Crocheting a square is a great skill to master, especially if you want to make items like blankets, pillows, or motifs for other projects. The most common type of square in crochet is the Granny Square, but you can also make a simple solid square using basic stitches. Below is a guide for creating both types.
1. Solid Crochet Square
This is a simple, beginner-friendly square that you can use for blankets, scarves, and more.
Materials:
- Yarn of your choice (medium weight is commonly used for squares).
- Crochet hook (matching the yarn weight, typically 5mm or 6mm for worsted weight yarn).
- Scissors.
- Tapestry needle (to weave in the ends).
Steps to Crochet a Solid Square:
Step 1: Make a Foundation Chain
- Start by making a slip knot on your hook.
- Chain 4 (this is your foundation chain). You’ll join it into a loop at the end of the chain.
Step 2: Join the Chain to Form a Ring
- Slip stitch into the first chain (this will form a ring). This step is crucial for starting the first round.
Step 3: Round 1 – Make the First Round of Double Crochets
- Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 11 more double crochets (dc) into the ring (making a total of 12 double crochets, including the first 3 chain).
- Once you have 12 double crochets, join with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-3 to close the round.
Step 4: Round 2 – Increase Round
- Chain 3 (counts as the first double crochet).
- Work 1 double crochet into the next stitch.
- In the next stitch, work 2 double crochets to create an increase.
- Continue to work 1 double crochet in each stitch, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch around.
- Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-3.
Step 5: Round 3 – Continue Increasing
- Chain 3 (counts as the first double crochet).
- Work 1 double crochet into the next two stitches.
- In the next stitch, work 2 double crochets (increase).
- Repeat this pattern: 1 double crochet in each of the next two stitches, then 2 double crochets in the next stitch.
- Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-3.
Step 6: Round 4 – Finish the Square
- Continue this process for as many rounds as desired, increasing in each round by adding more double crochet stitches between increases (for example, 1 dc in 3 stitches, then 2 dc in the next stitch, etc.).
- After completing the last round, fasten off the yarn by cutting it and pulling it through the last loop.
- Weave in the ends with your tapestry needle.
2. Granny Square
A Granny Square is a traditional, colorful square that often forms the basis of larger projects like blankets or throws. Granny squares are usually worked in rounds, changing colors for a patchwork effect.
Materials:
- Yarn in multiple colors (optional, but traditional for Granny Squares).
- Crochet hook (usually 5mm or 6mm for worsted weight yarn).
- Scissors.
- Tapestry needle.
Steps to Crochet a Granny Square:
Step 1: Make a Foundation Ring
- Start with a slip knot and chain 4.
- Join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.
Step 2: Round 1 – Begin the First Round
- Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 2 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
- Chain 2 (this creates a space for the corners of the square).
- Work 3 double crochets into the ring.
- Repeat this process two more times (chain 2, then 3 double crochets into the ring), for a total of 4 sets of 3 double crochets with 3 chain-2 spaces between them.
- Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-3.
Step 3: Round 2 – Increase and Form the Square Shape
- Join a new color (optional) into any chain-2 space.
- Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 2 double crochets into the same chain-2 space.
- Chain 2 (this forms the corner).
- Work 3 double crochets into the same chain-2 space.
- In the next chain-2 space, work 3 double crochets, chain 2, and 3 double crochets (making a corner).
- Repeat for all four corners.
- Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-3.
Step 4: Round 3 and Beyond – Continue to Expand the Square
- For each subsequent round, work 3 double crochets into the chain-2 space of each corner, then add 2 double crochets in each stitch along the sides between the corners.
- Continue until the square reaches the desired size.
Step 5: Finish the Square
- Once you’ve completed the desired number of rounds, fasten off the yarn and weave in all the loose ends.
Tips:
- Adjusting the Size: To make a larger square, simply continue adding more rounds with increases (just like Round 2) until the square is the size you want.
- Color Changes: To change colors in a Granny Square, simply join a new color at the beginning of a round, making sure to change before completing the last yarn over of the previous round.
- Joining Squares: If you’re making multiple Granny Squares for a blanket or other project, you can join them using a whip stitch or join-as-you-go method to connect them together.
- Even Tension: Keep your tension even so the sides of your square stay straight.
With these techniques, you can create beautiful and functional squares for your crochet projects, whether you’re making a simple blanket, a decorative piece, or a patchwork design!
