Traditional Granny Square

Dear craft enthusiasts and cherished readers of Grandma’s Crafts, welcome to our lovely blog, Grandma’s Crafts. Here we feature a variety of craft patterns, and you’ll be able to tackle beautiful projects. Everyone knows the traditional granny square; it serves as the foundation for numerous lovely crochet projects. It’s often the first project for many embarking on this beautiful journey of crochet. So whether you’re experienced or a beginner, a first-time adventurer, you’re in the right place to learn how to make the traditional granny square in a step-by-step and easy-to-follow manner!

Today, let’s embark on a delightful journey down memory lane and explore the timeless charm of a classic in the world of crochet – the Traditional Granny Square. Just like the comforting embrace of a beloved grandmother, the Traditional Granny Square brings with it a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and the joy of creation.

A Stitch in Time: Origins of the Granny Square

Picture this: a cozy living room filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies, the gentle hum of conversation, and the rhythmic click-clack of knitting needles. This timeless scene encapsulates the essence of the Granny Square, which has been a staple in the world of crochet for generations.

The origins of the Granny Square can be traced back to the early 19th century. As grandmothers across the globe passed down their treasured crochet techniques, the Granny Square emerged as a beautiful and versatile pattern. Its simplicity and elegance have stood the test of time, making it a beloved choice for crafters of all ages.

A Tapestry of Creativity: Endless Possibilities

What makes the Traditional Granny Square so special is its adaptability. Like a patchwork quilt of memories, each square tells a unique story. Crafters can experiment with colors, sizes, and yarn textures to create personalized masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned crochet expert or a novice eager to learn, the Granny Square welcomes all into its warm embrace.

Imagine crafting a cozy blanket that holds within its threads the memories of lazy Sunday afternoons, or a vibrant throw pillow that adds a touch of homemade charm to your living space. With the Traditional Granny Square, the possibilities are as boundless as the love and creativity you pour into your craft.

Passing Down the Legacy: Craft as a Family Tradition

In the spirit of Grandma’s Crafts, let’s celebrate the idea of passing down the art of crochet through generations. The Traditional Granny Square is not just a pattern; it’s a connection between the past and the present. Gather your loved ones, share stories, and create together. As grandmothers have done for centuries, let’s continue the tradition of crafting as a form of love, patience, and shared creativity.

Traditional Granny Square – WRITE PATTERN

This crochet granny square pattern incorporates the Chainless Starting Double Crochet and employs an alternative joining technique to eliminate the noticeable starting chain ridge in the finished piece. It is versatile, suitable for use with any yarn, adaptable to various gauges, and can be crafted in any desired size.

Materials Required:

Yarn of your choice (any weight category is suitable; the yarn thickness, number of colors, and desired square size will dictate the amount needed).

Crochet Hook (in a size appropriate for the thickness of the yarn you are using)

Scissors

Yarn Needle or Blunt Tapestry Needle for finishing touches.

ABBREVIATIONS (US terms)

st: stitch

sts: stitches

sp: space

sk: skip

nxt: next

ea: each

beg: beginning

ch: chain

sl st: slip stitch

sc: single crochet

hdc: half-double crochet

dc: double crochet

SPECIAL STITCHES

CSDC: Chainless Starting Double Crochet

Extend the loop on the crochet hook until it surpasses the typical length of a regular double crochet (refer to the 1st picture). While securing the top of the elongated loop with your finger, yarn over using the stretched loop on the hook (not the working yarn) once (refer to the arrow in the 1st picture and the completed step in the 2nd picture). Insert the hook into the same stitch from which the loop originates (refer to the 3rd picture). Yarn over and pull up a loop of yarn (refer to the 4th picture). Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook twice (refer to the 5th and 6th pictures).

CSSC: Chainless Starting Single Crochet

Gently extend the loop on the hook (as shown in the 1st picture). Place the hook into the exact stitch where the loop originates (as seen in the 2nd picture). Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull up a loop (as demonstrated in the 3rd picture). Yarn over again and pull through the two loops on the hook (as illustrated in the 4th picture).

Traditional Granny Square Instructions

Start with a chain of 4. Slip stitch in the 4th ch from the hook to create a ring (refer to the first photo, and see the finished step in the second photo).

Round 1: Make a chainless starting double crochet (CSDC) in the ring, then add 2 double crochet stitches into the ring (as shown in the third photo below). *Ch2, then make 3 double crochet stitches in the ring*. Repeat the instructions between * and * two more times (as illustrated in the fourth photo below).

Ch1, half double crochet in the top of the CSDC from the beginning of the round (shown in the fifth photo below). This half double crochet contributes to the corner chain space but positions the round’s end at the exact center of the corner chain space.

Counting each double crochet and each chain as a stitch, including the half double crochet, you should have a total of 20 stitches.

Round 2: CSDC in same corner chain space (ch sp), two double crochets (dc) in the same space (see the 1st pic below).

*Ch 1, skip the next 3 stitches, then work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner chain space*. Repeat this sequence between * and * two more times (check the 2nd picture).

Ch 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and work 3 double crochets in the next corner chain space (the same chain space where we began the round).

Ch 1, half double crochet (hdc) in the top of the chainless starting double crochet (CSDC) from the beginning of the round (see the 3rd pic). This hdc contributes to the corner chain space but positions the round’s end at the very center of the corner chain space.

