Crochet Basics: Solid Granny Squares with No Gaps

When most people think of crochet the first thing that comes to their minds is the granny square. This timeless motif has stood the test of many decades and remains one of the most popular techniques today for good reason. Once you master the basic crochet granny square method, you can expand upon the design to make various decorative and useful items. From blankets and apparel to accessories like bags and placemats, granny squares are versatile and add color and style to your home and wardrobe.

Granny squares are easy to master and today I will share with you some tips on how to create the modern, solid granny square with no gaps.

First it is important to understand the construction of the granny square. The squares are crocheted in the round. You have the choice of always having the right side facing you, or turning your work for each round. If you leave the right side facing you your square will end up a bit crooked. This is perfectly okay and how most granny squares end up. But by turning your work each round you will end up with a perfectly square motif. This is because of the tension and the way the stitches blend together as you work. Either way is perfectly acceptable, it just depends on the effect you want your squares to have.

To crochet a granny square, all you need is yarn and a crochet hook. You can use any type of yarn and any size crochet hook, although worsted weight yarn and a size H crochet hook are an easy place to start (I used Worsted weight yarn and hook H 5.0 mm). For best results, use the crochet hook recommended for the weight of your yarn as stated on the yarn's label. You’ll also need stitch markers and a ruler or tape measure, if desired.

The trick to making a granny square with no gaps is to eliminate the chain spaces, and use triple crochet stitches to turn the corners. This will give you a nice, clean, solid-looking square.

Ok, now let's make a solid granny square. 

Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as tr here and throughout). Into the ring, work 3 dc,

(1 tr, 3 dc) three times. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 4 to close the round. [16 sts – 4 corner tr and 3 dc per side]

Round 2: Ch 4, 2 dc in the same stitch (which is the top of previous round’s turning chain). * Dc in each dc on the first side of the square. Work (2dc, tr, 2dc) in the corner tr. Repeat from * for each side. In the last corner, work 2 dc in the base of the ch 4 to finish the corner. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 4 to close the round. [32 sts – 4 corner tr and 7 dc per side]

In this picture 6, the stitch marker marks the corner tr stitch.

Repeat the pattern established in Round 2 until your square is the desired size.

Round 3: 48 sts [4 corner tr and 11 dc per side]

Round 4: 64 sts [4 corner tr and 15 dc per side]

Round 3: 48 sts [4 corner tr and 11 dc per side]

Round 4: 64 sts [4 corner tr and 15 dc per side]

Round 5: 80 sts [4 corner tr and 19 dc per side]

To finish: When the granny square is as large as you’d like, cut yarn, fasten off, and weave in ends. You can use the starting tail to close up the center hole, if one remains.

That's it! Easy, right? Do you like this motif? Tell me in comments!