Looking for a free granny square pattern? Here are 23 of them, from the classic three-dc-cluster square most of us learned first to sunburst and daisy squares, an African flower, granny hexagons, mitered and corner-to-corner grannies, a bobble heart, and finished projects like tote bags and a continuous granny blanket. Every pattern is free in full on the designer's own site, with written rounds and no sign-up. Most squares take 15 to 30 minutes and use leftover yarn, so they're the perfect portable project and a great way to learn to crochet.
For each one I've noted the yarn, hook, finished size where the designer gives it, and how Round 1 starts, so you can pick a square that matches the yarn you already have. Most are in US terms. Where a designer writes in UK terms (where a UK "treble" is a US double crochet), I've said so.
Classic granny squares for beginners
If you've never made a granny square, start here. Each of these is the traditional square: clusters of three double crochet with chain spaces at the corners.
One-Color Classic Granny Square — Marching North. A tidy 5-inch square in worsted (#4) yarn on a 5.5mm hook, worked in one color so there are hardly any ends to weave in. It starts with ch 4 joined into a ring, then (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 3 dc) and so on around. It has step photos, a video and an invisible join. A great first square.
Classic Granny Square — Just Be Crafty. A classic square on a 5mm hook that starts in a magic loop with ch 4 (it counts as dc + ch 1). The corners use a ch-1 instead of ch-2, which gives a slightly tighter, squarer look. There's a video, and each round is a new color, so it's a nice scrap buster.
Two Ways to Crochet a Granny Square — Easy on the Tongue. Two methods on one page, in DK yarn on a 4mm hook. Round 1 is ch 3, 2 dc, then (ch 2, 3 dc) around for 12 dc and 4 corner spaces. You can start from a chain ring or a magic ring. There are stitch counts for every round, and a clear explanation of how the corners work. Very good if you keep losing track of where you are.
Basic Granny Square — The Purple Poncho. A 5 x 5-inch square in four colors of worsted yarn (Caron One Pound) on a 5mm (H/8) hook. It's rated easy, has stitch counts and a video, and is a lovely size for a first granny square blanket.
Solid granny square
Solid Granny Square for Beginners — Bella Coco Crochet. A solid square with no gaps, worked in any yarn (the sample is Stylecraft Special DK on a 4mm hook). It's written in UK terms, but there's a UK/US toggle on the page. There are right- and left-handed videos, though a few commenters say the video and the written Round 1 differ slightly, so follow one or the other. Solid squares make warm blankets and sturdy bags.
Sunburst and flower granny squares
These start with a circle or a flower in the middle and square off in the last round or two. They look harder than they are.
Sunburst Granny Square — Marching North. A 4.75-inch (12cm) square in four colors of worsted on a 4mm hook. Round 1 is ch 3 and 11 dc in a magic loop. Puff stitches in Round 2 and clusters in Round 3 make the "sunburst." It has a video and a photo walkthrough.
Sunburst Granny Square — Jo to the World. A 4.5-inch square in worsted (#4) on a 5.5mm (I/9) hook, starting with 12 dc in a magic circle. It's beginner-friendly, with diagrams, a video, and both the stitch count and the size after each round. Handy for checking your gauge as you go.
African Flower Granny Square — Annie Design Crochet. The famous eight-petal African flower, set into a 4-inch square, in DK cotton on a 4mm hook. Round 1 is 16 dc with ch-1 spaces into a ring. It's for confident beginners, with a photo tutorial and stitch counts. Bright petals on a dark background look amazing.
Daisy Granny Squares — The Stitchin' Mommy. A four-round daisy square in Sugar 'n Cream cotton on an H hook. Round 1 is 8 dc into a magic circle, and Round 2 makes eight petals of (ch 3, dc, tr, dc, ch 3). It's easy, and these make adorable coasters too.
Flower Granny Square — Winding Road Crochet. A 5.5-inch flower square on a 5.5mm (I) hook, starting with 16 dc in a magic circle, using clusters and dc2tog. The free pattern and video are on the page; only the PDF is for newsletter subscribers.
3D Flower Granny Square — Viv Crochets. A raised popcorn-stitch flower inside a solid square, about 10.5cm, in medium-weight yarn on a 4.5mm hook. Round 1 is 12 dc into a ring, and Round 2 makes 12 popcorn petals. There's a video and stitch counts. The designer also shows how to join 13 of them into a flower tote bag.
Granny hexagons
Hexagons tile into blankets, cardigans and pillows. Many crocheters find them easier to join than squares.
Granny Hexagon — Crochet 'n' Create. A 4-inch hexagon in Paintbox Simply DK on a 4mm hook. Round 1 is six groups of 3 tr (UK terms), and the page also has a US-terms version below. It's only three rounds, so it's fast. There's a photo guide to the magic circle if you're new to it.
Easy Granny Hexagon — Annie Design Crochet. A hexagon with 3-inch sides in worsted on a 5mm hook, starting from a ch-4 ring with six 3-dc groups. It's for all levels, with step photos and an invisible join. A good one to make in bulk for a blanket.
Mitered and corner-to-corner grannies
These use granny clusters but build the square from a corner instead of the center, so the stripes run diagonally.
