Introduction to Crochet Squares
For beginners, square crochet patterns or granny squares are often one of the first projects you will make to practice your basic stitches. You can make simple granny squares to turn into bigger, more fun projects.
But crocheting squares does not have to mean only mean making lots and lots of granny squares. There are a great many varieties of crochet squares, from basic or fancy grannies to squares made with textured stitches, openwork, and more.
Combine a bunch of different squares into a crocheted afghan or throw like no other, or make them match. Either way, you’ve got a great traveling project you can work on anywhere.
What is the Easiest Crochet Square?
Granny squares are a popular motif, and some of the easiest crochet squares to make. The classic granny square is one of the first beginner crochet patterns you can try to practice your crochet basics.
The most basic granny square is typically made with double crochet stitches, so once you know how to make that stitch you can make a simple square.
Once you know the basics you can try different granny square variations. You can make basic square crochet patterns like the solid granny square, a sunburst granny square, a flower square, and even a circle in a square.
You will also find a lot of unique crochet granny square patterns that will add an interesting element to your crochet project.
Looking for granny square patterns? Check out the 45+ free granny square patterns here.
What Do You Need to Make Crochet Squares?
To make square crochet patterns, you will need the basic crochet supplies:
- Yarn: You can use any yarn you prefer when making crochet squares. Most patterns recommend using worsted-weight yarn, and that’s a great choice when you are practicing and learning the techniques.
- Crochet hook: The crochet hook size you will need will depend on the yarn you will be using. Make sure to consult the pattern or the yarn label for the recommended hook size.
- Stitch marker: Many squares are worked in rounds, so it will be helpful to have stitch markers to mark the start or end of each round you work.
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
How Do You Make Crochet Squares?
Squares can be worked from end to end, corner to corner, or from the center out. Granny squares are usually worked from the center out.
There are three ways you can start your crochet square that’s going to be worked from the center out.
Chain 4, then work the required number of stitches into the first chain that you made.
Chain 4, then make a slip stitch to join the first chain and the last chain together into a ring. Chain 3 (to count as your first dc) and work your stitches into the ring for the first round.
Make a magic circle, then chain 3 for your first dc stitch, and work as many stitches as needed into the magic circle. Pull the yarn tail tight to close up the hole in the center after working your first round.
How Do You Join Crochet Squares?
If you are thinking about using your crochet squares to make a bigger project, you will want to find the best way to join them together. Here are five ways you can join your crochet squares:
- Single crochet join: The single crochet join adds a ridge in between your squares that give your project an added texture. Check out how to do it in this tutorial from Repeat Crafter Me.
- Slip stitch join: The slip stitch join is a quick and easy way to join your crochet squares. It adds a more subtle texture to the fabric compared to the single crochet join, and looks great in a contrasting color. You can use this join to add a little bit of flexibility to your project. A Crocheted Simplicity shows you how.
- Flat crochet join: The flat crochet join is neat and tidy, and gives your pieces a nice, flat look. While you typically work this join on the right side of your pieces, you can also work it on the wrong side in a contrasting color for an added effect. Learn how to do this one from Bella Coco.
- Whipstitch: The whip stitch is a simple sewing technique for joining fabric together. It works great for crochet or knit pieces because you have stitches and loops to go through to keep your pieces nice and flat. With the whip stitch, you can get an almost invisible seam on the right side of your project. Underground Crafter can walk you through this technique.
- Mattress stitch: The mattress stitch gives you a seamless and invisible seam. It does not give you a ridge-like other joining methods do, which is why it is a favorite when joining pieces for crochet garments. Get a tutorial on this one from My Crochetory.
What Can I Do with Crochet Squares?
With basic square crochet patterns, you can create bags, hats, pillows, sweaters, cardigans, and so much more! You can create completely different pieces just by playing around with color combinations.
For bigger crochet squares, you can create an heirloom square baby blanket or even a full-sized afghan.
