Basic granny square crochet is a popular project for beginners as it’s relatively easy to make and is a great way to practice basic crochet stitches. Granny squares offer endless possibilities for customization, with variations in color, size, and pattern.

This post includes 20 basic granny square crochet patterns made using a combination of the basic crochet stitches to enable you to have a diverse view and select your very next 12-inch crochet granny square project made using the granny square pattern.

It is amazing how the basic square has been modified over the years. From the basic use of only double crochet (dc) to making shells and a square (round), the crochet granny square can now be made using many more crochet stitches in their combinations and adding various textures.

What is a granny square?

A crochet granny square is a classic crochet pattern made up of a small square that is usually created using basic crochet stitches such as chain stitches, and double crochet stitches. Granny squares are typically worked in rounds from the center outwards.

The granny square usually consists of clusters of stitches, worked in groups of three, which form a “shell” pattern. Granny squares can be made in various sizes and can be joined together to make blankets, afghans, cushions, and many other projects.

Projects that can be made using the Basic Granny Square Crochet

The granny square can be made in carrying shapes. Yes, you read that correctly! The name suggests all patterns or projects be a square shape. But part of the evolution of that project made using granny stitch can be made into rectangles, squares, hexagons, and even rounds! There is no limitation to the use of this beautiful technique.

Crochet blankets – You could join the granny squares together to make a big blanket or continue the basic granny square pattern until it gets bigger!

Crochet Garments – The basic granny square would make beautiful garments when joined together! You might need some shaping. The Granny Square top and the Granny Square sweater are good examples!

Crochet accessories – The basic granny square pattern can be turned into bags, stockings, and even kitchen towels!

Do you know that August 15th is granny square day? This post has lots of beautiful free granny square patterns that you can choose from.

12-inch crochet granny square

Making the 12-inch crochet granny square can be fun. The fun of using this free pattern is that you can stop your granny square at any point as it is mostly a repeat of the basic round.

The basic crochet granny stitch tutorial

If you are new to crocheting the granny stitch, here is a quick tutorial for the basic granny stitch.

Round 1: With B, ch 5, sl st to first ch to form a ring, ch 3, 2 dc, [ch 3, 3 dc] 3 times, ch 3, join— 4 (3 dc clusters), 4 ch-3 sps.  

Round 2: Ch 4, [(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch- 3 sp] 3 times, (3 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in next ch-3 sp, join—8 (3 dc clusters),

4 ch-3 sps, 4 ch-1 sps. 

Round 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch-3 sp, (3 dc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to next

Corner; repeat from * to the last corner, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) in last ch-3 sp join— 12 (3 dc clusters), 4 ch-3 sps, 8 ch-1 sps. 

Round 4: Ch 4, *3 dc in each ch-1 sp to next corner, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch-3 sp; repeat from * to last corner,

(3 dc, ch 1) in each ch- 1 sp to last ch-1 sp, 2 dc in last ch-1 sp, join—16 (3 dc cluster), 4 ch-3 sps, 12 ch 1 sps. 

Rows 5 – 6: Repeat Rows 3 – 4

You can continue this repeat until you have your desired measurement.

The granny crochet stitch is such a beautiful stitch as it can be adapted to making various crochet projects. The listed squares below can be made into a bigger blanket individually when you continue the repeats or stitch pattern. You can also make different squares and turn these into a blanket. The list of things that can be made using the granny crochet stitch seems to be endless.

Below, I have listed a few projects that can be made from the basic crochet granny stitch.

Basic granny square patterns

The crochet patterns classified under this category are the patterns that use the traditional crochet granny stitch pattern written above.

Easy crochet granny stitch bandana – What’s not to love in this beautiful bandana with a definite vintage vibe? To make this crochet headscarf, you would need 6 different granny squares and 2 triangles joined together. With each granny square measuring about 3.5″ by 3.5″.

The finished measurement is – 11”x15,5” (28×40 cm).

Designer – Selinaveronique

Rose Garden Pouch – A beautiful and cute little pouch with a drawstring.

Finished measurement – 8″ by 10″

Made using a worsted weight yarn, uses about 120 – 300 yards (110 – 274 m) making it a quick project Designer – Melanie Jane

Not your regular granny tee crochet pattern uses the traditional granny square crochet technique. This easy crochet pattern uses DK in 2 colors. You can either go color-blocking or use complementary colors for yours. This pattern comes in XS – 2XL and is perfect for summer. Designer – Fosbas Designs.

