Crochet a granny square

Make it: Crochet a two-round granny square

Start here · 60 minutes

Gather: Medium yarn, suitable hook, scissors, yarn needle; US stitch terms

Step by step

1. Make four chain stitches and join the ends with a slip stitch to form a ring. Do not pull the ring too tight.
2. Round one: chain three (counts as one double crochet), make two double crochet into the ring, chain two. Repeat a group of three double crochet and chain two three more times; slip stitch to the first chain-three top.
3. Round two: slip stitch across the next two double crochet stitches into the first corner gap. Chain three (counts as the first double crochet), make two more double crochet, chain two, and three double crochet in that corner. Chain one between corners; repeat the paired groups in each remaining corner.
4. After the last corner, chain one and slip stitch to the top of the first chain three. Count four corners and compare opposite sides; undo an uneven section rather than stretching it into shape.
5. Fasten off and weave both yarn ends through several stitches. Check the yarn label before washing or blocking.

You're done when: You have a small square with four distinct corners and secured ends.

US double crochet is called treble crochet in UK terminology; check which naming your hook guide uses.

Stitch reference

Next project: Join four granny squares

2-3 hours

1. Crochet three more squares with the same yarn and hook, counting four corners and equal rounds each time.
2. Lay the four squares in a two-by-two grid and check that the edges are similar before joining.
3. Use a yarn needle and matching yarn to sew adjacent edges stitch by stitch without pulling them into a ridge.
4. Weave in every end, flatten the joined piece gently, and follow the yarn label before washing.

You're done when: All four squares lie flat and the seams stay joined when you lift the piece.

Course plan

1. Match yarn and hook
2. Practise the stitches
3. Form the centre
4. Grow even rounds
5. Finish and care