Why A Granny Square Is The Perfect First Crochet Project
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You’ve got the yarn. You’ve got the hook. But what should be your first crochet project?
The tutorials out there look great, but they’re long, complicated, and full of terms that sound like another language.
Chain three into the magic loop? Treble what now?
You just need one crochet project that’s easy to learn, forgiving when you make mistakes, and satisfying enough to keep you hooked.
That’s why crocheting a granny square is still, hands down, the best first project.
It’s quick.
It’s fun.
It looks way harder than it is.
And best of all, you can turn it into just about anything—blankets, scarves, bags, you name it.
So if you’re ready to skip the stress and finally make something you’re proud of, let’s begin.
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Why I Love Crocheting Granny Squares
I love crocheting granny squares because they’re so flexible—you can make them any size, any color, and turn them into just about anything. Plus, each square is a little win. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a square grow round by round, knowing that in just a little time, I’ve made something real and beautiful.
I’ll also show you a free pattern you can download to make your very first square today.
What is a Classic Granny Square?
Crocheting a granny square has been around for generations.
The classic granny square is usually worked in rounds, starting from the centre and building outward in a neat, geometric pattern.
A granny square usually begins with a small loop in the middle (a magic circle or a chain ring), then builds with clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chains.
With each round, the square grows larger, giving you plenty of room to play and experiment with colour. One round in white, another in bright pink, a final one in soft grey—suddenly you’ve got a square that feels completely your own.
I remember holding my very first granny square and being amazed that something so simple could look so polished. It wasn’t perfect—the edges were wobbly, and I’d pulled my yarn way too tight—but I could actually recognize what I’d made.
And that little win is exactly why beginners fall in love with this project.
Why the Granny Square is the Best First Crochet Project for Beginners
Easy to Learn
Most crochet projects can feel intimidating when you’re just starting out. But crocheting a granny square only asks you to learn a couple of stitches. Chain, double crochet, slip stitch—that’s it.
No fancy crochet techniques, no long rows that stretch forever. Just easy stitches that come together like puzzle pieces.
It’s also repetitive in the best way. Once you’ve made the first round, the second one feels familiar. By the third, your hands already know what to do. That muscle memory builds quickly, and suddenly you realize you’re not staring at your hands so much anymore—you’re actually enjoying the flow.
Forgiving of Mistakes
Granny squares are beautiful even when they’re a little messy. Miss a stitch? Your square might look slightly wonky, but no one will notice once it’s joined into a blanket. Struggled with tension? The square will still hold its shape.
When I first started, I thought every mistake would ruin my project. But the granny square taught me that imperfections often fade into the pattern. It’s like a patchwork quilt—each square carries its own quirks, and together they create something far more beautiful than “perfect” ever could.
Small & Quick
For beginners, time matters. Spending weeks on a giant blanket can feel overwhelming. A granny square solves that.
It’s small, takes less than an hour once you’ve practiced, and gives you the satisfaction of finishing something in one sitting.
Think of it like baking cookies instead of a wedding cake. You get to enjoy the result almost immediately, and you can always make more when you’re ready.
Builds Confidence
Granny squares teach you nearly everything you need for bigger projects: how to hold yarn, how to keep even tension, how to change colours, and how to finish off your work neatly. Each square becomes a stepping stone, moving you forward without making you feel like you’ve leapt into the deep end.
When I look back, I realize crocheting granny squares was the reason I didn’t give up. Every little square felt like proof that I could do this. That kind of quiet confidence is priceless when you’re learning something new.
Versatile
Once you’ve got a stack of granny squares, you can sew them together into almost anything. Blankets, scarves, bags, cushion covers, even cardigans. You don’t have to start a whole new pattern—you just keep adding squares.
It’s like building blocks. One by itself is cute, but together they become something big, bold, and full of personality.
And if you want your hands to stay comfortable while you stitch, the right tools make all the difference.
I like the Mayboos 20 Pieces Bamboo Crochet Hooks Kit. The bamboo handles feel smooth in your hand, while the silver-plated aluminum tips glide through yarn easily. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, with sizes from 1.0–10.0 mm so you’ll always have the right hook for any project.
Step-by-Step: How to Crochet a Granny Square
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process. Don’t worry if it feels confusing written out—it all clicks when you’ve got yarn and hook in hand.
Make a loop. Start with a magic circle or chain four and join into a ring. This is your square’s centre.
Work the first clusters. Into the ring, make groups of three double crochets, separated by chain spaces. That’s your first round.
Build the corners. Each new round begins in a corner. Work three double crochets, chain two, then three more double crochets in the same space to form a new corner.
Expand the sides. Fill in the sides with more clusters, and keep repeating.
Change colours if you like. Fasten off one yarn, join in another, and suddenly your square pops with personality.
