FREE and EASY Square Crochet Pattern {Step by Step}

Oh, the ubiquitous crochet square! How many ways do we love thee? Square patterns can be used for SO many gorgeous projects, it is difficult to count them all. From the ever-so-popular classic granny square, to more unique crochet square designs, our crochet hooks just can’t stop making them. Today I intend to share a very SIMPLE square crochet pattern that uses half double crochet stitches (hdc) instead of the more common double crochet stitches (dc) (US Terms). Beginners will love this free pattern with its’ EASY skill level!

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About Crochet Squares

The idea behind a square crochet pattern is to design a square shape with BASIC CROCHET STITCHES, usually working from the center outward. Each ’round’ forms another layer of the square. The corner space of each square is usually made from working multiple stitches in one space. When working in rounds, you can make the square as large as you wish by just adding more rounds.

Crochet square projects can also be made by working stitch patterns in rows, but you will need to cap your rows at the point when the shape forms a square. Grab my FREE mug rug square crochet pattern below if you want an example of a square worked in rows:

Gauge and Blocking

If you are creating a crochet square using a particular pattern, be sure to match the gauge in the pattern. This will ensure that the finished size of the crochet block matches the intended size for the project. Gauge is not too critical if you are just making some squares for fun, or as one-off projects (like coasters).

You also want to block the square to ensure it meets the finished size for that pattern, as well as ensuring it is in a precise square shape.

The crochet project I will show you today is a traditional granny square, using mainly half double crochet (hdc) stitches. These crochet granny squares are lovely for pieces where you want a smaller and tighter square.

The following is a list of supplies you would need to create one square just like mine. Feel free to use similar yarn (size 4, worsted weight yarn) and similar size crochet hook to make your own. This is a great way to use up scrap yarn.

Supplies

• Size I (5.5 mm) hook size
• Color A: Size 4 Medium yarn weight – a few yards
  • Lion Brand Pound of Love in color Antique White
• Color B: Size 4 Medium yarn weight – a few yards
  • Lion Brand Pound of Love in color Charcoal
• Color C: Size 4 Medium yarn weight – a few yards
  • Lion Brand Pound of Love in color Elephant Gray
• scissors
• tapestry needle

Crochet Abbreviations

US Crochet terms are used.

Ch – chain

hdc – half double crochet

rep – repeat   

sc – single crochet

sk – skip

sl st – slip stitch                          

sm – stitch marker

st(s) – stitch(es)

tch – turning chain

RS – Right Side

WS – Wrong Side

SIMPLE SQUARE CROCHET PATTERN

Now let’s get to it. Here I will walk you through each step of making a granny square with 3 different colors. The contrasting colors add interest to the square, but you can certainly use one solid color for the entire square.

NOTE –

• The first Ch 2 in each round counts as 1 hdc.
• Each ch 2 in between hdc stitches indicates a corner space.
• As long as you follow the instructions, it is not imperative to keep track of a stitch count

TIP for beginners – you may want to place a stitch marker (sm) onto the 2nd chain of the first ch 2 in each round. This will indicate the stitch that you need to join with at the end of that round.

(When the instructions state to ‘Break color A, B, or C’, that means you will fasten off that particular yarn color and cut a tail.)

Basic Granny Square Pattern

Foundation Ring: First, begin by making a Magic Ring with color A yarn or you can do the following steps to create a chain ring:

With color A yarn, Ch 4 with size I crochet hook. Join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.

Step by step Round Instructions:

Round 1: Ch 2, 1 hdc in ring, ch 2, *2 hdc in ring, ch 2; rep from * two more times, join with sl st to 2nd ch of first ch-2. Break color A.

Round 2: Join color B to any ch-2 corner sp with a sl st, ch 2, [1 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc] in same sp to make a corner, *ch 1, [2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * two more times, ch 1, join with sl st to 2nd ch of first ch-2. Break color B.

Round 3: Join color C to any ch-2 corner sp with a sl st, ch 2, [1 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc] in same sp to make a corner, *ch 1, 2 hdc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, [2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * two more times, ch 1, 2 hdc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st to 2nd ch of first ch-2. Break color C.

Round 4: Join color A to any ch-2 corner sp with a sl st, ch 2, [1 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc] in same sp to make a corner, *[ch 1, 2 hdc] in each ch-1 sp along side of square, ch 1, [2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * two more times, [ch 1, 2 hdc] in each ch-1 sp along last side of square, ch 1, join with sl st to 2nd ch of first ch-2. Break color A.

At this point, you are free to continue repeating Round 4 with your choice of color to make the square larger. The more rounds you add, the larger the square will be. Experiment with different sizes!

Crochet Square Border (optional)

If you would like to add an optional border to your square, follow steps for the next round to make an edging with single crochet (sc) stitches around. This border makes it especially easy to join squares together with seams.

Round 5: Join color B with a sl st to any hdc of previous round. Ch 1 (does not count as st), 1 sc in every hdc and ch-1 sp of previous round, working 3 sc in each ch-2 corner sp, join with sl st to first sc in round.

Fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

Block square to 4.5″.

Important Tips for Crocheting your square block

Some things to keep in mind as you work the square crochet pattern are:

• The square corners are made by the combination of 2 hdc sts, 2 chains, and 2 more hdc sts worked together.
• The square is reversible, so either side can be the Right Side (RS). Choose a RS and weave in ends on the opposite side (WS).
• Rounds are worked continuously, there is no ‘turning’ of the crochet work.
• It may help to place a stitch marker (SM) at the 2nd ch of each round to keep track of where to join with a sl st to end the round.
• Feel free to experiment with a different combination of colors for the rounds.
• Repeat Round 4 if you would like a larger square.
• The single crochet border is optional, but adds a nice finished edge & makes seaming easy.
• It is critical to block each finished square, so that they are all the same size for your project.

Finished Size

The finished crochet square (with round 5) measures approximately 4.5″ width square. Be sure to block to this size if using the square in a finished project.

What sorts of projects can Crochet Squares be used for?

The sky is the limit for the sorts of projects you can make with these squares! A simple square can be used for afghan or throw blankets, baby blanket, cushion cover, placemat, and coasters for the home. Small square projects can be worked up quickly using leftover yarn from other projects.

Crochet squares can also be worked into garments or accessories for a unique look. For instance, they are hugely popular for tote bags, hats, and scarves. Small or large crochet squares can also add panache to sweaters, vests, or shawls & ponchos. Imagine using one large square to make a square sweater front!

I made a SIMPLE SWEATER VEST with these particular squares, and you can, too!

Just assemble squares together in the shape you desire, SEAM THEM TOGETHER, and add optional border edging(s) to your finished project. A simple square blanket is a popular project to begin with, but there are other options.

My CROCHET SQUARE SHAWL, CROCHET GRANNY SQUARE HAT, and CROCHET TOTE BAG patterns are great examples of how to incorporate square blocks into pieces.

Be sure to check out THIS LIST OF 29 CROCHET SQUARE PATTERNS for beginners to practice making squares. You are sure to find plenty of favorite square variations in the bunch.

I hope you have enjoyed this free crochet pattern for a crochet square. You can see how simple it is to make a square using basic stitches. Remember that you can choose to use bright colors or neutral colors (like I enjoy) for your squares. Make them as unique as YOU.

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