This is a very simple pattern for small, 3-round solid granny squares. These squares are perfect for stash busting all those oddments of DK yarn left over from other projects and take just minutes to make. You can pop a handful of small yarn balls in a bag, sling in a 4mm hook and a wee pair of scissors and take it out with you wherever you go, cos you just never know when a hooking opportunity might miraculously appear in your day!
I'd like to make it clear that I am not in any way claiming this pattern as mine - these solid granny squares have been around for donkeys years, and similar to the classic granny square pattern they are formed using a basic pattern that exists within the crochet community. There are many different ways to make and use them - you can make them as small or as large as you like (I made a large one for a cushion cover back in 2008 here), make each square in a single colour (a lovely example here) or change colour each round (beautiful multi colour ones here). They are versatile and easy to make.
My solid granny squares are small and neat (measuring approx. 7cm across) and can be used for pretty much anything you like (small blankets, throws, bags, cushions etc). Great for an eclectic patchwork look, mix and match your colours to your heart's content or colour-theme them for a more designed look.
Each square is made in 3 rounds, with a 30cm tail end left dangling at the end. In this tutorial I'll show you my method of stitching the squares together (using the tails ends) to create an almost invisible seam. It's a nifty solution to the joining dilemma and creates a very neat, tidy finish.
These are all oddments of Stylecraft Special DK left over from making blankets. I use a yarn winder
The thing I love most about making these squares is that they are insanely quick and satisfying, flying off the hook in a matter of minutes. You can play with colours, stacking them in little piles or lining them up in rows until you like what you see....
....cutesome rows of yummy patchwork colour, what's not to like?!
So here are some details before we begin....
Yarn :: oddments of DK weight yarn in a wide mix of colours. I'm using Stylecraft Special DK which is 100% premium acrylic yarn, but you can use any DK oddments you have left over from other projects.
Hook :: 4mm
Size of squares :: small (approx 7cm), but the size may vary according to tension.
Pattern :: written in UK crochet terms, as follows :
sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.
tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)
To begin, chain 4, then join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
:: Round 1 :: Round 1 will be worked out of the ring.
Chain 5 (counts as 1 tr plus chain-2 space), pic above.
Before you start making stitches, hold on to your tail end and make sure it is laying horizontally along the top of the ring. With each stitch you make in this first round, make sure your hook passes UNDER the tail end, which will effectively trap it underneath all your stitches as you crochet them. Hope that makes sense?!
Right, on we go...
Work 3 tr's into the ring, chain 2 (1st tr-group), pic above.
Work 3 tr's into the ring, chain 2 (2nd tr-group)
Work 3 tr's into the ring, chain 2 (3rd tr-group), pic above.
Now for the last tr-group, work 2 tr's into the ring, then insert your hook into the 3rd chain of the chain-5 from the beginning (see where my needle is in the above pic?), and make a slip stitch to close the round.
Your first round should look like the above picture.
You should have 4 lots of treble-groups. And four chain-2 corner spaces.
Now turn your little square over, get a hold of your tail end (which should have lots of stitches crocheted over it) and give it a firm tug - this will close up your central hole and give a nice neat finish. You can darn and snip it at the end.
:: Round 2 :: Round 2 will be worked out of the stitches.
Insert your hook into the corner space directly to the left of where you just finished round 1 (as in above pic). Yarn over and work a slip stitch - this will anchor you into the corner space and ensure you are starting off in the right place.
Chain 5 (counts as 1 tr plus chain-2 space), pic above.
Work 2 tr's into the corner space (above pic).
I've inserted my needle into the very first stitch to show you where to find it - it's easy to overlook this first stitch as it sometimes hides under the tr's you've just made! Once you've found it, work 1 tr into the top of it (pass hook under both loops of the stitch, just like my needle is showing you)....
....then work 1 tr into each of the next 2 stitches (as in above pic). That's your first side completed.
Into the next corner space, work the following ::
2 tr, chain-2, 2 tr. That's your corner group.
Work 1 tr into each of the next 3 stitches, then (2tr ch-2, 2 tr) into the next corner space. That's your second side and corner group made.
