the total number of dc in that round.
The granny square pattern
Ch 4 and join with a sl st to the first ch to make a ring.
Rnd 1: ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2, *3 dc in ring, ch 2* 3 times, join with a sl st to the top of beg ch 3 (12 dc)
Rnd 2: sl st in next 2 dc and into the ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1* 3 times, join (24 dc)
Rnd 3: sl st in next 2 dc and into the ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1* 3 times, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join (36 dc)
Rnd 4: sl st in next 2 dc and into the ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *[3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1* 3 times, [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, join (48 dc)
Rnd 5: work the same way, with [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times along each side (60 dc)
Rnd 6: work the same way, with [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 4 times along each side (72 dc)
Rnd 7: work the same way, with [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 5 times along each side (84 dc)
Rnd 8: work the same way, with [3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 6 times along each side (96 dc)
Finishing: fasten off. Weave in the ends.
Check your square as you go
| Round | 3 dc groups per side | Total dc |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 2 | 24 |
| 3 | 3 | 36 |
| 4 | 4 | 48 |
| 5 | 5 | 60 |
| 6 | 6 | 72 |
| 7 | 7 | 84 |
| 8 | 8 | 96 |
Count one side from corner to corner, including both corner groups: it should match the round you just finished. If a side is short, look for a ch-1 space you skipped. If the square cups, your chains may be tight; if it ruffles, look for an extra group.
New to the stitches in the round? How to make a magic ring covers working in the round, and how to read crochet patterns explains the brackets, asterisks and repeats used above.
What to make with it
- One square: a coaster or a dishcloth (in cotton yarn).
- Keep going: work more rounds the same way, adding one more group per side each round, for a cushion cover or a whole granny square blanket.
- Many squares: make a stack of squares and join them into a blanket, a bag or a cardigan. Changing color every round or two uses up leftover yarn.
Frequently asked questions
Is a granny square good for beginners?
Yes. You only need chains, slip stitches and double crochet, and after round 1 every cluster goes into a space, not into the top of a stitch, which is easier to see. Each round repeats the one before with one more group per side.
How big is a granny square?
This one is about 6 inches (16 cm) after 8 rounds in worsted yarn with a 5 mm hook. Each round adds roughly three quarters of an inch to an inch, so stop earlier for a smaller square or keep going for a bigger one.
How much yarn does a granny square take?
About 25 g of worsted weight yarn for the 8 round square.
Where Rowpin helps
Open this PDF in Rowpin, the iPhone and iPad row counter app i built for crochet and knitting, and it highlights each round as you go and counts with you.
Rowpin needs Rowpin Plus, a subscription with a 7-day free trial. It is not in the EU yet. Join the list to hear when it is. There is also a free row counter that works in your browser today.
Thank you for reading. Tschüss 🤓