Change a crochet square into a rectangle and there are even more things you can do! Our Crochet Anything with Rectangles class is a great way to learn all the things you can make with this simple shape, from bags and blankets to sweaters and more.
Square Crochet Patterns
Check out this roundup of free patterns for crochet squares. These square crochet patterns below are sure to get you busy stitching.
Afghan Block Square Patterns
Make an heirloom piece with these afghan block square patterns. If you are not ready to take on an afghan yet, you can use these blocks to make cushion covers or even wall hangings.
Unique Crochet Granny Square
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Turn a puff stitch circle into a modern granny square. You can make these squares as big as you would like simply by adding more (or fewer) rounds of the granny stitch. Attach your squares to make baby blankets, throw pillows, bags, and afghans.
Grandview Granny Square
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
This beautiful crochet granny square motif is great for making bags, scarves, or heirloom quality afghans. While the pattern is classified as intermediate, you can easily make it even as a beginner with a little extra attention.
Origami Flower Square
Designer: ChiChi Allen, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This square was part of the 2016 Friends Around the World Crochet Along. It makes a great motif for afghans, or even cocoon shrugs. Made with worsted weight yarn, this square will measure just about 12”. To make a smaller, 9” square, use DK weight yarn.
Marguerite’s Square
Designer: The Loophole Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Marguerite’s square is meant to embody beauty and strength. It is a lovely crochet granny square that you can join with other squares to make a comfy crochet afghan or anything else you can think of. Made with puff stitches and small lace-like details, this square has beautiful texture with a strong finish.
Victorian Lattice Square
Designer: Destany Wymore, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
A lovely granny square motif, this crochet square can be used for making throw pillows, afghans, festive potholders, and more. You only need to know basic crochet skills such as single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), chain (ch), and double crochet (dc) to be able to make this crochet square.
Secret Garden Square
Designer: Kirsten Holloway
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
The elegant floral motif on this square crochet pattern will surely add a feminine touch to any crochet blanket or afghan. You can make this 12” textured floral crochet square in two versions — one is flat, and the other has more texture and embellishment.
New Beginnings Square
Designer: Kirsten Holloway
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
A simple center with a flower petal design along the edge makes this elegant 12” afghan block stand out. You can use it as a contrasting square to tone down a highly textured blanket. The center of the square is made using the wattle stitch, while the outer edges are made using the shell stitch.
Traveling Afghan Square (Tulips from Holland)
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This square features the tulip crochet stitch, a fun and beautiful stitch. It creates a stitch pattern that is reminiscent of the famous tulips of the Netherlands. It is an easy pattern with simple repeats, which is fun for both beginner and advanced crocheters. This was part of an amazing collection of afghan squares from the Traveling Afghan project.
Eyelet Granny Square
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This simple eyelet square is the perfect addition to an heirloom blanket. The lace stitches add breathability to a wool afghan and offer light contrast to dense stitches around it. This easy square works up quickly, and will make any afghan look modern and elegant.
Sweet Stripes Friendship Square
Designer: Green Fox Farms Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo
This sweet crochet square is made up of simple repeats using basic stitches that even beginners can easily complete. Make this square with cotton yarn, and you can use it as a spa cloth or dishcloth. Pair these with bath salts and handmade soap and you’ll have amazing gift sets for any occasion.
Kindred Square
Designer: Through the Loop Yarn Craft
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value
Get that honeycomb Tunisian look with just regular crochet stitches. This crochet square is a little thicker than usual, but it has great texture on both sides. Make this with cotton yarn, and you’ll have a gorgeous dishcloth or potholder.
Ara Blanket Square
Designer: Ambassador Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Ara starts as a circle, transitions into a star, then changes into a square. Make one to add to a sampler blanket or crochet several to make your own constellation. This crochet square will shine bright in any color.
Puff Stitch Crochet Square
Designer: HanJan Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
This textured crochet square has just enough puff stitches to make it stand out. It also has some back loop detailing and a ribbed post stitch border. This crochet square is great for blankets, pillows, bags, and even garments.
