How to Crochet a Granny Square
Here is how "Granny" made a quick and simple crocheted blanket. It is
something most beginners can learn quickly, as the technique is the same for
each row. Using Granny squares, you can crochet a blanket without having to
carry the blanket-in-progress with you. You make the squares individually,
then stitch them together.
Steps
1.
You'll need yarn.
Obtain yarn of your choice.
2.
Obtain an appropriately sized crochet hook.
3.
Chain six.
Chain six. Form a slip knot around the hook, wrap yarn around the hook,
and pull it through the loop in the knot. Now the yarn that you pulled
through is wrapped around the hook, and you can pull another loop
through that. Be sure to leave a little extra yarn at the beginning in case it
is needed later.
4.
Slip stitch to close.
Slip stitch into first chain (to form a ring). Pull a new loop through the
loop that's already on the hook, as well as through the chain stitch.
5.
Chain three
Chain three (equivalent of a first stitch of double).
6.
3 double crochets, into the center.
Make three double crochet into the center of the ring.
7.
Chain two.
8.
Make three double crochet into the center of the ring.
9.
Chain two.
10.
Repeat two more times, for a total of 4 groups of 3 dc (double
crochet).
11.
Finished first row.
Slip stitch into the top of the three chain to finish the round.
12.
New Color
Add a new color for the next row if you like... simply start crocheting with
the new color.
13.
Chain three (an equivalent of a first double crochet).
14.
3 dc in hole or "corner".
In the "corner," one of the spaces created by the chain two between sets
of double, do 3 double, chain two, and three more double. This begins
to create the square.
15.
Note double bunches of three dc in each "corner".
Chain two to the next corner, and repeat. Do all 4 corners, and then slip
stitch to the first corner to finish the round. Each corner should have two
sets of three dc, each separated by two chain stitches.
16.
Starting row 3 with color brought up behind from row one.
Change colors again if you like.
17.
Completed row three. Note two bunches in corners, single bunches along
the straight sides.
Double crochet TWO bunches of three (separated by two chain
stitches) into each corner... but only ONE bunch of three dc into each "flat
side" hole from here on out.
18.
Continue for as many rounds as you want. The number of side
spaces will continue to increase. You can make a potholder by backing
your square with sturdy cloth, an ornamental doily with a thinner yarn, or
even a baby blanket. Sew multiple squares together to make an afghan.
Tips

Darker yarns often make it harder to count your stitches. Try a lightercolored yarn for your first try.

Using a bigger needle/hook and thicker wool make a bigger project
quicker.

Try alternating yarn colors, switching off after completing a row or two.

When starting and ending alternating colors, always make sure that
your ends are secure, tied off well, tucked in, and hidden. You can do this
through knot tying or crocheting your ends into the square. there is nothing
worse than finishing a blanket and having it come apart, due to not
securing ends and centers.

Granny squares can also make great scarves when sewn in a row - a
project that requires fewer squares than a blanket.

If you are making a potholder, be sure to use cotton or wool yarn, not
acrylic. Acrylic will melt with heat.

Alternate pattern, very similar to granny squares.
Alternate method, dc'ing into each loop, not into holes.