How to Crochet Squares

Crocheting squares is simple.

Any basic crochet stitch can be used to create square blocks. Squares are used on their own as pot holders or dish cloths. You can also join blocks together to create an afghan, tote bag, poncho or other items. One of the more traditional squares is the granny square. The pattern is easy to work and very versatile. Blocks can be solid colors or multicolored, making them a good way to use up leftover yarn. Beginners easily master the granny square.

Things You'll Need

• Worsted or sport-weight yarn
• Crochet hook size H

Instructions

1. Chain five stitches by forming a loop and inserting the hook through the loop. Catch another strand of yarn and pull it through for each stitch. This is called "yarning over." Use a slip stitch to connect the chain in a circle. Slip stitch by putting the hook through the first loop of the chain and drawing a strand of yarn through both loops.

2. Chain three; then work two double crochet in the ring. Double crochet by yarning over and inserting the hook through the top two threads of the first chain in the ring. Yarn over and pull the thread through the stitch. You should have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull the thread through the first two loops, leaving two on the hook. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through two loops, leaving one on your hook.

3. Chain three and make three double crochets; then chain three again. Do this twice more so you have a total of four groups of three double crochets and four three-chains. On the first group your three-chain counts as the first double crochet. Slip stitch to join to the beginning of the row.

4. Slip stitch into the next three-chain and chain three. Work two double crochet in the same space, then chain three and work another three double crochet. This creates a corner. Chain one and repeat over the remaining three-chain spaces. You should have four corners.

5. Slip stitch the ends of the rows together; then chain three and continue the same pattern. Work the two sets of three double crochet connected by a three-chain only in the corner spaces. Between corners work a single set of three double crochet over the three-chains of the previous row. Repeat rows until the granny square is the desired size.

References

• "Needlework Plus"; Simplicity Patter Co.; 1974
• "The 7-Day Afghan Book"; Jean Leinhouser & Rita Weiss; 1985