Easy crochet granny square tutorial for beginners
I always think crochet granny squares are a bit like Christmas cakes. Why? Well everyone has a recipe for them and none are right or wrong but different people prefer different ways to make them. I’m going to share my granny square recipe, with some handy tips to help you get great results every time. My beginner crochet class were really keen to make these so we did them in week 4 and everyone did a brilliant job!
Crochet granny square abbreviations
I’m going to be using a few abbreviations in this pattern, I work in UK terms but I’ve included the US equivalent in brackets too.
| beg | beginning |
| ch | chain |
| RS | right side |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sp(s) | space(s) |
| tr (US dc) | treble crochet (US double crochet) |
| WS | wrong side |
| * * | repeat the instructions between * * the indicated number of times |
| ( ) | work the instructions inside brackets in the same stitch or space |
Starting your crochet granny square
To begin, you need to make a foundation ring
To do this, ch4 (some patterns may use more or less chains than this). Sl st to the first ch to join and insert a stitch marker through the centre of the ring. This is optional but very useful if you find it hard to identify where to insert your hook.
If you find it tricky to work into this ring, you could ch5 instead. This gives you a bigger ring to work into – you can thread the starting tail under the round 1 stitches at the end and pull it tight to gather the ring up. (Many patterns use magic ring – I prefer not to use it for things that will be used or washed a lot.)
Ch4 
Sl st to join and make a ring
Once you have joined the ring, ch2 (this forms your first tr). If you tend to chain tightly, you could ch3 here instead. Make 2 more tr into the ring and ch2 (this ch2 forms the corner sp). You’ve now made the first side of your crochet granny square.
Ch2 to form the first tr 
2tr into the ring
Now we are going to begin working pattern repeats to form the other 3 sides.
*3tr into the ring, ch2*, repeat from * to * two more times.
Sl st to top of beg ch2, fasten off and turn. (I turn crochet granny squares after every round as it helps prevent the twisting effect you can get.)
You should have 4 groups of 3tr and 4 ch2 sps.
Sl st to top of ch2
Round 2 (WS)
Make a slip knot on your hook using your new colour and sl st into any corner sp.
Tip: try to start in a different corner every time so that you don’t end up with one bulky corner from sewing in the ends.
Ch2, 2tr into the same sp.
Join yarn in a ch2 sp and ch2 
2tr into the same sp
*Skip the next 3tr and into the next corner sp work (3tr, ch2, 3tr)*.
Repeat from * to * two more times, 3tr into the next corner. (This is the same corner that you started in.)
Ch2 to form the last corner sp, sl st to top of beg ch2, fasten off and turn.
You should have 8 groups of 3tr and 4 ch2 sps.
3tr and ch2 in last corner (where you started), sl st to top of ch2 to join 
Completed Round 2
Round 3
Make a slip knot on your hook using your new colour and sl st into any corner sp.
Ch2, 2tr into the same sp.
Join new yarn in any corner using a sl st 
After first corner, next 3tr are worked into the sp indicated
*Skip the next 3tr and into the next sp between 3tr groups work 3tr, skip next 3tr, in corner sp work (3tr, ch2, 3tr)*.
Repeat from * to * two more times, 3tr into the next sp between 3tr groups and the final corner. (This is the same corner that you started in.)
Ch2 to form the last corner sp, sl st to top of beg ch2, fasten off and turn.
You should have 12 groups of 3tr (3 groups per side) and 4 ch2 sps.
3tr and ch2 in last corner (where you started), sl st to top of ch2 to join 
Completed Round 3
Round 4
Make a slip knot on your hook using your new colour and sl st into any corner sp.
Ch2, 2tr into the same sp.
*Skip the next 3tr and work 3tr into each of the next 2 sps between 3tr groups, skip next 3tr, in corner sp work (3tr, ch2, 3tr)*.
3tr in the sps indicated
Repeat from * to * two more times, 3tr into each of the next 2 sps between 3tr groups and the final corner. (This is the same corner that you started in.)
Ch2 to form the last corner sp, sl st to top of beg ch2, fasten off and turn.
You should have 16 groups of 3tr (4 groups per side) and 4 ch2 sps.
Continuing your crochet granny square
To make your crochet granny square bigger, repeat round 4, working 3tr into each sp between 3tr groups along every side and (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in each corner sp. You’ll be working 1 more 3tr group per side for every extra round you add.
Remember to keep turning at the end of each round!
Once you reach the end of your chosen final round, you can join more neatly by using an invisible join. This video shows you how!
Dealing with the ends
Pull all of the ends through to the WS of the work before sewing them in. I suggest working in 3 different directions to prevent ends from coming undone. If the joining slip stitch is visible, gently tug the yarn tail and move the other stitches so they cover it.
Slip stitch join visible between stitches 
After adjusting stitches to cover knot 
Sew ends in 3 directions to make them extra secure
There you have it, crochet granny squares made easy just for you! What will you make with yours? Please do share your makes with me on Facebook or Instagram.
If you’re looking for another easy tutorial, how about this crochet chevron blanket?
