A Classic Three-Round Granny Square in US Terms
A granny square grows through double-crochet groups in chain spaces. Corners receive two groups separated by ch 2; side spaces receive one group. This three-round version cuts and rejoins the yarn between rounds so every round begins at a corner. That creates tails, but makes the starting location unambiguous. These original US-term instructions have arithmetic reviewed, without physical sample testing or guaranteed dimensions.
Photo: Rahime Gül · Photo license. Real crochet reference photograph; pictured yarn, tension and finished dimensions may differ from the written project.
What you need
- Smooth yarn and a suitable hook
- Four optional removable markers for the corner spaces
- Scissors and a yarn needle for securing all starting and ending tails
Step by step
- Center: ch 4 and join with a sl st in the first ch to form a ring. Work round 1 into the center opening, not into the individual chain stitches.
- Round 1: ch 3, which counts as the first dc, then work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2. Work [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] 3 times. Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3. Cut and fasten off. Count 12 dc, including the beginning ch 3, and four ch-2 corner spaces.
- Round 2 start: attach yarn with a sl st in any ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, counting as the first dc, then work 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc into the same corner space. Ch 1.
- Round 2 continuation: in the next corner space work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), then ch 1. Repeat that same corner-and-ch-1 sequence in the remaining two corners. Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3. Cut and fasten off. Count 24 dc, four ch-2 corners, and four ch-1 side spaces.
- Round 3 start: attach yarn with a sl st in any ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, then 2 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc in that same corner. Ch 1; work 3 dc in the next ch-1 side space; ch 1.
- Round 3 continuation: in the next corner work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch-1 side space, ch 1. Repeat this complete corner-and-side sequence twice more for the remaining corners and sides. Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3. Count 36 dc, four ch-2 corners, and eight ch-1 spaces. Fasten off and weave in all tails.
Read the stitch groups correctly
Every group consists of three separate dc; the three stitches together are not a special decrease or joined cluster. To make a dc, yarn over, insert into the indicated space, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the last two. Beginning ch 3 stands in for exactly one dc, so the first group needs only two additional dc. The joining slip stitch never adds another dc to the total.
Distinguish corners from sides
Mark the four ch-2 openings if you have trouble finding them. A corner always receives six dc separated in the middle by ch 2. A ch-1 side opening receives only three dc. In round 2 there are no old side spaces to fill, so each side is simply linked by ch 1. Round 3 fills the four side spaces created in round 2 and creates two ch-1 gaps along each new side.
Check the arithmetic before finishing
Round 1 has four groups of three: 12 dc. Round 2 has four corners of six: 24 dc. Round 3 has those same four six-dc corners plus four three-dc side groups: 36 dc. Chains are reported separately rather than added to the dc count. The three rounds contain 72 dc-equivalents in total, including one beginning ch-3 equivalent per round. If your total differs by one, check the opening group and whether you counted the join.
Manage the joins and tails
The attachment slip stitch anchors the yarn in a corner; it is not part of the ch 3 or a dc. Keep the joining slip stitch comfortable enough to find, but do not make it into an extra side space. Cutting between rounds is intentional in this version, even if you keep one color throughout. Weave each tail through several stitches and change direction without tightening the corner. Do not depend on a small loose knot as the only finish.
Evaluate the square
Place the completed piece flat, check all four corners, and compare the side lengths. A twisted or cupped square can come from inconsistent tension, missed chains, or the wrong group in a corner. Verify counts before trying to shape it. Follow the yarn label for washing or gentle blocking. This is a practice motif; making a bag, garment, or blanket requires additional decisions about size, joins, edges, and material care that are not included here.
Your quick checklist
- R1: 12 dc and four ch-2 corners.
- R2: 24 dc, four ch-2 corners, four ch-1 spaces.
- R3: 36 dc, four ch-2 corners, eight ch-1 spaces.
- Joining slip stitches do not count as dc.
Common questions
Can I keep the yarn attached between rounds?
There are methods for moving into a corner with slip stitches, but this version deliberately cuts and rejoins to keep the instructions explicit.
Does ch 3 count in every round?
Yes. It counts as the first dc of the first corner group in all three rounds.
Do I work into the tops of the old dc?
No. The groups in this pattern go into the specified corner and side chain spaces.