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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Please could you tell me roughly the length of yarn required to make each one? Trying to calculate how much I need for a blanket design I have. Thanks.
Posted by: Karen Gardner | January 18, 2018 at 10:27 AM
i love granny's and I love your site with really great patterns....thank you....
Posted by: Carla Nell | July 15, 2017 at 02:51 AM
Hi Lucy, I've just been looking at your solid granny square blanket which is really lovely.I think that will be my next project. At the moment I'm just finishing a single bed granny square blanket. Each square consists of five different colours.I alternate four of the colours in each square while keeping the 5th colour which is the 5th round the same. It will make a change to only have one colour to sew in.
Best wishes from Sheila.
Posted by: Sheila Leader | April 01, 2017 at 05:35 AM
Hi Lucy - I am endeavouring to perfect my granny squares! When changing colour every round I am happy with my method however when carrying on with the same colour there seem to be so many different methods out there. I am interested to know which you use in order to have the least obvious 'seam'. I can't find a picture tutorial for these kind of grannies on your blog. If there's one could you point me to it please! Many thanks - you are my crochet heroine!
Posted by: Rowena Corlett | October 02, 2016 at 08:52 AM
Its been years since I have crocheted, and I decided recently to start again. I wanted to make a granny square throw for my daughter for Christmas, but I wanted a more contemporary pattern. I'm glad I found this blog! I love the solid colours and can't wait to start.
Posted by: Karin | September 05, 2016 at 01:25 AM
I've finally got round to these little squares after thinking I wouldn't be able to do them and made 50 in less than a week for a cushion cover, is it normal to be so pleased when I've started joining them and can see the second pattern from the corner spaces! Haha. And when my son noticed it (8) without me saying I got a tiny bit excited, got the look as if to say oh no she's gone mental with the crochet again.
Well thank you for all the patterns, I've bought each of your blanket packs & am making these from leftover sunny stripe x
Posted by: minimo | June 03, 2016 at 10:09 PM
Just started to crochet again after 60 years. Your work is so inspiring.Can't wait to get going with some projects.
Posted by: Margaret Martin | February 07, 2016 at 01:21 PM
This is fabulous! YOU are fabulous! I love these little squares, and am considering replacing the 3-round granny squares for the Stylecraft Candy Pop Blanket with these lovely little gems! Thank you! ❤️
Posted by: Janet Tweedie | January 27, 2016 at 04:38 AM
Thanks for the post i love this idea and am starting something with this design NOW :)
Posted by: Sherry Fish | January 26, 2016 at 05:05 AM
Amei, vou fazer para mim, abraços!!!!!!
Posted by: Euclimar Melo | January 14, 2016 at 03:09 AM
Hi. Love the tutorial. I'd never crocheted before. The squares are turning out lovely! Trying to estimate how many I need for a lap blanket? Right now I have 6 skeins of colour and will finish them. If I need more squares I'll introduce one new colour skein at a time and make all the squares I can with it. I'm not even 1/2 way through each of my first 6 and I have 80 squares completed!! Just a few a night here and there!
So, just an idea of how many squares you think I need would be fantastic!
Thank you for the wonderful blog! I never had the urge to crochet before :)
Posted by: Sharon | December 20, 2015 at 02:05 PM
Hi Lucy. I love your patterns and style! I started with these squares and want to make them bigger (more rows) and then work it into a blanket. But...when I go past 4 rows, the sides get too long and the block doesn't lie flat anymore. I thought maybe the increase of stitches per row becomes too much for bigger blocks? Or will it shrink into a square again?
So I tried only putting "1 tr, 2 ch, 1 tr" in the corners, but now it's not square anymore (the corners curl up).
I am using Elle Family Knit 100% acrylic Chunky and a 5.5mm needle.
What would you advise?
Thank you!!
Posted by: Dorette, South Africa | October 23, 2015 at 07:40 AM
thanks for this pattern I am using it to make larger squares for a chakra coloured blanket, will share it on your lovely page when done x
Posted by: Sharon | October 04, 2015 at 02:41 PM
Lucy,
What a wonderful tutorial! As I read the instructions I felt as if I were in a classroom and you were speaking directly to me. I have been wondering how to make invisible seams and was browsing your posts and am so glad I found this one. I love this joining method, and I will be using this in my next project. I am thinking of making a granny square bag and am so happy you posted this. I love your blog and look forward to each new project of yours.
Thank you for sharing.
Mickie, Indiana USA
Posted by: Mickie | September 30, 2015 at 04:06 PM
Hello Lucy
I have just completed a square following your tutorial and am so happy with the way it's turned out. Thanks a bundle for sharing your knowledge and creative skill so generously - it must take some time to prepare the images step by step. I would like to keep going to make a blanket with these jolly little squares and am also wondering about a border. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
Posted by: Barbara Walker | September 27, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Lucy, how many little solid grannies do I need for the pillow cover? From one of your last pictures, I count 9 rows of 7 so that would make it 63 grannies. Please let me know if I am correct. Thank you for making tutorials simple enough so that even this 82yr old newbie is able to follow.
Posted by: Faye Faraldo | September 21, 2015 at 02:21 AM
Hi would you pit an edge around the sold granny square ? If so what would you recommend? Love
all your work x
Posted by: lynne | August 21, 2015 at 01:14 AM
Dear Lucy, once again from Calif to say that I have muddled through and with the help of your tutorial, I have managed to make quite a few squares. Also, in between, I made a mandala and love doing that. It came out really good and I am so proud. Thanks again for being so helpful <3
Posted by: Faye Faraldo | August 18, 2015 at 08:41 PM
Hello,
I use a yarn that is 50% acrylic and 50% cotton. My blankets are a bit heavy and stretched. Do you think I should use only acrylic yarn that is lighter?
Thank you
Posted by: Eszter | July 25, 2015 at 10:03 AM
Sorry, I forgot to thank Jules for informing me about doing these with cotton and another one called sugar and cream.
Posted by: Faye Faraldo | July 15, 2015 at 12:16 AM
Hello again from CA. I was too quick to say how much I enjoyed this project as I am having so much trouble and have to start each one at least 8-10times as I keep losing my holes in the second round. I also keep using the ch5 hole as one of my 4 holes but that always throws me off. Can any one help if they are having that same problem. When I do manage to get one made, it looks o.k.
Posted by: Faye Faraldo | July 15, 2015 at 12:11 AM
Dearest Lucy, I am in the process of making the squares for the pillow. It is so very warm and humid in Calif so having a wee project to take with me is fabulous. Thank you so much for showing me how to do it and is wasn't too difficult at all. I will donate to your fund so the good work can continue.
Shalom,
Faye
Posted by: Faye Faraldo | July 04, 2015 at 12:21 AM
In reply to CA from California - I've made theses squares from cotton and they are lovely. The weight of the cotton makes them sit beautifully flat and the stitch definition is nice too. I used the stylecraft classic cotton (gotta love stylecraft - they have a yarn for everything!) as they have a great range of colours - lily's sugar n cream is good to use too!
Posted by: jules | June 27, 2015 at 02:55 PM
Thank you so much for writing this up, I can imagine it takes a lot of time and concentration. I so appreciate it, I've only ever been able to do an ordinary granny square, thought I'd give this a go and guess what..I did it! so excited to make your cushion for my nieces 13th birthday. Thank you again...so very much
Posted by: natalie | June 26, 2015 at 04:59 AM
Dear Lucy, many thanks for this great tutorial, I always had problems with sewing, because don't like not pretty wrong side of my blankets. Thank you very very much! Hugs :)
Posted by: keltika | June 17, 2015 at 09:38 PM