Free Crochet Pattern Tutorial: Granny Square

(Shown in Red Heart Super Saver Glow Worm, Red Heart With Love Hot Pink & Daffodil)

I've been trying to use up lots of odds & ends from my yarn collection and granny squares are just perfect for that! I made a fun little flipogram a couple weeks ago on Instagram for a granny square and thought I would write up a tutorial here. For my squares I am using a size J hook & worsted weight yarn (red heart with love is my favorite for this project) but you can use any yarn for this project, just adjust your hook size to the recommended hook size on your yarn label. 

Skill Level: Beginner/Easy

Finished Size: 9" x 9"

Supplies:
Worsted Weight Yarn, approx. 100 yd. per 9 row square
Size J (6.0 mm) Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Abbreviations (US Terms):
Ch - Chain
Dc -Double Crochet
Sk - Skip
Sl st - Slip Stitch
Sp - Space

Gauge: Each dc cluster should measure approx. 3/4"

Important Notes:
-3 dc = dc cluster
-All joins are made with a sl st.
-These brackets [ ] indicate a group of stitches that all need to be worked in the same space.
-The beginning Ch 2 of each row counts as a dc.
-This pattern uses the magic circle, you can find a short tutorial here if you do not already know how to make a magic circle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64O9WVJucFA

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 2 dc in circle, ch 2. 

(click images to enlarge)

*3 dc in circle, ch 2.* Repeat *to* 2 more times.

Pull circle tight and join. (12 dc)

Row 2: Sl st over next sp, sl st into ch sp. 

[Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] all in ch 2 space. 

*Sk 3 dc, in next ch sp: [3 dc, ch 2, 3dc].* Repeat *to* 2 more times. Join. (24 dc)

Row 3: Sl st over next sp, sl st into ch sp. 

[Ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] all in ch 2 space. 

Sk 3 dc, 3 dc between dc clusters.

*Sk 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3dc] all in next ch 2 sp. Sk 3 dc, 3 dc between dc clusters.* Repeat *to* 2 more times. Join. (36 dc)

3 rows completed. 

Now, you can continue on for as many rows as you would like, working
[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in each corner space & working 3 dc between each dc clusters.

You can even continue on to blanket size! I've made many blankets with a simple granny square for the base. For a super easy edge just sc around in each dc and work [3 sc, ch 2, 3 sc] into each corner space!

Below is a baby blanket size granny square I crocheted a while ago, changing colors after 2 rows and using Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn in Colonial Blue, Kelly Green & Silver Grey.