granny square

Welcome to the complete granny square guide, where I attempt to answer every question that is asked about these adorable little projects all in one place. Though I have been crocheting for almost three decades, it was only in the last decade that I answered the urge to create my first square and since then, everything seems to be the result of one of them. If you’re interested in making one, but feeling a little nervous, just pick up that hook and try it. It’s much easier than it looks and the end result is gratifying.

If you have questions that aren’t answered within this post, please comment or reach out – the goal is to make a comprehensive post where all of the questions are answered.

What’s a Granny Square?

A granny square is a piece of crochet work that combines granny stitch clusters (see below) along with chains to create a square. When joined with other granny squares it can create several finished pieces. The traditional pattern is simple and works up very quickly. For folks like me with a short attention span, these are dreams in the world of crochet. They utilize small amounts of yarn, so it’s a good use for scrap yarn. Though they can be intimidating if you’ve never tried one, the traditional granny square is beginner-level.

What is the Granny Stitch?

Sometimes people refer to the granny stitch or the granny shell, this simple stitch is just 3 double crochets in the same stitch. To turn this stitch into a square, you’ll need a corner (not pictured below). To make the corner, you do 3 double crochets, chain 3, and 3 additional double crochets all in the same stitch.

Why is it called a granny square?

The general belief is that we call it a granny square because once granny was too old for manual labor, she tended to be the one to create and stitch them together. I sometimes wonder if the name has caused people, in general, to perceive crocheters as older women. I began crocheting regularly in my very early twenties, and it doesn’t bother me when someone says it’s an old woman’s craft. I hate that they’re missing out.

How Old are Granny Squares?

Speaking of old, granny squares have been around for a really long time. The first documented one came into existence in the late 1800s, around 1891. If you’re trying to do the math, that’s 131 years ago. So maybe now they’re called granny squares because they’re old enough to be your great, great granny…

Whatever the reason, even non-crocheters know exactly what you’re talking about when you mention them. Though cyclical in popularity, they never go away.

How big is a granny square?

Though various yarns and hooks can change the size of a traditional granny square, traditionally, they tend to be 4 rounds and measure about 4 inches when using medium/worsted weight yarn and my hand dandy 4.5mm crochet hook. There really is no limit to how large you can make a granny square and many people create large square blankets out of just one square. I also like to make them from embroidery floss and a small hook to create earrings. The pattern is at the end of this post.

How many different kinds of granny squares are there?

There is only one traditional granny square but as time has gone on, yarn artists realized that these handy squares can be fashioned in different ways. Personally, if it isn’t a traditionally granny square, I believe it should be called a square motif but even I tend to slip and call it a granny from time to time, too. Here’s an example of what I would consider a motif. It’s a square, but not a traditional one. It’s called the sunburst pattern, but many refer to this universally as a granny.

What are granny squares used for?

Granny Squares can create a variety of finished pieces when sewn together. In the 1970s so many clothes were created, granny square vests, cardigans, scarves, hats. In 2022 they tried to make a comeback at target but Target received criticism from shoppers who believed that they had people hand-make the clothing for low wages. I’m still not sure if that was ever proven. If it was machine-made, that is disappointing as well. Crochet is the handwork of art. It’s not a machine’s talent. Anyway, that didn’t last long at the store.

Here’s my favorite piece of clothing made from squares:

@hookandpaper

Granny square cardigan #grannysquare #crochetcardigan #crochetpattern #crochetersoftiktok #crochettok

♬ original sound – HookandPaper

How do you make a Traditional Granny Square?

These simple little squares are created by clusters of the granny stitch that join by a single or double chain to create the corners. There are usually four rounds in a square. For the skilled crocheter, each square takes approximately 10 minutes to create. The frustrating part about the granny square is only trimming off and weaving in the ends, but I have a simple trick for that.

How do you make a granny square scarf?

There are a couple of ways to make a granny square scarf – you can either create multiple small squares and sew them together into one long piece, or you can create a rectangle granny square using the granny stitch. I share more about that later in this post.

@hookandpaper

#crochet #crochetersoftiktok #grannysquare #crochettok #crochetartist #crochetaddict #yarnlovers

♬ original sound – HookandPaper

How Do You Make a Granny Square Bag?

I really do love making granny square bags, and square motif bags. There are many ways to create a granny square bag, and I’ll share many of them below. The bag in the below photo is excellent for farmer’s markets, they’re a total vibe and I get plenty of compliments every time I tote one along. Their construction adds just enough give, but not too much, which is good because some other bags I’ve made have drooped to my ankles when I filled them up. Not a good look!

• Crochet Granny Square Bag

How do you make a granny square blanket:

You can make a granny square blanket just by sewing the squares together one by one to make a blanket in whatever length and width you desire. Though the squares have gaps in them, they are surprisingly warm and when made with a soft yarn, they’re incredibly comfortable too. If you’re making a granny square afghan and you aren’t working with a pattern, you can quickly determine how many granny squares you will need with this calculator. I tend to not be that planned with my projects, and only just found this calculator. Bookmark it.

How do you make a granny square pillow:

This is my favorite way to use a granny square. Or maybe my second favorite way because they make cute earrings too. You can make a large granny square and then sew all the corners together in the back. While I don’t have the pattern written, these images show how to create this. I worked this one up for our guest room to cover an old enormous sofa pillow and bring all of the colors of the room together in one place. I love how it turned out.

• You can also make a granny motif pillow.

To Block or Not To Block:

I don’t always block my squares – but if you need them to retain their shape – perhaps for your earrings or a bag, many crocheters will go ahead and block their squares. This is an easy, yet additional step that many crocheters swear is imperative. I disagree, but in a kind, fellow-crocheter kind of way. Still, if you’re up for the task, here’s how.

How to Block Your Granny Square:

• First, you’ll want a granny square blocking board and some pins, you can get these from most yarn and craft stores or online. You can also make your own out of a peg board and pegs or foam and pins. I find that a board created specifically for the purpose of blocking my squares is my preferred route.
• Get your square wet – either by submerging in water completely and then pressing the water out in a towel or by misting your square until it’s wet but not dripping.
• Lay our square flat against the board and working from the inside out, gently stretch your square into shape, pinning as you go.
• If necessary for your project, consider using yarn stiffening spray which can be purchased at most craft stores.
• Leave in place until full dry or for at least 3 hours.

My Favorite Granny Square Patterns:

• Granny Square Bag
• Granny Square Pillow
• Small Granny Square Earrings
• 4 round Granny Square Earrings

Content on tiktok takes a lot less time to create, so I’m delivering regularly over there, I hope you’ll find me at @hookandpaper and follow along.