If there’s one crochet motif that has truly stood the test of time, it’s the granny square. Granny square patterns are the foundation of so many beloved crochet projects — from cozy blankets and boho cardigans to tote bags, cushions, and shawls. Most use just a handful of basic stitches, which makes them a perfect starting point for beginners, and they’re endlessly customizable in color and yarn weight for experienced makers too.
We’ve rounded up 37 free crochet granny square patterns covering every style and skill level — classic open-work squares, solid modern designs, floral and textured motifs, full project patterns, and alternative shapes like hexagons. Whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time or looking for your next advanced challenge, there’s something here for you. And if you’re after more unusual variations, check out our guide to unusual granny square crochet patterns too.
Table of Contents
Classic Granny Squares
The classic granny square is where most crochet journeys begin — and for good reason. These open-work motifs use clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces to create a lacey, lightweight fabric that joins up beautifully into almost any project. Here are eight essential designs, from the most basic open-cluster square to solid-fill and modern geometric takes on the classic shape.
1. Basic Granny Square Pattern
This is the classic granny square in its purest form — clusters of three double crochets separated by chain-two corner spaces, worked in rounds from the center out. The Crochet 365 Knit Too version is a clean, no-fuss reference pattern that works up quickly and suits everything from blankets and pillows to bags and garments. If you want the definitive version of the traditional open-work motif, this is your bookmark. A reliable, timeless go-to.
2. Learn to Crochet a Basic Granny Square
From Bella Coco Crochet comes this thorough beginner tutorial for crocheting a classic granny square using just three stitches. The written pattern comes with step-by-step video tutorials in both right- and left-handed versions — a genuinely useful detail that many patterns skip. It’s available in DK, aran, or chunky weight, so you can tailor it to whatever yarn you have on hand. The ideal starting point if you’ve never made a granny square before.
3. Solid Granny Square Crochet Pattern
If you love the structure of a granny square but prefer a denser, gap-free fabric, this solid version from Maria’s Blue Crayon is the answer. Built entirely from double crochet stitches with strategic slip-stitch placement to eliminate any visible seam, it produces a clean, seamless square that sits beautifully alongside more open-work motifs in a multipattern blanket. A modern update on a classic shape.
4. Solid Seamless Granny Square
This worsted-weight solid seamless granny square from The Friendly Red Fox includes a video tutorial to walk you through every step. The geometric construction produces a tidy, flat square with a clean, structured look and no awkward gaps in the fabric. It’s beginner-accessible and uses basic stitches throughout, making it a great companion pattern to the classic open-work motif when you want variety in a project without learning a whole new technique.
5. Solid Granny Square (Less Lacey)
This minimal-chain solid granny square from Thoresby Cottage is worked in DK weight and rated beginner-friendly. By reducing the number of chain stitches, it produces a denser, less lacey result than the traditional design — ideal as a filler motif alongside more open squares, or for projects where a tighter, warmer fabric is needed. A neat, practical design that’s quick to work up once you have the rhythm.
6. Perfect Granny Square (No Twisting)
If you’ve ever crocheted a two-color granny square and ended up with twisted, messy color joins, this pattern from Viv Crochets solves the problem entirely. Worked in medium worsted weight, the construction technique keeps the square perfectly flat, fully reversible, and with only four loose ends to weave in. An elegant solution for colorwork blankets that want a polished, professional finish on both sides.
7. V-Stitch Flower Granny Squares
A classic granny square with a twist — this colorful design from Repeat Crafter Me uses V-stitches (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) arranged in a flower-like pattern across the square. Worked in worsted weight Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, the result is a bold, decorative motif that sits beautifully in scarves, blankets, or pillows. An intermediate pattern that looks stunning in multiple contrasting colors.
8. Star Granny Square
A bold geometric alternative to the traditional round motif, this beginner-friendly star granny square from Viv Crochets is worked in medium worsted weight and produces a striking star shape that’s easy to memorize after the first round or two. Use it as a standalone coaster or repeat it across a blanket, pillow, or tote bag. A fresh, modern take on the granny motif that’s genuinely satisfying to make.
Floral & Textured Granny Squares
Once you’ve got the basic granny square down, it’s time to explore all the ways to add flowers, texture, and personality to the classic motif. These nine patterns bring in bobble stitches, popcorn clusters, shell stitches, front post stitches, and floral centres to create squares with real visual impact — still manageable for confident beginners, with a few intermediate designs for when you’re ready to level up.
9. Flower Granny Square Crochet Pattern
A cheerful granny square featuring a raised flower motif in the centre from Mama In A Stitch. It’s designed as a quick and easy make that works up in just a few rounds and is used as a building block in several other Mama In A Stitch projects, including cardigans and blankets. Works beautifully as a single-color design or in contrasting colors to make the flower pop. A delightful stash-buster motif.