Solid Mitred Granny Square — Bella Coco Crochet. A solid square that starts like a granny and then grows in mitred rows from one corner, in DK or Aran in two or more colors. It's in UK terms with a US toggle, and has a video. The stripes give it a modern, graphic look.
Corner-to-Corner Granny Square — B.hooked Crochet. A diagonal granny worked in medium-weight yarn on a 4.5mm hook, increasing to the widest point and then decreasing back down. It starts with a ch-3 ring, then ch 4, 3 dc, ch 1, dc. It's basic, with a video and step photos. You can stop at any size, so it scales from a dishcloth to a blanket.
C2C Granny Stitch — Repeat Crafter Me. Another corner-to-corner granny, in Caron One Pound or Caron Jumbo worsted on a G hook. Row 1 starts in a magic ring with ch 4, 3 dc, ch 1, dc. There's an optional puff-stitch row, plus a video and photos.
Mitered Baby Granny Square Blanket — The Purple Poncho. A cozy 37 x 37-inch baby blanket that starts as a granny square and grows in mitered rows. It's in bulky yarn on a 6mm (J) hook, with a fur yarn trim on a 15mm hook. It's intermediate, but there's only one big square, so there's no joining at all. For more ideas, see our crochet baby blanket patterns.
Textured granny squares
Bobble Heart Granny Square — Juniper and Oakes. A 5 x 5-inch square with a raised heart in bobble stitches, in worsted on a 6mm (J/10) hook. It's worked in rows of hdc, not rounds, starting with 15 hdc. It's for advanced beginners, with a bobble video. Lovely for a Valentine's or baby blanket.
Puff Afghan Square — Crochet Dreamz. A 4.5-inch square in four colors of worsted on a 5.5mm (I) hook. It starts with 12 dc into a ch-4 ring, and Round 2 adds puffs and treble crochet for a flower-in-a-square look. It's a pretty update on the classic for a scrappy afghan.
Projects made from granny squares
Once you've made a pile of squares, here's what to do with them.
Granny Square Tote Bag — Annie Design Crochet. A 12.75 x 14.25 x 3.5-inch tote made from 18 squares in DK cotton, on 3.5mm and 4mm hooks. It includes the gussets, edging and leather handles, with full assembly instructions, so it's a great "adventurous beginner" project.
Granny Square Tote Bag — Fiber Flux. A 17-inch-tall tote (with its wooden handles) in Lion Brand Pima Cotton on a 5.5mm (I) hook. The squares are joined as you go, so there's no sewing, and there's a full video. You'll need about 375 yards.
Magnolia Granny Square Bag — Mama in a Stitch. A roomy 20 x 16-inch bag made from 24 four-round squares, each 4.5 inches, in light or worsted cotton on a 4.25mm (G) hook. It includes the assembly and handles. For more bag ideas, see our crochet bag patterns.
Continuous Granny Square Blanket — Jo to the World. One giant granny square that you keep going until it's big enough: 30 x 30 inches in size 3 yarn on an H/8 (5mm) hook, or 33 x 33 inches in size 4 on an I/9 (5.5mm). It turns each round so it doesn't slant. There's a border, a video and a matching pillow. Easy, and very relaxing to make in front of the TV.
Tips for neat granny squares
- Count your corners. Every round should have four corner spaces (six on a hexagon). If you have three or five, you've skipped or doubled a cluster.
- Turn your work if it twists. A classic granny can slant after a lot of rounds. Turning each round, like the continuous blanket does, keeps it straight.
- Weave in ends as you go. Granny projects make a lot of ends. Crochet over the tails in the next round, or weave a few in after every square.
- Block before joining. A quick steam or spray-and-pin makes squares the same size, so the seams line up.
- Use the same yarn brand. Different brands of "worsted" can vary in thickness, which makes squares come out different sizes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest granny square for a beginner?
The classic granny square: three dc clusters with a ch-2 at each corner. The Marching North one-color square and the Purple Poncho basic square are both easy, with videos. Once you can do that, try a solid granny or the sunburst.
How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?
It depends on the square size. For a 50 x 60-inch throw with 5-inch squares, you need 10 across and 12 down, so 120 squares. A baby blanket around 30 x 35 inches needs about 42. If you'd rather not join squares, make the continuous granny blanket instead.
What yarn is best for granny squares?
Worsted-weight acrylic is cheap, washable and comes in lots of colors, so it's great for blankets. Cotton is best for bags, coasters and dishcloths because it holds its shape. Stick to one brand so all your squares come out the same size.
What's the difference between a granny square and a solid granny square?
A classic granny has chain spaces between the clusters, which leaves small holes and a lacy look. A solid granny works dc into every stitch, so there are no gaps. It's warmer but uses more yarn.
More crochet patterns to try
Granny squares are perfect for cozy fall and winter blankets and crochet pillows. A daisy square makes a sweet coaster, so pair it with our crochet coaster and mug rug patterns. Ready for something wearable? Try our crochet cardigan patterns or the beginner scarf patterns. If you'd like a small first project, our crochet keychain patterns include a tiny four-round granny square keychain. And if you love making gifts, a stack of granny-square dishcloths tied with ribbon makes a lovely one.
