How To Crochet Block Stitch Granny Square for Beginners
In this tutorial, learn how to crochet a block stitch granny square using a size 4 crochet hook, perfect for summer projects. The tutorial also introduces alternating rows of double crochet and chain stitches for pattern and thickness. Perfect for beginners, this technique can be adjusted to create squares of any size for various crochet projects.
The tutorial demonstrates how to create a block-stitch granny square, perfect for various crochet projects. It provides step-by-step instructions, beginning with a slip knot and progressing through chaining, double crochets, and creating corners to shape the square.
free Crochet Block Stitch Granny Square Pattern
Materials
- Yarn: Acrylic yarn, size 2 weight (DK or light worsted); use two strands held together to achieve thickness similar to a weight 4 (medium) yarn. You may substitute with any similar yarn you have available and mix colors as desired.
- Crochet Hook: Size 4 mm (G-6).
- Notions: Yarn needle for finishing, scissors.
Key Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- st: stitch
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sp: space (the gap between groups of stitches or chains)
- rep: repeat
Special Notes
- The yarn is worked double-stranded for thickness.
- Alternate colors on every round for the two-color effect, or as desired for different looks.
- Corners: In double crochet rows, corners are (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). In single crochet rows, corners are (sc, ch 2, sc).
- Sides: In dc rows, sides are (3 dc) in each space; in sc rows, just one sc in each space separated by ch 3.
- You can make as many rounds as you need to reach your required size.
Pattern Instructions
Center Ring
- Make a slip knot.
- Ch 5, sl st to the first chain to form a ring.
Round 1 (Double Crochet — Foundation Square)
- Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
- 2 dc in ring.
- Ch 2 (corner).
- [3 dc in ring, ch 2]; rep 2 more times (for a total of 4 sides).
- Sl st into top of beginning ch 3 to join.
- Fasten off and weave in the end or leave for use in following rounds.
You’ll have four 3-dc groups, each separated by a ch 2 corner.
Round 2 (Block Stitch With Single Crochet & Chains — First Color Change Row)
With a new color:
- Join yarn in any corner (ch-2 sp) with a sl st.
- Ch 3 (acts as turning chain).
- Sc in same corner sp.
- Ch 3, skip the 3 dc group, sc in next ch-2 corner sp.
- Ch 2, sc in same corner sp.
- Rep steps 4–5: ch 3 across sides, then (sc, ch 2, sc) in corners.
- After last side, sl st to join to corner.
- Fasten off.
Round 3 (Double Crochet — Second Color/Return to Previous Color)
With a new/returning color:
- Join yarn in any corner space.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in the same corner sp.
- In each ch-3 space along the side, 3 dc.
- In corners: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every ch-2 corner sp.
- Continue around: dc groups in every side space, corners as above.
- At end of round, join with sl st to top of ch 3, fasten off.
Round 4 (Repeat Block Stitch)
Repeat as for Round 2 with a new color:
- Join in any corner.
- Ch 3, sc in same corner sp.
- Ch 3, sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, sc in next corner, ch 2, sc in same corner.
- Note: as the granny square grows, more ch-3 spaces will appear on each side — always sc in each space and ch 3 between.
- Continue, joining and fastening off at end of round.
Round 5+ (Repeat Pattern)
- Odd-numbered rounds: Work as double crochet round (Repeat Round 3).
- Even-numbered rounds: Work as block stitch round (sc with ch 3 between and ch 2 at corners, per Round 2).
Alternate colors as desired each row. Continue until you’ve reached the size you want for your granny square.
Finishing
- Fasten off yarn.
- Using a yarn needle, weave in all ends to secure your work. Run the tail under several stitches, change direction and weave again to lock the ends.
Conclusion
You now have a finished Block Stitch Granny Square! This geometric design is perfect for constructing larger projects such as tops with fringe, afghans, or bags. Alternate colors for a striped effect or use solids for a classic look. This motif can be expanded for any dimension—continue alternating the rounds as described.
Pattern Correction
- Correction: The pattern ensures that after completing a dc round, every corner consists of (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), and every side space receives just (3 dc).
- Always count your chains and stitches to maintain the square shape and even growing sides.
Tip
- When weaving in ends, use a yarn needle to run the tail through several stitches, double-back, and trim—this prevents unraveling through wear and washing.
- Don’t worry if your edges curve a little; before final use, gentle blocking helps your square lie flat and neat.
- You are not limited to two colors — for a boho effect, use a new color every round!
