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The granny stitch is three double crochets worked as a group into a space, not a stitch. In rows it makes the granny stripe; in the round with chain-2 corners it makes the granny square, which is what this swatch is.
It's fast, forgiving, and easy on yarn, which is why it's the classic blanket stitch. Because you work into spaces, you never hunt for a specific stitch.
It's rated intermediate because of the corners. The one thing that makes it work: a cluster in every space, and two clusters with a ch 2 between them at each corner.
Watch: Crochet Granny Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch how Mike slip stitches to the corner space at the start of each round, and where he joins at the end.
What You Need
The swatch uses medium (worsted) weight yarn and a US H/5mm hook. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the clusters and spaces clearly while you learn to read them.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, st(s) = stitch(es), sl st = slip stitch, dc = double crochet, sp = space, beg = beginning, rep = repeat.
Stitch multiple: none; it's worked in the round, and each round adds one cluster per side.
Crochet Granny Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6x6 Inches
Gauge: 3” = 9 Stitches | 5 Rounds
Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook: US H/5mm Crochet Hook
Abbreviations
Ch – Chain
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Sl st(s) – Slip Stitch(es)
Dc – Double Crochet
Sp – Space
Beg – Beginning
Rep – Repeat
Round 1: Start with a magic ring (or ch4 & join to first ch to form a circle). Ch3 (secures your magic ring and always count as your first dc st), working into the ring, 2dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2. Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch from the beg ch3.
Pull on tail to tighten the center of ring.
Round 2: sl st in each of the next 2 sts, sl in the ch2 sp. Ch3 (2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 sp. (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in every ch2 sp (3 corners). End with ch2, join with a sl st to the 3rd ch from the beg ch3.
Round 3: sl st in each of the next 2 sts, sl in the ch2 sp. Ch3 (2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 sp, 3dc sts into next sp between the two sets of 3dc sts, *(3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 sp, 3dc sts into the next sp between the two sets of 3 dc sts. Rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch from the beg ch3.
Round 4 & 5: sl st in each of the next 2 sts, sl in the ch2 sp. Ch3 (2dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 sp, 3dc sts into every sp (between two sets of 3dc sts), *(3dc, ch2, 3dc) in the ch2 sp, 3dc sts into every sp (between two sets of 3 dc sts). Rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch from the beg ch3.
Fasten off & block to 6x6 square.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Make the center. Into a magic ring, work four clusters of 3 dc with a ch 2 after each. The first cluster starts with ch 3, which stands in for a dc. Join to the top of that ch 3.
- Move to a corner. Each round begins by slip stitching across two stitches into the ch-2 corner space, so the join stays out of the middle of a side.
- Work the corner. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in that space. Two clusters with a ch 2 between them turn the corner.
- Fill the sides. From Round 3 on, every space between two clusters gets one 3-dc cluster, so each side grows by one cluster per round.
- Join and repeat. Close with a sl st to the ch 3, slip to the next corner, and go again. Five rounds make the 6-inch square.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Count four corners every round. The usual error is treating a side space like a corner and adding a ch 2, which turns the square into a pentagon.
- Don't skip the space right after the corner; it's easy to miss.
- Keep the ch 3 the same height as your dc, or the corner dips.
- Squares twist slightly when every round goes the same direction. Blocking straightens them.
What to Make With the Crochet Granny Stitch
Worsted squares joined into a blanket is the obvious one; our how to crochet a blanket guide covers sizing and joining. Keep going past Round 5 for a one-piece throw. In sport or DK silk, a giant square becomes a shawl with real drape. Scraps make coasters and bag panels.
Related Stitches
- How to Crochet: Join in the Round — the join used at the end of every round
- Crochet Double Crochet Stitch — the only stitch inside each cluster
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
For blankets, pick from our worsted weight yarn. For a shawl, Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn is a recycled silk, hand-dyed by artisans in India, with the drape an open granny fabric wants.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Crochet Granny Stitch FAQ
Is the granny stitch good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only chain, dc, and slip stitch. The corners are the only thing to watch.
What's the difference between the granny stitch and a granny square?
The stitch is the 3-dc cluster. The square is that stitch worked in the round with corners. Worked in rows instead, it's the granny stripe.
How much yarn does a granny square use?
Less than a solid dc square the same size, because the spaces take the place of stitches.