10. Primavera Flowers Granny Square
An intricate and stunning floral granny square from Dada’s Place featuring popcorn stitch flowers set against a cluster-stitch background. Worked in DK cotton with a 3.5mm hook and rated intermediate, this square takes more time than a basic motif — but the payoff is extraordinary. The full photo-by-photo tutorial walks you through every step. A breathtaking centrepiece motif for blankets, cushions, or frameable art pieces.
11. Crochet Flower Granny Square
A versatile floral motif from Winding Road Crochet that comes with a free video tutorial, making it accessible for visual learners. The design works beautifully as a single-colour or two-toned creation — the flower centre really pops when worked in a contrasting color. Use it as a standalone motif or repeat across a blanket, bag, or cushion cover. An endlessly adaptable square that suits any color palette.
12. Sunflower Granny Square
A bright, cheerful sunflower granny square from Moms And Crafters rated beginner-friendly. The written pattern is clear and easy to follow, and the square works up in just a few rounds using basic stitches. Perfect for summer projects, baby blankets, or any make that could use a pop of sunshine. A lovely quick win that looks like it took far more skill than it did — always a good feeling.
13. Bobble Drops Flower Granny Square
A striking textured square from Crochet For You featuring bobble-stitch flowers worked in two contrasting colors against a solid background. The raised bobbles create a dramatic three-dimensional floral effect that photographs beautifully. Worked in worsted weight and rated intermediate, this is one to try once you’re comfortable with basic squares and want a motif that really makes a statement in a blanket or pillow project.
14. Granny Bobble Square Motif
A fun and textured granny square from Sweet Bee Crochet using worsted weight yarn in two colors, with a bobble stitch tutorial included so you can master the technique as you go. It works up to approximately 5×5 inches — the perfect size for coasters, wall hangings, pillow covers, or bag panels. A confident beginner project that packs a lot of texture and visual interest into a small, satisfying square.
15. Shell Stitch Granny Square
A decorative granny square from Lucy Kate Crochet using classic shell stitches — clusters of double crochet that fan out to create an elegant scalloped effect. The seven-round tutorial includes stitch placement diagrams and color variation suggestions, showing how dramatically different the same pattern can look depending on your color choices. Rated intermediate, it’s a rewarding step up from the basic motif with a beautiful, polished result.
16. Heart Granny Square
A sweet heart granny square from Bella Coco Crochet with a free step-by-step pattern, tutorial, and plenty of project ideas to inspire what to make with the finished motifs. Lovely for Valentine’s Day projects, baby blankets, or heartfelt handmade gifts — the heart shape is versatile and universally adored. A charming twist on the classic motif that’s as sweet to make as it is to gift.
17. Waffle Stitch Granny Square
A cozy textured granny square from Lucy Kate Crochet using front post double crochet stitches to create a raised grid pattern across the surface. Dense, warm, and tactile — this square is ideal for blankets, pillows, and even dishcloths. Rated intermediate and can be worked in rounds or rows, making it a flexible design to adapt to different project shapes. An excellent choice when you want to learn post stitches in a structured, satisfying format.
Granny Square Blankets
Blankets are arguably the most iconic granny square project — and for good reason. They’re satisfying to make, endlessly customizable, and work up surprisingly quickly once you get into a rhythm. These six free blanket patterns range from quick single-yarn designs to multi-square masterpieces, with something for every taste and skill level.
18. Granny Square Blanket
A classic striped granny square blanket from Daisy Cottage Designs worked in a calming palette of white, linen, and viridescent — approximately 29 inches square. Rated beginner and worked in worsted weight, it’s sized to make a neat lap blanket or a generous baby blanket. Easily scaled up or down by adding or removing rounds from each square, making it a truly versatile project to fit any space or recipient.
19. Continuous Granny Square Blanket
One of the most clever granny square blanket constructions — this beginner-friendly design from Jo To The World is worked continuously with no separate motifs to assemble. Just keep adding rounds and the blanket grows on its own. Size it as a baby blanket, throw, or lapghan — the step-by-step video tutorial guides you through the whole process. Perfect if the idea of joining dozens of individual squares fills you with dread.
20. V-Stitch Granny Square Blanket
Another no-join blanket option from Maria’s Blue Crayon, this one uses the V-stitch (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) to create an open, airy fabric that looks fresh and modern. Worked in worsted acrylic with no seaming required, it’s a beginner-friendly project that grows quickly and looks deceptively intricate. A great option when you want the look of a traditional granny blanket without the assembly work.
