Hey there, my crafting friend!
Remember when I shared how I fell in love with crochet? Well, I'm pretty sure my love affair truly began with the humble granny square. It was one of the first few things I made that made me think, "Wow, I can actually do this!"
If you're just starting your crochet journey, the granny square is your perfect first project. It's a small, manageable canvas where you'll learn essential stitches, and watching those colorful rounds grow is pure magic. Best of all, you can join them together to make almost anything!
I've scoured the internet to find the absolute best tutorials for beginners, so you don't have to. Let's dive in!
Your Go-To Granny Square Tutorials
Here are my top picks for the clearest, most beginner-friendly video guides out there. I've chosen these because the instructors are fantastic, the camera angles are perfect for seeing each step, and they truly take the time to explain everything.
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The Classic Guide by Bella Coco
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Why I love it: Sarah from Bella Coco is like your incredibly patient crochet tutor. Her videos are well-lit, she uses a contrasting yarn color so you can see every stitch, and she repeats key steps to make sure you've got it.
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Link to Tutorial: How To Crochet A Granny Square For Beginners • Bella Coco
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The Super-Detailed Guide by Hooked by Robin
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Why I love it: Robin's tutorial is fantastic because she shows you how to start with a magic ring (a super neat way to begin) and also demonstrates the more common chain-start method. She also troubleshoots common problems as she goes!
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Link to Tutorial: HOW TO CROCHET A GRANNY SQUARE • Hooked by Robin
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A Little Pep Talk & My Pro Tips
Before you start, remember: Your first square might be a little wobbly. Mine looked more like a granny circle that had been in a fight! It's totally normal. Here are a few things I wish I'd known:
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Don't Pull Too Tight! Keeping a relaxed tension is key. Tight stitches make it hard to get your hook in for the next round.
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Count Your Stitches: Especially in the first few rounds, counting helps you make sure you're on track. Each side between the corners should have the same number of stitches.
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Mark Your Corner: Use a stitch marker (or a piece of contrasting yarn) in the first stitch of the round. It will save you from confusion later!
So, What Can You Make?
Once you've made a few squares, the real fun begins! You can seam them together to create:
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Cozy blankets and throws
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Trendy bags and totes
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Cushy pillow covers
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Sweet cardigans and tops
Choosing Your First Yarn (My Favorite Part!)
The right yarn can make your first experience so much smoother. You want something that's easy to see and work with.
For your very first granny square, I'd recommend a light-colored, medium-weight (Worsted/Aran) yarn. Light colors let you see your stitches clearly, and a medium weight isn't too fiddly.
As you get comfortable and want to make a project, you'll want to think about the final product. This is where my own yarns come in!
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For a Lightweight, Drapey Project (like a spring cardigan or a shawl): You'll fall in love with the delicate feel and beautiful halo of a silk mohair blend. It creates an ethereal, luxurious look. Psst... my Silk Mohair Blend Yarns are perfect for this.
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For a Sturdy, Cozy Project (like a blanket or a winter-warm bag): A soft wool or wool-blend yarn is your best bet. It's warm, resilient, and shows off the texture of the stitches beautifully. You can explore the rich colors of my Snow Wool Blend Yarn for something truly special and warm.
The most important thing is to just start. Pick up a hook, some yarn, and click on one of the tutorials above. Before you know it, you'll have a pile of beautiful squares ready to become your first handmade masterpiece.
I can't wait to see what you create! Happy hooking!