The Universal Rules of Crochet: How to Make a Granny Square

Making granny squares is one of the most effective ways for beginners to quickly learn crochet techniques. The charm of the granny square lies in how it combines multiple stitch patterns into a small square, allowing beginners to explore a variety of fun stitches with relatively little effort. In addition, granny squares are incredibly versatile: you can use them to create everything from large items like blankets, sweaters, dresses, shawls, and hats, to smaller pieces like coasters and headphone cases. That's why we've put together a set of universal crochet rules for granny squares—perfect for beginners to save and refer to!

Step 1: Gather your tools

The first step in starting crochet is to gather your basic tools. This includes yarn, a crochet hook, a yarn needle, stitch markers, and scissors. For beginners, choosing the right tools is crucial. It's best to go for simple, easy-to-use options to avoid frustration.

Recommended Tools:

Crochet Hook: A medium-sized hook (such as 4mm or 5mm) is ideal for beginners. A hook that's too large can be difficult to control, while one that's too small can make the process harder.
Yarn: Light-colored, worsted-weight yarn (such as cotton or a cotton-blend) is a great choice because its fibers are stable, it doesn't tangle easily, and the light color makes it easier to see the details of your stitches.
Other Tools: Tools like yarn needles, stitch markers, and scissors can be selected based on personal preference, so choose what feels most comfortable for you. Click here for a detailed guide on these tools and how to choose the right crochet hook and yarn for your project.

Step 2: Master the Basics

Before you dive into crocheting a granny square, it’s essential to learn some basic stitches. Mastering these will not only make it easier to get started but also increase your efficiency when working on more complex patterns.

Here are the key crochet stitches you’ll need to know as a beginner:

Each stitch creates different textures and heights, and getting comfortable with them will make following patterns much easier. There are plenty of tutorial videos available online, and you can also click here to visit our stitch guide page, where you’ll find stitch names, abbreviations, symbols, and their primary uses.

In addition, there are some common terms in the crochet community, such as FROG (to rip out stitches) and WIP (work in progress). Familiarizing yourself with these slang terms will help you better connect with the crochet world. Click here to check out our curated list of crochet terminology.

Step 3: Choose the Right Crochet Tutorial

Crochet tutorials generally come in two formats: written instructions and video tutorials. Here’s how they differ:

Written Tutorials

Best for crocheters with some experience.
Requires familiarity with crochet symbols and stitch names to understand.
Beginners might find them challenging due to lack of hands-on experience, which can lead to frustration.

Video Tutorials

Ideal for beginners because the instructions are more visual and easier to follow.
Videos walk you through each stitch and movement, helping you quickly grasp stitch abbreviations and symbols.
It’s important to choose videos with clear instruction and complete coverage of the stitches.