And there you have it—the bones of a granny square. Once you’ve done a few, your fingers will practically stitch them without thinking.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Crocheting a granny square isn’t hard, but there are a few things that can trip you up.
Tension too tight. If your stitches feel stiff and your hook squeaks against the yarn, loosen your grip. Imagine you’re holding a baby bird—firm enough to keep it safe, soft enough not to hurt it.
Forgetting the chain spaces. Skipping those little chain stitches between clusters will throw off your corners. If your square looks more like a circle, this is probably why.
Wrong hook size. Using a hook too small can make your square curl; too big, and it gets floppy. Start with the size recommended on your yarn label.
Not finishing rounds properly. Granny squares are worked in joined rounds, so don’t forget the slip stitch at the end. It keeps your square neat and aligned.
Every mistake is easy to unravel and fix. And honestly, sometimes leaving those little “errors” in adds character. The first granny square I made had a lopsided corner, and I still kept it. It reminded me that learning is supposed to be a little messy.
Fun & Easy Projects You Can Make With Granny Squares
Once you’ve built a small pile of squares, the possibilities open up. You don’t have to dive into huge projects right away—start small, enjoy the process, and see where it takes you.
Blanket. The classic project. Stitch together dozens of squares and suddenly you’ve got a cosy throw.
Scarf. Line up granny squares end to end. It’s quick, cheerful, and a great way to use up leftover yarn.
Bag. Sew two squares together, add a strap, and you’ve got a cute tote.
Cushion cover. Four large squares joined together make an instant statement piece.
Wall hanging. Arrange squares in a rainbow and hang them from a wooden dowel for a touch of handmade art.
I often use mismatched squares leftover from different projects to make a patchwork blanket. That’s the beauty of granny square crochet projects—you can mix, match, and make them entirely your own.
To get the best finish and shape for each square, I recommend using a blocking board. The CraftyManor 7.6 in Blocking Board is perfect—it comes with 20 stainless steel pegs and a bamboo base, making it easy to block your granny squares perfectly every time.
Why This Project Sets You Up for Crochet Success
Crocheting a granny square isn’t just about making a pretty block. It sets you up for everything else you’ll ever want to try in crochet.
It teaches you how to read a pattern without overwhelming you with instructions. It gets you comfortable with starting and finishing, with changing colors, with keeping track of stitch counts. And most importantly, it gives you dozens of chances to practice without the pressure of a giant project looming over you.
It’s no exaggeration to say that a stack of beginner’s granny squares can turn into a lifetime love of crochet.
Each square builds your skills, boosts your confidence, and gives you something tangible to hold onto. That combination—practice plus progress plus payoff—is exactly what keeps new crocheters going.
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Your Turn: Crocheting a Granny Square
Every big journey starts with one small step—or in this case, one small square.
Crocheting a granny square isn’t just about learning stitches, it’s about starting something small that you’ll finish it. You’ll hold it in your hands. And you’ll know, deep down, that you’ve started something you can grow into.
So grab some yarn, pick up your hook, and dive in. You’ll be surprised at how quickly confidence builds when you see those little clusters forming row by row.
And if you’d like step-by-step guidance—without the stress, without the overwhelm—you can grab the free classic granny square pattern right here. It’s simple, it’s clear, and it’s yours to follow along with.
Your crochet journey starts with one square. Let’s make it count.
Happy crocheting!
What Next?
📌 Pin this post: Obsessed with granny squares? Pin this post to your favourite Pinterest board so you’ll always have a quick spark of inspiration ready whenever you need it.
💬 Join the conversation: I’d love to hear from you—are you already working on a granny square project, or is this your sign to finally start one? Drop your questions, ideas, or favourite granny square tips in the comments below.
✨ Grab the free classic granny square pattern: Want to follow along step by step? Download your free granny square pattern here and start stitching today. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to follow, and perfect for your first project.
🌟 Ready to level up? When you’re hooked (and you will be!), check out the Crochet Pattern Customization Kit. It’s packed with design tips, stitch swaps, and cheat sheets to help you make every project truly your own. Find out more here.
🌟Coming soon — the Crochet Kit: I’m putting together a beginner-friendly crochet kit with everything you need in one box: yarn, hooks, and a step-by-step guide. Want first dibs when it launches? Join the waitlist here.
🤗 Share the love: Know someone who’s been saying they want to learn crochet? Send them this post or share it on your socials—you might just give them the little push they’ve been waiting for.
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Crocheting a granny square is the perfect first step into the world of crochet. With just a few simple stitches, you can create a square that’s quick, forgiving, and endlessly versatile. From blankets and scarves to bags and cushions, granny squares open the door to countless beginner-friendly projects. Whether you’re brand new to crochet or just looking for an easy, satisfying make, this timeless square is where confidence begins.