Wildrose Granny
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
A modern take on the classic granny square, this crochet square features pretty clusters and puff stitches. This lovely motif looks great in one color, but you can experiment with different colors, too, which is great for using up your yarn scraps.
Lasting Links Crochet Blanket Square
Designer: Ned and Mimi
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Satin
This crochet blanket square features a unique take on the Jacob’s Ladder stitch pattern. It is worked diagonally instead of vertically, then secured with a single crochet stitch. These links cannot be undone, and would look great as part of a textured afghan.
Victoria Textured Granny Square
Designer: Crafting Each Day
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cotton Cakes
A textured take on the classic granny square, this 9” x 9” crochet square is worked from the center outward. The post stitches give it a rich and squishy texture. Use self-striping yarn to get amazing color combinations.
Fellowship Square
Designer: The Loophole Fox
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
This crochet square features the crossed double crochet stitch. It creates a lovely, lacy texture that is not too open which makes it perfect for blankets. To make this crochet square you will need to know how to chain, slip stitch, single crochet and double crochet.
Brindisi Bobble Square
Designer: Christaco Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This easy crochet square is worked in alternating rows of single crochet and bobble stitches. This helps create the contrasting stripes of color that make each bobble pop. Choose contrasting colors to get the full effect.
Rambling Roses Square
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This lovely crochet square uses a combination of the primrose stitch and half double crochet stitches. You can easily adjust the size of this square, and use it to make a pretty washcloth, a hot pad or a table runner. Use cotton yarn to get more defined stitches that will make your project look even more beautiful.
Baroque Triumph Floral Square
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Basix DK
This elegant afghan block features a combination of popcorn stitches, lace motifs, and other 3D elements. You can use it to make beautiful pillow cases, wall hangings, and more! It looks great in one color or in multi colors, so feel free to experiment to get that look that fits your style.
Casablanca Square
Designer: Pattern Paradise
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart with Love
This beautiful crochet square is full of texture. It uses overlay crochet, a technique that uses post stitches and color to create a 3D effect. Use this square to make a pretty throw pillow or connect squares together to make a beautiful bedspread.
Sea Square
Designer: Lillia Björn Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
A combination of the linen stitch and “brioche” crochet gives this crochet square amazing texture. Even with lots of texture, it is lightweight and has a nice drape. You can use it to make pillow covers or as an afghan block.
Square Blanket Patterns
Because of their construction, crochet squares make great square blankets. If you want to know how to start a crochet square blanket, these projects are a great place to start. Check out this list of free crochet patterns for square blankets.
Boho Baby Granny Square Blanket
Designer: Croby Patterns
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
A fun take on the classic granny square pattern, this baby blanket uses surface slip stitches to add a pop of color. This blanket is part of a boho baby collection by the designer, which will all make great baby shower gifts!
Moss Stitch in a Square Blanket
Designer: Repeat Crafter Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Big Cakes
Worked in continuous rounds, this blanket is a great, relaxing project you can do while watching your favorite shows. Self-striping yarn works great for this project as it takes away the hassle of having to change colors.
Bakewell Blanket
Designer: Jollijenni and Chlola
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Whirl
If you can make a granny square, you can make this cute baby blanket! Gradient yarn gives this blanket its gorgeous color effect. It may be hard to work with at first, but once you get used to it you will want to use make one in every gradient there is.
Which Way Filet
Designer: Fiber Spider
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This simple filet crochet blanket has an easy two-round repeat. Make it in a solid color, or use a self-striping yarn to get a unique blanket. The video tutorial included is very detailed and will walk you through the pattern.
Prism Boxed Block Stitch Blanket
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Mandala Tweed Stripes and Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
This pretty boxed blanket uses a combination of double crochet and chain stitches. The boxed block stitch that is used in this blanket is relaxing, easy and fast to work. By combining a self striping yarn with a solid colored yarn, you get a blanket that has a lovely radiating effect.
Baby Shower Blanket
Designer: The Crochet Crowd
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron One Pound
This lovely textured baby blanket is easy to make and has interesting texture that will keep you engaged with the project. It looks great when made with solid colors, but will also look amazing if you change colors in different rounds to make the different elements stand out.