Work 1 tr into each of the next 3 stitches, then (2tr ch-2, 2 tr) into the next corner space. That's your third side and corner group made.
Work 1 tr into each of the next 3 stitches (as in above pic), and that completes your fourth side.
Work 1 tr back into the very first corner space (it should sit right next to the ch-5 that you made in the beginning). Now look at the ch-5 you made and find the 3rd chain up (my needle is there!), insert your hook and make a slip stitch to close the round.
Looking good! One more round to go.....
:: Round 3 :: Round 3 will be worked out of the stitches.
Insert your hook into the corner space directly to the left of where you just finished round 2. Yarn over and work a slip stitch - this will anchor you into the corner space and ensure you are starting off in the right place. Chain 5 (as in above pic)
Work 2 tr's into the corner space. Now find that elusive first stitch (my needle is there!)
Work 1 tr into that first sneaky stitch, then 1 tr into each of the next 6 stitches....
....so your first side should have 7 tr's in total (as in above pic).
Into the next corner space, work the following ::
(2 tr, chain-2, 2 tr). That's your corner group.
Work 1 tr into each of the next 7 stitches, then (2tr ch-2, 2 tr) into the next corner space. That's your second side and corner group made ( as in above pic)
Work 1 tr into each of the next 7 stitches, then (2tr ch-2, 2 tr) into the next corner space. That's your third side and corner group made.
Work 1 tr into each of the next 7 stitches, then 1 tr back into the first corner space so that it sits right beside the chain-5 you made at the start.
Slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-5 to close the round.
When you fasten off, CUT A LONG TAIL END - AT LEAST 30 cm LONG. You will need this to stitch up your squares.
And that's it! One solid granny square made. Give it a little tweak and a stretch in each of the four corners so that it sits flat and looks square-ish as it maybe a little bit wibbly at first.
I'll write out the pattern at the end of this tutorial so that you can make a copy of it and print it out to carry around with your yarn balls. But trust me, you will soon be making these without needing a pattern, they become easier and easier the more you do.
I love using these squares as a way of playing with colours, it pleases me hugely to spend time arranging them until the colours sing a very happy rainbow song! But I also think they look wonderful put together in a more random fashion, both are equally appealing.
Once you've piled up a fair little mountain of squares, you can begin to stitch them together. I'll walk you step-by-step through the stitching technique, it's pretty straightforward......
STITCHING SQUARES TOGETHER - AN INVISIBLE JOINING METHOD
For this project (a cushion cover) I've got 7 squares in each row. Before beginning to stitch, have a little play with the colours, moving the squares about until you are happy with the arrangement. When you've got the colours sorted, adjust the squares so that the tail ends are all positioned at the TOP RIGHT CORNER.
It will help if you understand the steps in advance of starting. We will be working in rows, working from left to right, and from the top down.
The first step is to join up the squares in the first row (seams 1, 2 & 3 in the above picture, which are all vertical seams)
We then move down to the second row. Seam 4 joins E to A and is a horizontal seam.
Seams 5, 6 & 7 are L-shaped seams. Don't let this confuse you, I'll explain it all as we go through!
Right first seam. It's the top left square and the one next to it. Thread a needle onto the tail end of your top left square (pale rose in my case).
You'll be stitching from the WRONG SIDE of the squares, so the first thing to do is place them RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. Take the second square (in this case it's the red one) and flip it over to the left so that it sits directly on top of the first square....
....right, ready to stitch. Pick up the two squares together and hold them so that you'll be ready to stitch from right-to-left. The first square (with the needle attached) will be nearest to you and the second square will be behind it....
Your thread will already be in place, coming out of the corner of the square.
You'll be inserting your needle through the OUTSIDE LOOPS ONLY of each square, so with each stitch you are picking up two loops, one from each square.
Match up your crochet stitches and make even stitches along, passing your needle through the outer loops of each square. Don't pull too tightly, but try and keep an even stitching tension. Stitch all the way to the end, then open your squares out....
....you should have a neat, invisible seam joining your first two squares together. Now darn in your tail end by threading it down through the stitches (as above)....
....then darn one way.....
....then back the other way. This should secure your end and stop it poking out or coming unravelled. You can snip off your tail end now.....
