How to crochet your first granny square

Start with the ring, four corners, and the first two rounds of a classic square.

What you need

Worsted yarn, 5 mm crochet hook, yarn needle. Keep a ruler, scissors, and scrap material nearby. Use all equipment according to its manufacturer instructions.

Make it step by step

1. Make four chain stitches and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
2. Chain three, work two double crochets into the ring, then chain two for a corner. Repeat three more clusters and join.
3. Slip stitch to a corner. Work two clusters separated by chain two in every corner, with chain one between corners.
4. Join, weave the tail on the wrong side, and measure. Use a consistent hook and yarn across all squares.

Check your work

Look for even tension, secure thread ends, and clean edges. If the sample puckers or pulls out of shape, loosen the tension and test on scrap before continuing.

Common questions