Baby, it’s cold outside! At least, it is in Manitoba. One thing I love to do on a cold winter day is snuggle up under an afghan with a cup of tea. Even if it’s warmer where you are, a nice crocheted afghan adds beautiful texture to any space. In this tutorial, as part of the Crochet Basics series, you’ll learn how to make a classic granny square. I’ll also show you how you can join your granny squares to create a cozy afghan of your own!
In this video, I demonstrate how to make a 3-row granny square. Choose any yarn you fancy! Check the yarn label to choose the appropriate size of crochet hook for your yarn.
Start with a slip knot on your hook. Ch 4, and insert your hook into the first ch. Slip stitch (sl st) to create a loop.
Ch 3, 2 dc in loop. *Ch 1, 3 dc in same loop. Repeat from * 3 times.
Ch 1, then connect to the third chain on the other side with a sl st into the top ch st. That’s the first round!
For the second round, start by ch 4, and in the first space beside that chain, work 2 dc. Ch 1, skip 3 stitches, and work 3 dc in the next space. Ch 1, and work another 3 dc in the same open space.
Ch. 1, move on to the next open space. 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. Repeat for each open space on the first round. Once you’re back at the first corner, work 3 dc, ch 1, and then sl st into the top of the ch (4th stitch) to connect.
For the 3rd round, ch 4, 2 dc in the same space. *Ch 1, move on to the next open space on the side, 3 dc, ch 1. Move to the next corner, and work the corner as follows: 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. Repeat from * around.
To complete the 3rd row in your granny square, once you’ve done the final 3 dc in the last corner, ch 1, then insert your hook into the top of the chain (in the 4th stitch). Cut the yarn and pull through. This completes a 3-row granny square!
To connect your squares, start by taking 2 granny squares and put them together with the nicer sides facing in. You can see how the stitches line up nicely.
Insert your hook into the corner of both squares.
With matching yarn, slip knot onto your hook, and pull the yarn through the corner. Work single crochet stitches in each stitch until you reach the other corner.
From here, you can decide whether you want to continue around the square, attaching 4 squares to the middle square to create a plus sign like in the afghan I made, or you can cut the yarn and attach your squares “end to end” in a long strip, creating rows of squares to later attach using the same sc method. Once all your squares and rows are joined, use a darning needle to weave in all the yarn ends.
One thing I love about making granny squares, is it’s something you can start and finish in one sitting. Sometimes you have time to make one, other times you can make a bunch at one time. Stockpile your squares until you have enough to join them into a blanket! Small blankets make special baby gifts. Definitely something that takes time, but those are usually the gifts that get treasured for a long time. -Holly
Credits // Author: Holly Neufeld, Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
Is there any chance of getting that pattern for that wonderful blanket?
Hi Allison, the yarn I used is a bulky weight wool/acrylic blend (Lang Yarns “Mille Big”). For worsted weight, I would use a smaller hook. Check your label for the appropriate hook size suggestion. Good luck with your crocheting! – Holly
cute baby !
Just started crocheting a week ago when I stumbled on these tutorials – I think I’m addicted! I just finished my first granny square and feeling pretty impressed with myself 🙂
Did you see the squares onto a piece of fabric? If so please tell me how and what you used 🙂
I love this! I’ve never crocheted before and have spent the weekend trying to learn from your videos. I was wondering what type of yarn you were using in the video. I tried worsted but the kind I got seems so much smaller and gets fuzzy easily and I’m struggling to see the stitches with my 5mm hook. What type of fiber did you use? I’m just so excited to try this out!
Hi Meg!
I used worsted weight yarn, purchased from elann.com in 50g skeins. I used 8 skeins of white, and 6 skeins of black. I made 5-row granny squares (5″x5″), using the same technique from the video, but adding 2 more rows. The blanket came out to be around 35″ x 45″. So the whole blanket used approximately 700g of worsted weigh wool. I would purchase a bit more if it’s a fussy colourway. Good luck, and happy crocheting! -Holly
Hi Holly,
Since I’d like to ensure the yarn I use for this blanket is from the same dye lot, can you recommend how many skeins of the Superwash are needed to make this exact size blanket? I’d want to purchase the yarn in advance to make sure I have enough of the same dye lot.
Thanks for the great pattern and tutorial!
Meg
oooh man, I hear ya!! I have started way more projects than I have finished. I was officially diagnosed with “Start-itis” ha! Here’s to finishing more yarn projects this year! 🙂
I started making a granny square blanket a couple years ago and ended up giving up after about 20 squares! Last year I started a wave effect blanket and that’s still 1/4 of the way done haha! I really need to get back to work on all these blankets I’ve started!
xo April
April | April Everyday
Absolutely beautiful baby girl!! Also love the Lime green colour!
www.Chan-tells.co.uk
Can I buy this from you!!! 🙂
Good point! What is your favourite place to purchase yarn? I usually get mine from elann.com or Knit Picks. I love a good quality merino wool… and a little cashmere doesn’t hurt, either! 😉 I love to splurge on premium yarn at local shops in Winnipeg as well, like Wolseley Wool. https://www.wolseleywool.com/
Can you tell me where the couch is from? I love it!
Hi Evanthia! This blanket measured around 35″ x 45″ which isn’t too big for a toddler. It’s a good size for lap blanket on the sofa. I would use a superwash wool so it can be easily laundered. A lot of yarn companies make superwash wool especially for babies, so look for that! Something soft and washable. 🙂 Happy crocheting! -Holly
Love it!
I’m just the opposite. I taught myself to crochet when I was 12 & have been doing it for 41 yrs. I dabbled in the knitting but didn’t pursue it.
This is great, I’ve just started to teach myself to crochet! http://kirsty.ws/
Wow, that is a great design! I’ve never thought I could make something like that with granny’s squares. Thank you for the idea! Question: what are the measurements of your blanket? and any suggestions for a baby’s (1,5 years old) blanket? thank you!!!
Love love love this pattern. Definitely going to give the +’s a go! x
Madeleine, The Daily Mark