....and admire your first neat seam! The above picture shows the wrong side, so flip the joined squares over to the right side and thread up your needle again ready to stitch....
...thread the tail end from the second square onto your needle. You will be joining the second square (the red one) to the third square (the gold one), a neat little vertical seam. Same as before, take the third square (in this case it's the gold one) and flip it over to the left so that it sits directly on top of the first square....
Hold them together so that you'll be stitching from right to left. The second square (the one with the needle attached) is closest to you, the third square is behind.
Just like before, match up your crochet stitches and pass the needle through the outer loops only. Neat stitches, even tension all along.
When you come to the end, open out the squares and darn in your tail end, back and forth to secure it, then snip off.
Is this all making sense??? I hope so!!
Keep going then, making your little vertical seams and joining up all the squares in your top row.
Remember you are picking up the square without the needle attached, flipping it over and placing it on top of the square with the needle attached....
...then picking up both squares together and holding them so that you are ready to stitch from right to left....
....stitching through outside loops only.
Eventually your top row will be all joined and should be looking very neat indeed???!!!
You will now be joining the second row. this will be a combination of horizontal and vertical seams. To begin, thread up the tail end on the first square in the second row. Pick up the squares in row 1 and flip the whole lot downwards (horizontally) so that the first square of the first row (in this case it's the pale rose one) sits on top of the first square of the second row (the one with the needle threaded).
It should look like the above picture. The needle is there attached to the square at the back, ready to stitch from right to left.
Pick them up and stitch the seam, matching up the crochet stitches and passing the needle through outer loops only.
When you reach the end, darn in the end securely just as you did before and snip off.
Now you will begin making L-shaped seams, stitching across, then down, as shown by the dotted arrow above. Thread up your needle, then flip the whole of row 1 downwards so that the squares sit on top of each other with right sides together.
Stitch your seam as before from right to left, stopping when you get to the end/corner....
...now open up your squares and make a few extra stitches to secure the corner join which should prevent any holes.
Now pinch the adjoining squares together and spin the whole thing round 90 degrees ANTI CLOCKWISE..........
......so that your needle is sitting ready to stitch from right to left. Complete the second part of the L-shaped seam.....
....then open the squares out and darn in the end neatly on the wrong side. The above picture shows how the seams should be looking from the wrong side....
....and from the right side. There should be no holes or gaps, and your stitches should merge with the crochet making them pretty much invisible.
Next L-shaped seam - thread up your needle, and flip the already-joined squares downwards on top of the square you are about to stitch with...
...stitch from right to left....
....nice even stitches all the way along, putting a few extra ones into the corners.
Now pinch the squares together and turn 90 degrees anti clockwise ready to make the rest of the L-shapes seam....
...off you go to the end....
....then darn in the tail end securely.
Are you getting the jist of it?It's pretty easy once you get going and fall into the rhythm of the stitching.
Keep going until the whole of row 2 is joined neatly to row 1.
The right side of your work should look as neat as the wrong side. Above is the right side....
....and the wrong side. Pretty neat eh?
Working in rows helps you to work neatly and methodically and hopefully stops you getting into a muddle with your tail ends. It really helps if you have a table to work at so that you can lay it all out in front of you. If you don't have the space, you can stack your squares to represent each row, remembering you will be assembling them from the left to the right.
I'm sorry for the rather hand-made nature of the above diagram, I find technical drawing things on the computer quite a challenge for my low-tech brain (!) but hope it helps to show you which way the seams go and in which order you should be working them.
Here is the pattern for you to copy/paste/print until you get it off by heart ::
:: SOLID GRANNY SQUARES ::
To begin :: ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
ROUND 1 ::
ch 5 (counts as 1 tr + ch-2),
*3 tr's into the ring, ch-2*,
Repeat between ** twice more,
Work 2 tr's into the ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5 to close round.
ROUND 2 :: sl st into first corner space.
Ch 5 (counts as 1 tr + ch-2),
Work 2 tr's into first corner space,
Work 1 tr into each of the next 3 sts,
*(2 tr's, ch 2, 2 tr's) into next corner space, work 1 tr into each of the next 3 sts*
Repeat between ** twice more.