Deluxe Baby Blanket
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen for Hobbii
Yarn weight: (2) Fine
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Flowers
Gorgeous shells make this crochet square blanket absolutely adorable. Use a gradient or self-striping yarn and watch the colors change as you make your way through the pattern.
Spill the Beans Baby Blanket
Designer: Caab Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK and (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ice Cream and Feels Like Butta
Bean stitches combined with half double crochets add a modern twist on the classic granny square to make this more “grown up” baby blanket. Use a variegated yarn with a complementing solid color and you will be able to create this stunning fabric.
Vintage Vibes Crochet Blanket
Designer: Farrah Jane Tate for The Crochet Fix
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
A crochet square blanket that features diamond filet flower motifs and colorwork. Color changes are not incorporated in the pattern instructions, but there are pattern color options given, including for working with a cake yarn. Of course, you can also make up your own color pattern or use a multi-colored yarn and let the color changes flow naturally.
Ferne Granny Square Blanket
Designer: Truly Crochet
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
A great project for beginners, this crochet square blanket uses basic stitches — double crochet and chain stitch. It works up quickly when using bulky yarn, but you can substitute any yarn weight and make it any size you want. Choose your color combination and make a baby blanket or a full sized throw!
Crochet Be Mine Square Blanket
Designer: Jeanne Steinhilber for The Crochet Crowd
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Crossed double crochets and post stitches add an element of texture to this crochet square blanket. Because of its construction, you can easily make a bigger size — from a full-sized throw to a king-sized blanket. This pattern has an accompanying video tutorial for both right and left handed crocheters.
Quad Color Crochet Throw
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
Channel your inner minimalist with this modern crochet square blanket. This throw works up quickly with chunky yarn. With simple stitches and zero seaming, you’ll enjoy making this in all the color combinations you can think of.
Bias Tunisian Baby Blanket
Designer: TL Yarn Crafts
Yarn weight: (3) DK (two strands held together)
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling DK
Inspired by the corner-to-corner crochet technique, this Tunisian crochet blanket starts out with three stitches and grows out to size until it decreases back to three stitches. You will need to know the Tunisian simple stitch, and how to increase and decrease stitches. You will also need a corded Tunisian crochet hook to accommodate the size of the project.
Elmore Blanket
Designer: TL Yarn Crafts
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Truboo
A Tunisian simple stitch body and a honeycomb border crochet makes this blanket simple but elegant. This easy-care blanket has the feel of soft silk,
Granny Square Patterns
If you like to make granny squares but aren’t sure what to do with them, check out these sweet projects made with granny squares.
Red Heart Lions and Tigers and Bears Blanket
Designer: Michele Wilcox for Red Heart
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! This adorable blanket will surely inspire your little one’s imagination. With its creative take on the classic granny square, this blanket is bursting with cuteness. This creative blanket makes a great gift that will definitely be a heirloom piece passed on from one generation to another.
Granny Square Earrings
Designer: Whistle and Ivy
Yarn weight: Embroidery floss
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Curio #10
Show off your love for granny squares with these adorable earrings. With only three rounds to stitch, you can make a couple of them in no time. These are perfect for market fairs, stocking stuffers, giveaways, or gifts.
Crochet Granny Square Zippered Pouch
Designer: Skip to My Lou
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
Organize your things in style with this cute granny square zippered pouch. All you need to do is make four small squares using the classic granny square pattern, join them together, and add a lining and the zipper. It’s much easier than it sounds, and you will enjoy making these in all the different color combinations you can think of.
Daisy Granny Pillow
Designer: You Should Craft
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Daisy granny squares are one of the more popular granny flower squares. Join your crochet granny squares to make a cute throw pillow like this one. You have the option to use your squares on one side only with a granny stitch pattern on the back (like this one) or make enough squares for the front and back sides.
