20 Granny Square Crochet Patterns

Granny square crochet patterns are seen everywhere including; blankets, afghans, sweaters, cardigans, and accessories.

The classic granny square is one of the most well-known motifs in crochet.

There are many different stitch patterns available, that include color changes, different stitches, and techniques.

The History of The Granny Square and The Word Afghan

The word ‘afghan’ was apparently first heard in English during the early 1700s.

This was the name given to the Pashtuns of Eastern and Southern Afghanistan.

They were well known for their extravagant textiles and carpets.

How did the granny square get its name…

But the granny square was thought to have come from a different place, as merchants would bring colorful rugs over to the USA from the UK via the Middle East.

By the early 1800s, colorful blankets with squares stitched together with many colors came to be known as granny square afghans.

The name has stuck around and is well known by makers around the globe.

Crochet Squares

The history of the granny square is thought to have been a way for people to use up and recycle scraps of yarn. 

Women would unravel old sweaters and socks and crochet the yarn into small squares. 

They would choose various colors and stitch patterns, making lots of squares.

The squares would be sewn together to make a colorful blanket or afghan.

The grandma of the family would normally have the task of stitching all of the squares together, and this is how they became known as ‘granny squares’.

Granny Square Blankets

You often see patterns for granny square blankets, with colorful squares in various designs.

They can range from simple patterns for beginners to more advanced complicated stitches.

Depending on your own skill level, there are many choices out there and lots of lovely free patterns!

Easy Granny Square

This simple beginner crochet granny square pattern is easy to follow.

The tutorial has instructions including step-by-step photographs and video tutorials to help you.

Made with cotton and a size 4mm (G/6) crochet hook the crochet squares are created by making clusters of double crochet.

You can however use any yarn weight (like worsted weight yarn) for these squares, and by using three colors you can use up your yarn scraps too!

Flower Granny Square

This crochet sunflower granny square is part of a project to make a blanket.

You can make two types of sunburst granny square and see examples of them joined together.

These are created by clusters of double crochet and puff stitches.

Get the free pattern from Brenna Ann Handmade – in collaboration with Hobium Yarns.

Classic Granny Square Pattern

If you want to make traditional granny squares, try out this step-by-step tutorial from You Should Craft.

The solid granny square motif can be used for a number of items including blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals.

The crochet square needs a 5mm (US H) hook and Caron Simply Soft Yarn.

Crochet Square Patterns

In the round-up below, you will see 20 different beautiful granny square patterns.

From the more basic granny square pattern to the more advanced, there will be something for every skill level to try out.

If you are new to crochet and want to practice the crochet basics, perhaps start with the granny square patterns above first.

If you need a refresher for any other terms or basic crochet stitches, take a look at these posts below;

• Crochet abbreviations
• How to single crochet
• How to double crochet
• How to treble crochet