Work 1 tr into first corner space, sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5 to close round.
ROUND 3 :: sl st into first corner space.
Ch 5 (counts as 1 tr + ch-2),
Work 2 tr's into first corner space,
Work 1 tr into each of the next 7 sts,
*(2 tr's, ch 2, 2 tr's) into next corner space, work 1 tr into each of the next 7 sts*
Repeat between ** twice more.
Work 1 tr into first corner space, sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5 to close round.
Fasten off, leaving a long 30cm tail end for stitching later.
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At the time of sharing this pattern, I'm still in the process of making my cushion cover. When I've finished, I'll write up an additional tutorial to show you how to construct a cushion cover to incorporate button fastenings. In the meantime - what are you waiting for??? Dive into your stash and start stockpiling some squares!!
♥ I really hope you enjoy having a dabble with this little pattern and have fun turning your odds and ends into something beautiful. As with all my tutorials I am happy to provide them here on my blog for free, for you to use and enjoy. However, I'm hoping that if you do give this pattern a whirl then you might consider making a small donation to help support what I do here in the Attic ♥
THANK YOU, your support is wonderful and is truly appreciated
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This is easy way to learn.. really beautiful.
Posted by: zahra | July 03, 2021 at 03:21 PM
i got new pattern
https://paparnews.com/crochet-pretty-doll-dress-pattern-for-free-step-by-step-crochet-doll-tops-patterns/
Posted by: zahra | July 02, 2021 at 09:04 AM
Hi Lucy,
Love all of your blankets!!!
I rally want to make the solid granny. Since I don't have enough scraps, what yarn pack would you recommend?
Donna
Posted by: Donna M Edwards | May 15, 2021 at 07:28 PM
I've recently started crochet and have made good use of your EXCELLENT tutorials. Your text style (chatty and informative) and very clear photos and illustrations are BRILLIANT. I've just finished my first ever crochet large granny square blanket incorporating one of your lovely edgings. I'm so proud of the finished blanket and I couldn't have made it without you!
Posted by: SUSAN BUTLER | February 04, 2021 at 10:09 AM
Oops, typo in my previous comment. Meant to say “I only started using granny squares a few months ago”
Posted by: Baleigh Ann | February 03, 2021 at 10:45 PM
This pattern is wonderful! I’ve been crocheting for about 2 years now but I only started using granny squares for a few months. I was looking for a more unique-looking granny square and thanks to you I’ve found it! Looks like I’m starting another granny square blanket. This is just beautiful. So glad I came across your blog. You are so talented. Thank you for sharing your work with us!!!!
~Baleigh Ann~
Posted by: Baleigh Ann | February 03, 2021 at 10:43 PM
I have just finished my solid granny square blanket. I love it. Made over many years of carrying the liitle squares away on trips. I was thinking is it possible to use this starting point to make giant blanket version? Ie keep going round and round?
Posted by: Jo | January 19, 2021 at 07:39 PM
Hi Lucy, Have you ever used up all the leftover sock yarns you've used? Especially the variegated type. I love knitting socks but always have enough over for one more sock but three socks the same arent really what I need. Therefore I was wondering about using the leftover yarn in a blanket but worry about colours pooling - just wondering what your thoughts are?
Posted by: Elizabeth LLoyd | May 07, 2020 at 10:50 AM
I brushed up on this granny square because I want to make a waistcoat,the original granny square was a bit open in design, I am going to use chunky yarn to make it warmer for under my winter coat. Is there any way other to donate without using paypal.
Posted by: Mrs Susan Priest | March 01, 2020 at 06:01 PM
Gorgeous blanket, I can crochet but I’m so bad at sewing, if I make this can I crochet the squares together ?
Posted by: Jean | November 29, 2019 at 03:11 PM
Instead of making individual granny squares, is it possible to make one huge square, the size of a completed blanket/afghan?
Posted by: Marny CA | June 10, 2019 at 08:13 AM
Excelente!! Gracias desde Argentina!
