I’ve loved crocheting for years, and the classic granny square has always been a favourite of mine. A granny square is a crocheted fabric square worked in rounds from the centre outward, often using colourful yarn and basic stitches. In this post, I’ll share the story behind granny squares – where and when they started, why they’ve stood the test of time, and why I love using them in everything from blankets to bags – all the ways I (and other crocheters) use them today.
By the end, you’ll see how these humble little squares became a timeless, versatile staple in the crochet world.
Whether you’re new to crochet or just curious … Welcome! You’re in the right place.
A Little History of the Granny Square
Granny squares have been around for well over a century. The motif emerged in the late 1800s – in fact, one of the earliest published granny‐square patterns appeared in an American magazine in 1885. It’s thought they evolved from traditional Victorian lace motifs, which makes sense when you see those delicate, open stitches (with roots in mid-19th-century England).
They made a comeback during the Great Depression as a way to use up yarn scraps and then exploded in popularity during the 1970s, when colourful granny-square afghans and clothing were a fashion craze. Think retro vests, rainbow afghans, and cozy cushion covers.
And now? They’re having another renaissance, popping up in modern fashion, minimalist decor, and colourful statement pieces.
Granny squares remain a classic part of crochet heritage worldwide.
Why Are They Called Granny Squares?
The name “granny square” actually comes from its traditional makers. Back in the day, it was common grandmothers and other older crochet enthusiasts who would whip up these little squares most often. The stitch pattern is so simple that you don’t need perfect eyesight, so it suited more experienced hands. Over time, the cozy association with grandma-style crochet stuck, and the nickname “granny square” became the beloved term for this familiar motif. As I like to joke, they’re literally squares your granny might have made!
But don’t be fooled by the name—granny squares aren’t just for grannies anymore. They’ve become a timeless part of crochet culture, loved by makers of all ages.
The Classic Granny Square Stitch (How It Works)
A granny square is built round by round using a simple repeating stitch pattern. Crocheters describe the traditional granny stitch as alternating “granny clusters” of double crochet with chain spaces. Essentially, you start with a small ring (often a chain loop) and work sets of 3 double-crochet stitches in one spot (a cluster), separated by chains. Each round adds four of these clusters to form the square’s corners, which keeps the work growing symmetrically.
A granny square is “a crocheted square made with a series of chains and double-crocheted blocks”.
Here’s how it usually works:
- You start in the center, often with a chain ring or magic circle.
- Each corner is made up of a cluster–chain–cluster combo.
- The square grows outward evenly, round by round.
- Color changes between rounds are common—and fun!
The beauty of the granny square is in its rhythm. Once you get going, it’s almost meditative. I remember being surprised how quickly I memorized the pattern after just a few tries!
The result is a lacy, holey square that can expand as you add rounds.
Key Characteristics of Granny Squares
Granny squares have a few signature features and are instantly recognizable thanks to these signature traits:
- Worked in rounds, not rows
- Made with clusters of double crochet stitches
- Chain spaces between clusters (especially in corners)
- Open, lacy texture with visible “holes”
- Often made in multiple colors, changing each round
- Perfectly square—so they join up beautifully
You can stop after a few rounds or keep going forever (hello, giant square blanket!).
How big is a Granny Square?
There’s no fixed size – you can keep crocheting round after round until your square is any size you want. In practice, many of us make small squares and join them later, but it could be one large piece too.
I also love that crochet artists usually switch colors each round, giving granny squares their classic rainbow or patchwork look.
Because each corner is exactly 90°, multiple granny squares nest together perfectly, which is why crocheters so often piece them into blankets, garments, and other textiles.
Why Crochet Granny Squares?
When I first started crocheting, I was drawn to granny squares because they were:
- Beginner-friendly – you only need to know a few stitches
- Quick and satisfying – each one feels like a mini-finish
- Scrap-happy – perfect for using up leftover yarn
- Portable – easy to take with you or work on in small pockets of time
- Versatile – make one, or a hundred!
- They use only basic stitches (chains and double crochets), so even a new crocheter can learn the pattern quickly.
Best of all: they’re forgiving. If your tension is a little off or your yarns vary slightly, it still works. That’s part of the magic.
I myself treat granny squares as the ultimate stash-buster – I can pull out leftovers and immediately make something. Plus, each round finishes neatly, so they’re very portable projects (I often crochet one during TV time).
In short, granny squares are forgiving, endless, and a joy to make.
Find out more about why people crochet Granny Squares.
Popular Uses for Granny Squares
What can’t you make with granny squares? The most classic use is blankets and afghans – joining dozens of small squares into a cozy throw. You can also piece them into pillows, tote bags, or even garments. I’ve made colorful sweaters and vests by stitching granny squares together, and I’ve seen shawls, ponchos, and cardigans made the same way. If you make them extra small, granny squares can become coasters or dishcloths. They even shine as “pixel art”: arrange tiny squares of different colors into a mosaic on a cushion or wall hanging. Really, each square is like a little canvas – sew them up in lines, grids, or crazy patterns to suit your project.
The list is endless – you can turn granny squares into:
- Blankets and throws
- Cushions and home decor
- Bags and totes
- Vests, cardigans, and scarves
- Table runners, coasters, and potholders
- Even toys and wall hangings
One of my favorite things I’ve ever made was a blanket for my daughter using squares I stitched while watching TV with my husband. Those little moments get woven into the fabric.
Getting Started with Granny Squares
If you’re feeling inspired, you don’t need much to begin:
- A ball or two of worsted-weight yarn
- A 4mm or 5mm hook (check your yarn label)
- Scissors and a yarn needle
Start small. Try making one simple square using a basic tutorial (I’ll be sharing mine soon!) and see how it feels. You might be surprised how fast you catch on. Before long, you’ll have a little stack—and trust me, that’s a very satisfying sight.
How to create a Granny Square
If you’re new, a granny square is one of the easiest projects to try. All you need is a crochet hook and some yarn (worsted-weight yarn and a 4 mm hook is a common choice).
I like to:
- start with a slip-knot
- chain 4,
- then join it into a ring.
- From there, I’ll make 12 double-crochets into the ring (3 at a time in four groups, separated by 2 chains between each group).
- Each subsequent round is just more of these 3-double-crochet clusters into each corner space, with chains in between, and you watch the square grow.
This pattern is very easy to memorize, so before you know it you’ll be flying through rounds. For help, you might check out a quick tutorial video – they’re everywhere online – and join a crochet group for support. In no time, you’ll have your first granny square and be on your way to making something beautiful with it!
Granny Squares are heaps of fun!
If you’re just starting out or rediscovering crochet after a break, granny squares are an enjoyable way to create something beautiful.
Once you’ve got the basics down, there’s so much more to explore.
If you’re curious, I’ve put together a list of the 10 things I wish I knew before I started crocheting granny squares.
I hope it helps you feel more confident and inspired as you begin your own crochet journey.
