Hi!!! So in reminiscing about my mom yesterday with my kids. (My daughter is named after my mom who passed while I was pregnant with her.) I had this need to do a granny square. It’s one of the first things my mom taught me to crochet. It helped me understand the basics behind crochet and how to count my stitches effectively.
Supplies:
- Yarn
- Appropriate size hook for your yarn (It usually says on the package, although if you find it tight go up a size hook, and if it’s too loose, go down a size.)
- Scissors
- Yarn/wool needle to tie in ends.
Stitch key:
- ch = chain stitch
- sc = single crochet stitch
- dc = double crochet stitch
- sl = slip stitch
Instructions (written the American way):
- Row 1: Start with a magic circle (explained in video below). Sc 8 stitches and close with a sl. Close magic circle by pulling tight.
- Row 2: Dc in each st around. close circle with sl. (8 stitches total)
- Row 3: Ch 2. (This counts as first dc in row.) Dc again in same st. Dc in next st. twice. Ch 2. Dc 2 times in next 2 stitches. Ch 2. Dc 2 times in next 2 stitches. Ch 2. Dc 2 times in next 2 stitches. Ch 2. Sl in top of 1st dc. (total of 16 dc and 4 ch 2 corners)
- Row 4: Ch 2. (This counts as 1st dc in row.) Dc in next st. to corner (ch 2 from previous row). 2 dc in corner, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in next st and continue with 1 dc in each st to next corner. 2 dc in corner, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in next st and continue with 1 dc in each st to next corner. Continue this pattern around to original dc. Sl in top of 1st dc. (total of 32 dc and 4 ch 2 corners)
- Row 5: Ch 2. (This counts as 1st dc in row.) Dc in next st. to corner (ch 2 from previous row). 2 dc in corner, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in next st and continue with 1 dc in each st to next corner. 2 dc in corner, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in next st and continue with 1 dc in each st to next corner. Continue this pattern around to original dc. Sl in top of 1st dc. (total of 48 dc and 4 ch 2 corners)
- Row 6: Ch 2. (This counts as 1st dc in row.) Dc in next st. to corner (ch 2 from previous row). 2 dc in corner, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in next st and continue with 1 dc in each st to next corner. 2 dc in corner, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in next st and continue with 1 dc in each st to next corner. Continue this pattern around to original dc. Sl in top of 1st dc. (total of 64 dc and 4 ch 2 corners)
This is where I stopped the one pictured at the top. You could keep going. Essentially each side increased by 4 each side around from row 3 on so you can keep track of your stitches. I like this slight variation of this pattern instead of going from the magic circle directly into the dc pattern, as I think it adds more character to the center.
I hope this inspires you to try your hand at creating granny squares. There are too many variations to count, but if you can get this one down… the others will be a breeze. 🙂
Enjoy my video!!
Little Katy Bugs 