Posted by: Patricia Gaona | May 31, 2019 at 12:43 PM
Hi Lucy, I owe you a huge debt of gratitude for helping me learn about color. Just by following your palette for the Harmony Blanket and auditioning other colors, I began to see why some colors fit and others didn't. After a couple of years of playing with Summer Harmony and other projects, I've seen color in a new way and am beginning to trust my own color choices. Thank you for that and for your generous posts of your amazing work. ---Lynne
Posted by: Lynne | April 25, 2019 at 09:20 PM
This is a great pattern Lucy, and I am using it to make a pile of squares from leftover scraps of yarn from my sock knitting obsession! The bits that are too small to do anything else with :) I’m using a 3mm hook and working an extra round. I’m sewing them together as I go and they’ll eventually be a small but cosy blanket for Daisy Dog. Thank you for the pattern xxx
Posted by: Creative Mummy Bear | March 03, 2019 at 06:16 PM
Beautiful work, great blog
Posted by: Glenda Chad | January 10, 2019 at 10:29 PM
Thanks for such a lovely and straightforward explanation. I especially love the colourful pics!
Posted by: Beverley | July 09, 2018 at 01:10 AM
I would love to subscribe to your blog...I am so enjoying looking through the projects, tutorials, etc. The link does not seem to be working, is there another way to subscribe? Thank you
Posted by: Kathy | June 09, 2018 at 01:29 AM
Dear Lucy. I used my woodland pack to make a mini solid granny squares blanket. It is about five foot square. I wonder what border you would suggest, and any tips for neatening the bits where the squares join, and avoiding ‘wavy edge syndrome’? I usually go down a hook size for my borders. I don’t want to spoil it with a rubbish edging. Thanks.
Posted by: Margo Thompson | May 07, 2018 at 11:08 PM
Can these squares be made a little bigger ? Thank you.
Posted by: Sue Stern | May 03, 2018 at 02:39 PM
Hi
Love this tutorial. One question though. I've watched videos for thos pattern and for the corner it's 2 trebles into the corner, chain 2 and then 2 trebles, then continue working in the chain along the edges. In your 1st corner you have done chain 5 (1 treble and chain 2) followed by working 2 trebles into the corner and then trebles along the edges. When you do the next corner you have 2 trebles into the corner, chain 2 and then 2 trebles. My query is - in the first corner it seems like you're just doing chain 2 and then 2 trebles. Aren't there 2 trebles missing. Maybe I'm missing something here
Posted by: Ls | April 20, 2018 at 12:32 AM
Great tutorial, thanks for the write-up. If you're interested, you can join our Granny Square design competition.
Posted by: Bruno | March 24, 2018 at 05:19 PM
What a great use of yarn scraps & such a simple square pattern too. Thank you for the tutorial & wonderful use of the tails for stitching them together. I had not seen this before.
Your colorful posts are always inspiring & I so enjoy your happy commentary. May God bless your talent & give you many years of glorious crochet enjoyment!!💗
Posted by: Sherril | March 12, 2018 at 05:11 AM
I am making a bunch of little granny squares right now. I didn't look here first, I just remembered you had written about them. I worked the yarn ends into the squares, but now I see I should use them to stitch the work together. Doh!
Thank you so much for inspiring all this hooky goodness and bringing yarn and hook back into my life with all the color and design fun you have here on your blog.
I may just join up to one of your CAL's one of these days.
Thank you again for the beautiful work you produce and the great tutorials! I have shared your blog with fellow hooky friends!
Posted by: Karin L. Johnson | February 02, 2018 at 02:56 PM
Hi Lucy
Just had a lovely day with friends who wanted to learn to crochet. We did a few samples and your solid granny square. We had lots of laughs and reverse crocheting. Thank you for the tutorial. Have a coffee or 2 on us
Luv Karen
Posted by: Karen Frost | January 26, 2018 at 09:32 PM
Hi Lucy
A few friends had a get together today. They wanted to learn to crochet so we did a few different samples. I also have blanket of the solid granny squares which they all wanted to learn, with many laughs and lots of reverse crochet they finished with a square!!!!! Thank you for your tutorial. You will have a few more followers from today. Luv Karen
Please enjoy a couple of coffees
Posted by: Karen Frost | January 26, 2018 at 08:34 PM