Free Crochet Granny Square Patterns and Tutorials

Basic granny squares can be made in many different colors, fibers and sizes. My sample granny square was crocheted using a lovely tonal brown color combination of New Zealand wool yarn, but you can feel free to experiment with materials when you crochet your own grannies.

This granny square is very easy, and it is the perfect beginner's project. However, granny squares aren't only for beginners; crocheters of all skill levels enjoy creating them and using them in innovative ways.  There are limitless possible granny square variations.

One of the simplest ways to create granny square variations: vary the number of chains used, either in the corners or between clusters of stitches. Let's compare several different granny squares, so you can get a better idea of how each simple variation turns out.

This small granny square is an easy project that works for crocheters of all skill levels, even total beginners.

This granny square features an open criss-cross motif in the center. This motif is pretty on its own, and it looks really interesting when you join multiple squares.

This pretty granny square features an aster design in the center; French knots and embroidered details add visual interest. This is an original crochet pattern by Lori Jean Karluk. 

• Get the free granny square pattern
• See a large project photo
• Check out a close-up picture of the embroidered flower details
• Make a floral granny square tote bag using this design

If you're looking for a colorful crochet project, this rainbow outlines granny square is a fantastic choice. I've crocheted my sample using cream colored yarn as the main color and a rainbow of other colors as accents. If you'd like to use up scrap yarn, there is no need to stick to this color scheme. You could re-color this design in many different ways.

This design is well-suited for use in a lighweight summer bedspread. Alternatively, if you crochet it with a baby-friendly yarn, it would make a lovely baby afghan.

At first glance, you might wonder if there's any difference between this square and the basic granny square. There's definitely a difference; this square is more open and airy, even if you use heavier yarn than the cotton crochet thread I've used to make the sample square. You can compare the two designs to see how they are different.

This granny square variation is made using V-stitches. My sample square is worked in fuzzy pink acrylic. As shown, a bunch of these squares joined together would make a lovely baby afghan. The design is versatile and could be made in other colors and fibers as well.