21. 6-Day Great Granny Blanket
A grow-as-you-go blanket from Betty Mc Knit that starts from a single center square and expands outward in continuous rounds — no individual squares to join later. Available in both DK and worsted weight estimates, it sizes up from a lap blanket to a full throw, with an optional shell stitch border to finish. Rated easy and genuinely achievable across several evenings. A wonderfully meditative project.
22. Sunburst Granny Square Blanket
A cheerful baby blanket from Maisie and Ruth featuring colorful sunburst granny squares in DK weight. The beginner-friendly pattern comes with a tutorial and produces a bright, sweet blanket that’s as lovely to make as it is to gift. The sunburst starburst effect gives each square a radiating, warm visual quality — beautiful in rainbow tones or in a curated two- or three-color palette.
23. Farmhouse Granny Square Baby Blanket
A charming heirloom-style baby blanket from Madame Stitch made from 56 granny squares in rustic farmhouse colors, approximately 34×38.5 inches. Worked in DK weight and rated beginner, the multicolored rounds with a neutral border give it a timeless, handmade quality that photographs beautifully and makes a truly special gift. A rewarding project to work on square by square over several weeks.
Granny Square Wearables & Accessories
Granny squares aren’t just for blankets — they’re the backbone of some of the most beautiful and practical crochet garments and accessories out there. These nine free patterns include cardigans, tops, a poncho, tote bags, and a cushion cover, all built from the same versatile motif. Check out our roundup of crochet granny square bags for even more bag inspiration.
24. Modern Granny Square Cardigan
A contemporary cardigan from Hanjan Crochet featuring a traditional granny square yoke and granny-stitch body, available in sizes XS–5XL (30–62 inch bust). Worked in medium worsted weight and rated intermediate, this is one of the most size-inclusive free granny square garment patterns available. The combination of classic motif construction with modern silhouette makes it feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
25. Wildflower Granny Square Cardigan
A boho-inspired summer cardigan from Mama In A Stitch assembled from flower granny squares, seamed into rectangular panels for the back and fronts. Rated easy with free video tutorial included, this wearable floral project transitions beautifully into warmer months and pairs effortlessly with jeans, dresses, or a swimsuit. One of those patterns that looks far more complex than it actually is to make.
26. Cozy Granny Square Cardigan
A cosy fall-and-winter cardigan from Hay Hay Crochet constructed from classic granny squares with a free pattern and video tutorial. The color palette is fully customizable for any season — go warm and earthy for autumn, or try soft neutrals for year-round wear. A satisfying construction project that results in a genuinely wearable, wardrobe-worthy cardigan.
27. Granny Squared Crochet Top
A modern crochet top from 1 Dog Woof that combines a rich waffle-texture block with a classic granny square motif in one cohesive design. The number of granny square rounds determines the width of the top, making it easy to size for any figure without complicated math. A creative design that shows just how wearable and contemporary granny square construction can be.
28. Avenly Granny Square Top
A beautiful patchwork top from Lakeside Loops assembled from delicate granny squares worked in super fine sock/4-ply weight yarn. The lightweight fabric makes it wearable as a spring T-shirt, summer cover-up, or a layered fall vest — genuinely versatile across seasons. An elegant, refined design that demonstrates just how graceful the granny square motif can look in fine yarn. The full pattern is free on the blog.
29. Granny Square Poncho with Optional Sleeves
A versatile granny square poncho from Hanjan Crochet that can be made with or without sleeves — wear it as a classic fringed poncho or add sleeves for a cozy swoncho-style layering piece. Worked in medium worsted weight and rated beginner, the simple, elegant square construction makes this surprisingly approachable. An excellent project for when you want the look of a garment without the complexity of shaping.
30. Granny Square Tote Bag
A practical and stylish tote bag from Bella Coco Crochet with step-by-step video tutorials in both right- and left-handed versions. A beginner-friendly project that puts basic granny square skills to practical use right away — great for farmers’ markets, beach days, or everyday use. The open-work construction makes it lightweight and breathable while still looking beautiful.
31. Granny Square Tote
A colorful, sturdy tote from Delia Creates built from oversized granny squares worked with four strands of yarn held together simultaneously. The multi-strand construction creates a less-stretchy, day-bag-ready fabric that measures approximately 15.5×15 inches and holds its shape beautifully. Rated beginner and worked in worsted weight. A bold, colorful statement bag that’s surprisingly quick to make given the chunky construction technique.
32. Floral Granny Square Cushion
A stunning cushion cover from Hanjan Crochet featuring intricate floral granny square motifs set against a clean modern panel, letting the detailed squares take center stage. Worked in DK weight and rated easy — the pattern looks far more complex than it actually is to make, which makes it incredibly satisfying to finish. A perfect home décor project for when you want something that looks high-end without the advanced skill requirement.