The simple crochet granny square wall hanging This basic wall hanging pattern would transform any room beautifully. It is made using worsted-weight yarn and a 6 mm crochet hook. There is an option of adding a dowel. If you prefer to see more crochet wall hangings, have a look at the daisy wall hanging and the roundup for more hanging patterns. Designed by juniperandoakes

Granny Squares Throw – This is the perfect project for anyone wishing to make a mindless crochet project. The throw uses worsted-weight yarn and would require about
2976 – 3000 yards (2721 – 2743 m) yards to make one.

Designer – Novella Bobo Designs

Other than using the basic crochet granny stitch, you could also up your game at making beautiful, unique granny squares from the numerous squares listed below!

Unique granny square crochet patterns

Why not get creative and spice up the traditional crochet granny squares? If you are ready to challenge your crocheting skills, these beautiful granny squares full of textures should be on your to-make list.

Tudor Rose Square – This is such a fun granny square. I love the varieties of stitches combined together to make this one. I couldn’t resist stopping at just one design I went ahead to incorporate the square into the Tudor rose blanket and then the Tudor rose cardigan (Releasing in a few days)

Friendship Granny Square – Not only is this square filled with texture, but it also has a combination of beautiful stitches and you will be perfecting new techniques when you decide to make this one.

Yarn – Made using Worsted weight (#4) yarn

Finished Dimension – 12″ by 12″

Designer – Thepurpleponcho

Flower Trellis – Another textured granny square with beautiful use of colors.

Yarn – Made using Worsted weight (#4) yarn

Finished Dimension – 12″ by 12″

Designer – Thepurpleponcho

Greta’s Garden Square – This is the perfect elegant granny square. Don’t you just love the center flower?

Finished Measurement 14″ by 14″

Designer – @Torun Johansson

Crochet flower granny square – A 7-round unique granny square pattern with a beautiful final look.

Finished measurement – 12 x 12 inches

Designer – @bluestarcrochet

The sunflower granny square – This airy square is one to reckon with. This would make a beautiful finished project for warm weather. You can make this into a blanket by joining multiple squares or even turning this into a garment!

Finished measurement – 6″ by 6″

Designer – Nanascraftyhome

Helix Inspired granny square – This perfect stash-busting granny square was designed in 3 different colors and includes detailed instructions with the Video tutorial.

Finished measurement – 12″ by 12″

Designer – Yarncraftee

Turquoise Delight Crochet Square – This beautiful square uses a combination of crochet stitches with varying textures. You would definitely be perfecting your crocheting skills with this square.

Finished measurement – 12 x 12 inches

Designer – @bluestarcrochet

Peacock feather – This beautiful square uses different crochet stitches to achieve a unique finished peacock feather look.

Finished measurement – 5 ¼ x 5 ¼ in. (13.3 x 13.3 cm)

Designer – Bananamoonstudio

Puff Stitch Classic Granny Square – This square uses a combination of the basic granny square crochet technique and adds a beautiful twist – the Puff stitch. What better way to add some burst of colors and even texture? The designer also turned this beautiful granny square into a beautiful pocket shawl

Finished measurement – 12″ by 12″

Designer – Yarncraftee

Rudbeckia Fall granny square – This fall-themed square works up pretty quickly and is fun to make. It creates a beautiful flower motif using different color changes, and would even make a cute pillowcase pattern!

Finished measurement – 8 x 8 inches / 20 x 20 cm

Designer – @bluestarcrochet

Lacy Granny Square – This one is a beautiful square perfect for a warm-weather project. Another quick project with a few rounds needed to make a square.

Finished measurement – 9 x 9 inches

Designer – @bluestarcrochet

More unique projects you can make using the granny square method

Flower Granny Square Blanket – This throw-size crochet blanket is available as a free pattern and will help you master your granny square that adds flowers.

The prototype was made using 6 different colors.

Finished dimension – 41×53” (106×136 cm)

Yarn – Any DK weight yarn and 4.5 mm. Designer – Madebygootie

Soak Up the Sun Wall Hanging – How cute is this beautiful wall hanging that has adapted the granny square beautifully? Perfect for all seasons.

Designer – @tThispixiecreates

In conclusion

I am confident you would agree with me that granny squares are here to stay and that they can be turned into absolutely any project! What granny square project are you going to make first? Do you struggle with any part of making your versions of granny squares? I would love to be of help.

I can’t wait to see your beautiful makes! Come share your projects with me and the crochet community on Facebook and on Instagram.

Fosbas