Beginner Granny Square

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Make the magic ring

   Hold the yarn tail between your thumb and middle finger, wrap the yarn around your index finger twice to form a loop, then insert your hook through the loop, grab the working yarn, and pull up a loop. Chain 3 — this chain-3 counts as your first double crochet (dc) of the round. A magic ring lets you pull the center hole completely closed, which is what gives granny squares their neat, tight center.

2. 2

   Work Round 1 — the center cluster

   Work 2 dc into the ring (you now have 3 dc counting the chain-3). Chain 2 to create a corner space. Repeat the sequence — 3 dc into the ring, chain 2 — three more times so you have four clusters of 3 dc with a chain-2 corner between each. Slip stitch (sl st) into the top of the starting chain-3 to close the round. Pull the yarn tail to tighten the magic ring. You should have 4 clusters and 4 corner spaces.

3. 3

   Join a new color for Round 2

   Cut your first color, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join your second color with a sl st into any corner chain-2 space. Chain 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc into the same corner space, chain 2, then work 3 more dc into the same corner space — this creates your first corner. Chain 1 to move to the next side. Repeat (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space, with ch 1 between corners. Sl st to close.

4. 4

   Continue adding rounds

   Each new round follows the same logic: work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into every corner space, and work 3 dc into each chain-1 side space. Add a chain 1 between every cluster. The square grows one cluster per side with each round you add. Switch colors at the start of any round for a classic multicolor look.

5. 5

   Fasten off and weave in ends

   When your square is the size you want, cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop to secure it. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through the back of several stitches in a zigzag pattern so it won't pull out. Repeat for every color-change tail. Give the finished square a light steam block — pin it to a foam mat, mist with water, and let it dry flat — to make the corners crisp and the sides straight.