Traditional Granny Square (Granny Cluster)

This is the image that people think of when they think of crochet! Also called “the granny cluster“ (due to the cluster-style block stitch), this is one of the easiest patterns to learn and is a ‘must-know’ for every beginner crocheter.

The pattern is as you can use any color combination or simply make a collection of solid color squares for a variety of checker patterns.

Requiring only 3 crochet stitches, you can make each square as large or as small as you want (depending on the project and the size of the crochet hook, of course). Here, we’re going to break down the basic instructions step by step, so that you can start building up your own collection!

Stitches/abbreviations you will need:

• the slip stitch (sl st)

• the chain stitch (ch)

• the double crochet (dc)

• round (rnd)

Instructions:

1. ch 4 then sl st ends together to form ring;
   NOTE: size up to a 5 ch if the 4 ch circle is too tight for comfort;

2. ch 3 then dc 2 into the center space of ring;

3. *ch 2 then dc 3 into the center space*;
   Repeat (*) twice across rnd for a total of 4 ch sp (each making up one corner of the square);

4. to finish rnd, ch 2 then sl st into the 3rd ch of start;

5. To start next rnd, ch 4 then 3 dc into the first ch sp;
   *ch 2 then 3 dc again into the same ch sp (to turn corner);

6. ch 1 then 3 dc into the next ch sp;* (granny cluster)

7. Repeat (*) across rnd to shape the square;

8. To end rnd, ch 2 to turn last corner and then dc 2 into the same ch sp; sl st into the 3rd st of ch;

9. For next rnd, ch 3 then 2 dc into the 1st ch sp;
   ch 1 then 3 DC into the next ch sp; ch 2 and 3 dc again into the same ch sp to turn corner then granny cluster across side <ch 1, 3 dc >;

   Turn each corner <3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc >

10. to end the rnd, turn the last corner and ch 1, then sl st into the 3rd ch of start;

Repeat steps #5 - #10 to grow your square as large as you want. Then, to end the square, simply clip the yarn and tuck the excess into the stitches of the previous rnd.

For a little extra assistance, you can check out my tutorial here!