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Confident Beginner

The Classic Granny Square, One Round at a Time

Learn how three-stitch groups and four corner spaces turn a small center ring into a classic granny square.

By Purely Crochet Editorial Team · October 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Beginners · Crochet Techniques · Free Patterns

Project time: Approximately 30–60 minutes per practice square · US crochet terms

Crocheted squares arranged with yarn and a crochet hook

Craft inspiration · Photo by Nicole Almendrada on Unsplash

Understand the repeating idea

A classic granny square grows from groups of three double crochets. The corners contain two groups separated by a chain space; those extra groups let the fabric turn and expand. Once you recognize the difference between a corner and a side space, the square becomes much easier to read.

Use smooth medium-weight yarn, a hook suited to that yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle. A 5 mm hook is a reasonable place to start a practice sample. Choose one color while learning so that color changes do not interrupt the structure.

Read the notation

These instructions use US terms: ch = chain; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch. Each beginning ch 3 counts as the first dc of its group. Corner spaces use ch 2; spaces between groups along a side use ch 1. Work the groups into spaces, not into the tops of the previous round’s double crochets.

Round 1: Establish four corners

Chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Ch 3, then work 2 dc into the ring. Repeat [ch 2, 3 dc into the ring] three times. Ch 2, then join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.

You have four groups of three dc: 12 dc altogether, counting the beginning chain, and four ch-2 corner spaces.

Round 2: Expand the corners

Slip stitch across the next two dc, then into the next corner space. In that space, work ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc. Ch 1. In each remaining corner, work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc], followed by ch 1. Join to the top of the beginning ch 3.

Count 24 dc, four ch-2 corners, and four ch-1 side spaces.

Round 3: Fill the side spaces

Slip stitch across the next two dc and into the corner. Work ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc in that corner. Ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch-1 side space, then ch 1.

For each of the other three sides, work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in the corner, ch 1, 3 dc in the side space, and ch 1. Join as before. You now have 36 dc, four corners, and eight ch-1 side spaces.

Check before finishing

Lay the square flat and identify all four corners. If one is missing, return to the error rather than forcing the fabric square. Fasten off and weave in the ends. For later rounds, keep the same corner treatment and add one three-dc group to every side space, separating neighboring groups with ch 1.

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