By following these steps, you should have a total of 36 stitches, counting each double crochet and each chain as individual stitches and including the half double crochet as one stitch.

Round 3: CSDC in the same corner as the chain space and place 2 double crochet stitches (dc) in the same space. Then, follow this pattern: *Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and make 3 dc in the next chain-1 space. Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and in the next corner chain space, create (3 dc, chain 2, 3 dc)*. Repeat this sequence between the * and * two more times

Next, chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and make 3 dc in the next chain-1 space. Chain 1 again, skip the next 3 stitches, and make 3 dc in the next corner chain space (which is the same chain space we started the round from). Chain 1 once more, and half-double crochet (hdc) in the top of the Chainless Starting Double Crochet (CSDC) from the beginning of the round. This hdc contributes to forming part of the corner chain space and concludes the round at the very center of the corner chain space. Counting each double crochet and each chain as a stitch, along with considering the hdc as a stitch, you should have a total of 52 stitches.

Round 4: CSDC in same corner chain space, then place 2 double crochet stitches in the same space. Next, repeat the following sequence: *(Ch 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and make 3 double crochet stitches in the next chain-1 space.) Do this twice. Then, chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and in the next corner chain space, (make 3 double crochet stitches, chain 2, and 3 more double crochet stitches). Repeat this entire sequence between * and * 2 more times. After that, chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and make 3 double crochet stitches in the next chain-1 space. Repeat this twice. Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and make 3 double crochet stitches in the next corner chain space (the same space where we started the round). Chain 1, half-double crochet in the top of the first chainless starting double crochet from the beginning of the round. This half-double crochet completes part of the corner chain space and finishes the round at the center of the corner chain space. You should now have a total of 68 stitches, counting each double crochet and each chain as a stitch, and also counting the half-double crochet as a stitch.

Round 5: CSDC in the same corner chain space. Make 2 double crochets in the same space. *(Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, then make 3 double crochets in the next chain-1 space) Repeat this sequence 3 times. Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, and in the next corner chain space, make (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets*). Repeat this pattern from * to * 2 more times. (Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, make 3 double crochets in the next chain-1 space) Repeat this sequence 3 times. Chain 1, skip the next 3 stitches, make 3 double crochets in the corner chain space (the same space where we started the round). Chain 1, half double crochet in the top of the first double crochet from the beginning of the round. This half double crochet completes part of the corner chain space and finishes the round at the center of the corner chain space. You should have a total of 84 stitches, counting each double crochet and each chain as a stitch, including the half double crochet.

Round 6: CSSC in same corner chain space, then single crochet in the same space. Now, *single crochet in each stitch and each chain space across until you reach the next corner chain space, where you should make 3 single crochets in that space*. Repeat this sequence two more times. Continue single crocheting in each stitch and each chain space across until you return to the initial corner chain space where we started the round; complete the round by making a single crochet in that corner chain space (refer to the third photo below).

If you prefer to use the yarn tail for sewing your granny squares together, follow these steps: First, join by slip stitching into the chain space from the beginning of the round. Ensure you leave a tail long enough for your seam, then cut the yarn and tie it off.

Alternatively, if you opt not to use the yarn tail for sewing, try this invisible join method: Cut the yarn, leaving approximately a 6-inch tail. Extend the loop on your hook until the end of the tail emerges. Thread that tail through your yarn needle.

Next, skip the chain space from the beginning of the round, and insert the needle from back to front through the next single crochet of the round (the one after the chain space). Pull the needle through. Now, insert the needle downward through the top of the last stitch of the round, at the same location where the tail originated. Pull the needle through, adjusting the stitch if necessary. (Refer to the fourth photo below for the finished join.) Optionally, take a small stitch on the back of the single crochet round and make a knot. Finally, weave in any loose ends.

If you want, you can keep making the granny square bigger. Once you finish Round 5, the next rounds will be similar. Each time, just repeat the pattern of chain 1, skip 3 stitches, and make 3 double crochet stitches in the next chain-1 space, adding one more repeat than the previous round. Also, you can use different colors for your granny squares, however many you want!

To Switch Colors:

• Finish the last round with your current color, then tie it off.
• Put your hook into the same corner space where you finished off. Pull up a loop of the new color yarn.
• Make a chain stitch, but pull it tight.
• Start your next round with a special stitch as told in the pattern.
• Pull the yarn tail to tighten the chain stitch and hide it.
• Follow the pattern instructions for the rest of your project.

PDF

Dear reader, we would like to make a PDF version available here so that you can print it and have it on hand. This PDF was made by YAY for Yarn and you can access it below:

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Traditional Granny Square – VIDEO TUTORIAL

We also want to make a video tutorial version available to help you execute your granny square. We know that some people prefer this way of learning, so we have put together a very educational tutorial video from the YouTube channel and you can watch it below:

Stitching Memories, One Square at a Time

As we immerse ourselves in the world of Traditional Granny Squares, let’s appreciate the simplicity, versatility, and timeless charm they bring to our crafting endeavors. Just like a grandmother’s love, the Traditional Granny Square wraps us in warmth and invites us to create beautiful memories with each stitch.

So, dear readers, pick up your crochet hooks, select your favorite yarn, and let the magic of the Granny Square unfold. May your creations be filled with the love, joy, and nostalgia that make crafting truly special.