Shaped & Alternative Granny Motifs
Granny squares don’t have to be square — the same construction principles extend beautifully to hexagons, and the motif translates wonderfully into accessories like scarves and shawls. These five patterns explore the alternative side of granny construction, from the classic African flower hexagon to a gorgeous triangular shawl made entirely from joined granny squares.
33. Granny Hexagon Crochet Pattern
The granny hexagon is the six-sided cousin of the traditional square, and this classic version from Petals to Picots works exactly the same way — clusters of double crochets with chain-space corners, just with six sides instead of four. Join-as-you-go instructions are included, making it practical for large blanket projects. A versatile motif that works beautifully for blankets, bags, and garments with a slightly different geometric feel.
34. Granny Hexagon Tutorial
A detailed photo-filled step-by-step tutorial for the granny hexagon from Magic Owl Studios, rated beginner. Every round is explained with accompanying photos so you always know exactly where you are and what’s coming next. Clear, encouraging, and easy to follow — this is the one to bookmark if you’ve been curious about hexagon motifs and want a thorough guided introduction to the shape.
35. African Flower Hexagon
The African flower hexagon is one of crochet’s most iconic and beloved motifs — a simple flower transformed into a six-sided shape that works beautifully for blankets, pillows, sweaters, and even stuffed animals. This classic tutorial from B.hooked Crochet is one of the most comprehensive free versions available. Once you’ve mastered the African flower, it’s one of those motifs you’ll come back to again and again across dozens of projects.
36. Yarn Scrap Granny Square Scarf
A beginner-friendly stash-buster scarf from Lucy Kate Crochet made from granny squares joined together with a simple border, using four different aran yarn variations. The perfect project for using up partial skeins from your yarn stash while making something genuinely gorgeous. A quick, satisfying make that proves scrap yarn can absolutely look intentional and polished when put together with a little care and a clear construction plan.
37. The Granny Square Shawl
A classic triangular shawl from Yarnhild constructed entirely from granny square motifs in worsted weight alpaca blend with beautiful drape from the chain-one spacing. Rated beginner with free written pattern and video tutorials on the blog, the finished result is a stunning, wearable piece that looks like a major achievement — even though it’s built from a simple repeat you’ll have memorized by the second square. A seriously beautiful project worth every stitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a granny square in crochet?
A granny square is a classic crochet motif worked in rounds from the center outward. The traditional design uses clusters of three double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces, with two or three chains at each corner to create the square shape. The result is an open, lacey fabric that’s lightweight and endlessly versatile. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly crochet shapes because it uses only chain stitches, slip stitches, and double crochets — the building blocks of almost all crochet.
How do you join granny squares together?
There are several popular methods, and the right one depends on the look you’re going for. A slip-stitch join creates a visible ridge on the right side — some people love the textural detail, others prefer to keep it on the wrong side by using a flat slip-stitch join. The most seamless option is join-as-you-go (JAYG), where you attach each square to the previous one during the final round, eliminating the need for a separate joining step. The JAYG granny hexagon pattern above uses this technique if you’d like to see it in action.
How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?
It depends on the finished square size. As a rough guide: a 6-inch square baby blanket needs approximately 49 squares (7×7), while a throw-sized blanket using 8-inch squares typically needs around 64 (8×8). For larger or more generously sized throws, you might work with 5- or 6-inch squares in a 10×12 grid for a total of 120. Always calculate based on your blocked square dimensions and your target blanket size — and block a test square first, since sizing varies depending on yarn weight and tension.
What yarn is best for granny squares?
DK and worsted weight yarns are the most popular choices — they work up at a speed that lets you see progress quickly, and they produce a fabric with good drape and structure. Cotton and cotton-blend yarns are great for dishcloths, bags, and spring/summer projects, while acrylic (like Stylecraft Special DK or Lion Brand Pound of Love) is an affordable, machine-washable choice for blankets. For garments, a superwash wool or cotton-acrylic blend gives a softer finish that drapes well when worn.
Can beginners make granny squares?
Absolutely — the classic granny square uses only chain stitches, slip stitches, and double crochets, which are the very first stitches most beginners learn. If you’re brand new to crochet, start with patterns 1 or 2 in this list: the Basic Granny Square Pattern and the Bella Coco Learn to Crochet tutorial both have video support and clear step-by-step instructions. Once you’ve made a few and feel confident with the structure, you can explore solid fills, textured stitches, and the floral motifs further down this list.
Whether you’re making your very first granny square or adding a fresh new motif to your collection, we hope this list gives you plenty to be excited about. Save your favorites to Pinterest, bookmark the patterns you want to try next, and tag @thefunkystitch on Instagram when you’ve finished a make — we’d love to see what you create!