Granny Square Fingerless Mitts
Designer: Lullaby Lodge
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling DK
These mitts are a great project to experiment with colors. They’re quick and easy to make, and easily adjustable to fit any size. Go up or down a hook size to make them bigger or smaller, or use fewer rounds to make them child-sized.
Colorful Solid Granny Square Dishcloth
Designer: Dabbles and Babbles
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
A fun and easy pattern, you’ll be making dozens of these dishcloths in no time. You can use up your yarn scraps to make these colorful squares. Box them up with some handmade soap and you’ve got a beautiful giveaway or gift for friends and family.
Halcyon Granny Square Bag
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
This crochet granny square bag is the perfect size for your essentials. Using the classic granny square pattern, you’ll be able to create this modern sling bag. Style it with the coordinating bucket hat, and you’ve got the perfect getup.
Boho Granny Square Slouchy Hat
Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
Granny squares give this hat a retro look. The soft color changes from self-striping yarn works perfectly with the moss stitch hat body to make it modern and trendy. Add a pompom and you’ve got the perfect slouchy hat!
Wildrose Backpack
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Take your essentials everywhere with this modern granny square backpack. It has an inside pocket, and sturdy straps that are part of the drawstring closure. There’s also a mini version of the backpack, perfect for little ladies who love going out.
Granny Square Table Runner
Designer: Sew Happy Creative
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
A fun free crochet pattern, this classic granny square table runner will add color to your table. It’s easy and very customizable to fit any size table. Have fun with different color combinations or make a themed one for special occasions.
Tulip Square Bag
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
This crochet bag is made with just three granny squares folded in half and joined together. This quick and easy granny square works up quickly with bulky yarn. You can even add a fabric lining to your bag to make your bag sturdier and prevent things from falling out.
Magnolia Granny Square Bag
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
If you have never made a granny square, this is a great project to start with. Granny squares may look basic but when turned sideways, they look like diamonds. This cotton bag is washable and works great as a market bag, a large purse, or a grocery bag.
Crochet Granny Square Top
Designer: Handy Little Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Worsted
This crochet granny square top is for advanced beginners. You will need to make a number of granny squares for your size, and seam them together. Then you will add a shell border around the top to give it a more feminine look.
Desert Sunset Cardigan
Designer: Designs by Phanessa
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
Show off your love for granny squares with this gorgeous granny square cardigan. Choose a color palette that matches your vibe and create a cardigan that will show off your unique style. This one is a video tutorial.
Granny Square Shrug
Designer: The Snugglery
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Cakes
Crochet a continuous classic granny square motif and turn it into a cozy cocoon cardigan. This free crochet pattern in video form is one of the easiest granny square patterns you will ever make. You can easily adjust the size to your liking by adding more or making fewer rounds.
Crossbody Bag
Designer: Kirsten Holloway
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
This free crochet pattern uses 12” crochet squares to form a messenger-style crossbody crochet bag. The combination of pretty scallops and cluster stitches gives it an elegant and feminine look. It’s the perfect bag for any occasion, any time of the year!
Do You Enjoy Making Crochet Projects with Simple Shapes?
If you enjoyed making any of these crochet square projects, you may want to check out our Crochet Anything with Rectangles and Crochet Anything with Hexagons classes.
In the rectangles course you will learn 24 different ways to use rectangles in projects including bags, hats, slippers, and more.
Crochet Anything with Hexagons uses this fun and easier-than-it-looks shape to make fun doll and toy projects. With these ideas to get you started, you can use the shape to make all sorts of projects!
Are You a Beginner Who Needs Help with the Basics?
Granny squares and other square patterns can be quite simple, but some of these use more complicated techniques that you might not have seen before if you are new to crochet.
Our Crochet Fundamentals workshop will help you build your skills quickly. You’ll learn everything from how to hold your yarn and hook to basic stitches, shaping, and finishing techniques.
These quick video lessons will give you the confidence to tackle any crochet project.
Looking for more crochet pattern, check out my other page: 35 Crochet Border Patterns, 50 Crochet Market Bag Patterns
