Creating a Colorful Traditional Granny Square from a Foundation Ring
- Dawn VanBlargan
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
Crocheting a traditional granny square is a timeless skill that many crafters enjoy. This classic motif forms the basis for countless projects, from blankets to bags. Starting with a foundation ring gives your granny square a neat center and a solid base to build on. This guide walks you through each step of a traditional granny square crochet pattern using multiple yarn colors, helping you create a vibrant and structured square.
Let's Get Started!
Starting with the Foundation Ring
The foundation ring sets the stage for your granny square. Using yarn A, chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. This small loop is where all your stitches will radiate from, creating the iconic square shape.
Round 1
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work 2 double crochets into the ring
Chain 3
Repeat 3 double crochets into the ring, chain 3 two more times
Join with a slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Break off yarn A
This round forms the four corners of your granny square, each separated by chain-3 spaces. These corners will be the foundation for expanding your square in the following rounds.
Building the Square with Color Changes
Adding new colors each round not only makes your granny square more colorful but also helps you keep track of your progress.
Round 2
Join yarn B to any chain-3 space
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work [2 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the same chain-3 space to form a corner
Chain 1
Repeat [3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the next chain-3 space, chain 1 two more times
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Break off yarn B
This round adds the first layer of sides between the corners, making the square grow evenly.
Round 3
Join yarn C to any chain-3 corner space
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work [2 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the same corner space
Chain 1
Work 3 double crochets into the chain-1 space along the side, chain 1
Repeat [3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the next corner space twice more
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Break off yarn C
At this stage, you start filling in the sides with double crochets, giving the square more structure.
Round 4
Join yarn D to any chain-3 corner space
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work [2 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the same corner space
Chain 1
Work [3 double crochets] into each chain-1 space along the side, chain 1
Repeat [3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the next corner space twice more
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Break off yarn D
This round continues to build the sides, making the square larger and more defined.
Round 5
Join yarn E to any chain-3 corner space
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work [2 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the same corner space
Chain 1
Work [3 double crochets] into each chain-1 space along the side, chain 1
Repeat [3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the next corner space twice more
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Break off yarn E
Round 5 mirrors Round 4, reinforcing the square’s shape and adding more color contrast.
Round 6
Join yarn F to any chain-3 corner space
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work [2 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the same corner space
Chain 1
Work [3 double crochets] into each chain-1 space along the side, chain 1
Repeat [3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the next corner space twice more
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Round 6 continues the pattern, expanding the square further with a new color.
Round 7
Slip stitch in the next 2 double crochets and into the next chain-3 corner space
Chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet)
Work [2 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the same corner space
Chain 1
Work 3 double crochets into each chain-1 space along the side, chain 1
Repeat [3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets] into the next corner space twice more
Join with slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3
Fasten off yarn
This final round adds a finishing touch to your granny square, completing the colorful pattern.
Tips for Success with the Traditional Granny Square Crochet Pattern
Keep your tension consistent to ensure even stitches and a flat square.
Use a hook size recommended for your yarn to avoid tight or loose stitches.
When changing colors, leave a tail long enough to weave in later for a clean finish.
Blocking your finished granny square can help even out stitches and shape the square perfectly.
Practice the stitch pattern on a small swatch before starting your project to get comfortable with the sequence.
Using Your Granny Squares
Once you master this traditional granny square crochet pattern, you can create multiple squares and join them for larger projects. Consider donating to Warming Neighbors, where many hands come together to wrap neighbors in warmth and care, one square at a time. Other ideas include:
Blankets with a mix of colors and textures
Cushions or pillow covers
Bags or totes with a retro flair
Table runners or coasters
Each square can be customized with different yarn colors or textures to suit your style.
Updates on progress, join WhyKnotCrochetwithDawn.com, click HERE
Follow Why Knot? Learn Crochet on Facebook, click HERE
Join the Warming Neighbors Facebook Group, click HERE
Encouraged to make more? We have links to other square patterns for free, click HERE
Know someone who needs a blanket? click HERE
Interested in Donating Yarn? click HERE
Low Income and Need a FREE Yarn Kit? click HERE
Help with travel expense, click HERE
Learn More about the Mission, click HERE
Upload your square picture, click HERE
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