Granny Squares 101: How to Crochet, Join As – You – Go, and Turn Them into Timeless Treasures


Learn how to crochet granny squares, master the join-as-you-go technique, and discover beautiful project ideas. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters!


Granny squares are more than just a retro crochet trend — they’re the ultimate building block of handmade creativity. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first stitches or a seasoned crocheter looking for relaxing makes, granny squares are a must-know skill.

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • What granny squares are and why they’re worth your time
  • How to crochet a basic granny square (step-by-step)
  • The “join-as-you-go” method (with tips!)
  • Easy and stunning projects to make with granny squares

Let’s dive into the colorful world of granny magic!


🧶 What Are Granny Squares (and Why Crochet Them)?

Granny squares are small, square motifs traditionally made by working in rounds. They’re incredibly versatile and beginner-friendly. With just a hook, yarn, and a few simple stitches, you can create endless patterns, color combinations, and styles.

Why they’re worth making:

  • Perfect stash busters: Use up leftover yarn
  • Portable: Make one square at a time, anywhere
  • Customizable: Mix colors, stitches, sizes, and shapes
  • Therapeutic: Repetitive, rhythmic stitching is calming
  • Functional: Build anything from blankets to wearables

✨ How to Crochet a Classic Granny Square

You’ll need:

  • A 4mm–5mm hook (depending on your yarn)
  • DK or worsted weight yarn
  • Scissors and a yarn needle

Basic steps (UK terms):

  1. Start with a magic ring, or ch 4 and slip stitch to form a ring.
  2. Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as tr), 2 tr into ring, ch 2. Repeat 3 more times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (4 corners)
  3. Round 2: Sl st to next ch-sp. Ch 3, 2 tr in same sp, ch 2, 3 tr in same sp. (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in each corner space around. Join with sl st.
  4. Round 3+: Continue building rounds, placing (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in each corner, and 3 tr in each side space.

Switch colors between rounds for a classic multi-color look!


🤝 How to Join Granny Squares Using the Join-As-You-Go Method

The join-as-you-go (JAYG) technique saves time and adds a seamless finish to your project.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Crochet your first granny square completely.
  2. When working the final round of your next square, stop at the first corner.
  3. Instead of chaining 2 for the corner, chain 1, slip stitch into the corner of the adjacent square, chain 1.
  4. Continue this method along sides, using slip stitches in place of chain spaces where joining.

👉 Tip: Practice with two squares first before moving on to full projects.


🧵 Amazing Projects You Can Make with Granny Squares

1. Granny Square Blanket
Classic, cozy, and timeless. Use 100+ squares for a full-sized blanket or 20–30 for a baby version.

2. Crochet Cardigans & Vests
Seamed squares create stunning retro-inspired garments. Add ribbing for a modern twist.

3. Bags & Pouches
Join four or six squares to make a simple tote or purse. Add a fabric lining for durability.

4. Cushion Covers
Make two panels and seam them together. Easy home décor win!

5. Scarves & Shawls
Use long strips of joined squares or make triangle-shaped motifs for wearable art.

6. Wall Hangings & Bunting
Perfect for stash-busting and decorating your space with a handmade touch.


💡 Final Thoughts: Granny Squares Are Always in Style

Granny squares are more than just beginner projects — they’re a creative canvas. You can experiment with texture, color, and form. Whether you’re crafting a keepsake blanket or trendy fashion pieces, granny squares make crochet fun, meditative, and endlessly inspiring.

So grab your hook and yarn — and let the granny square magic begin!


Want a free printable granny square chart or tutorial? Sign up for my newsletter [here]!

🧵 Written by Helena Mathias, crochet designer & content creator at @craftedcomfort97
📩 Email: helenknittingandcrochet@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.craftedcomfortinvestmentcc.com


3 responses to “Granny Squares 101: How to Crochet, Join As – You – Go, and Turn Them into Timeless Treasures”

  1. I really need to learn the join as you go method, my last granny square project, it took me ages to crochet them all together!

    Like

    1. its not that difficult at all, all you need is as many complete granny squares then take one granny square, work around it but only in the first 3 corners before you ch1, turn and attach the next granny square, making completed dc first always before you release the hook and slp st into the next granny square to attach it. check out my youtube channel where you will find lots of granny square tutorials where i have used join as you go method: https://www.youtube.com/craftedcomfort97

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I will definitely be watching your video about it! Thank you!!

    Like

Leave a reply to Helena Cancel reply