Classic Crochet Granny Squares

 

I was brought up in a thrifty family, and I hate waste.

Whenever I have oddments of yarn – I save them. Even short lengths.

As long as a length will fit between my 2 outstretched hands ….. I can use it for the first round of a granny square.

Anything smaller goes into a zip-lock bag to be used for teddy or doll’s faces. No waste here  !!!

 

Once you have mastered how to crochet a Granny Square – then the fun begins.

There are loads of pretty variations available – you might enjoy trying out a few different ideas. A search of the Internet will bring you lots of ideas.

But – for me – I often keep things simple – plain classic Granny Squares are a great way to use up all my oddments. Mostly they will be used to make blankets – doll’s blankets, lap blankets for the elderly, bed blankets for the homeless, shelters or hospitals ….

So, I make use of my oddments, and donate then either unjoined – or joined if I have time. Some charities have dedicated ‘square joiners’, and I know many crafters who are happy to make squares but hate joining them, so this works out really well.

I like variety – and every blanket (or set of squares) I make is different – not in method – but in style or use of colour.

If you are making a throw, afghan or blanket for yourself – you may wish to use 6 or 8 colours that complement each other, in your favourite colours or shades.

But, as my squares are usually donated, and anything goes. I use what I have.

Sometimes charities ask for a particular size – so please check what is required.

As a guide, a blanket of around 36" x 48" will fit a single bed. 

This can be made with 48 6" squares - 

6 squares wide by 8 squares in length.

I like to play – sometimes I make the first 4 rounds using different colours of oddments, then use bigger half-balls for subsequent rounds as I don’t want to have endless ends to darn away for each square. This works well - it is a practical and pleasing method, and always looks good.

Continue until your square is the size needed.

I use DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook. I work 7 rounds to give me a 6” square.

If you use a 4mm hook you will probably find that 6 rounds will measure around 6”

 

For a 12” square I make 14 rounds.

However you choose to make them, I know that your squares will be appreciated.

If you can find somewhere local to you – then that saves on the cost and effort of getting your squares to where they are needed.

There are many charities in the UK who would welcome your squares.

 

 

Happy Hooking ......... 

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced

or republished on any webpage or website 

Making a Bigger Blanket or Throw

Blankets can be made with any weight of yarn – DK, Aran Weight/Worsted, or Chunky

Just be sure to be consistent throughout. And use the needle/ hook size appropriate for the yarn (this is usually stated on the label).

If knitting - straight needles or circular needles can be used

 

Bigger blankets are not usually made in one piece - the weight of the blanket puts a lot of strain on the wrists. To prevent this most are made in pieces and joined.

 

To make a blanket with squares ~

This is a great way of using up full or part balls of yarn that are left over from other projects.

 

For knitted blankets –

If you are going to add a border all around after joining, chose any stitch

If you are not going to add a border all around after joining, chose a stitch that lies flat – like garter stitch, moss stitch or seed stitch (not stocking stitch, ribbed stitches or lacy stitches).

Straight needles or circular needles can be used

You can make your squares any size you like – popular sizes are 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” squares

I make my blankets with DK yarn - the result is  warm but not too heavy.

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 33sts for a 6” square

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 44sts for a 8” square

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 66sts for a 12” square

 

Here is a handy guide to how many squares you will need to make for a complete blanket ~

 

For a blanket of around 36” x 48”  (91 x 122cm)

Size of   Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	6 x 8 = 48	this will make a blanket 36” wide and 48” long
8”	5 x 6 = 30	this will make a blanket 40” wide and 48” long
12”	3 x 4 = 12	this will make a blanket 36” wide and 48” long

 

For a blanket of around 40” x 48”  (101 x 122cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	7 x 8 = 56	this will make a blanket 42” wide and 48” long
8”	5 x 6 = 30	this will make a blanket 40” wide and 48” long
10”	4 x 5 = 20	this will make a blanket 40” wide and 50” long

For a blanket of around 42” x 54”  (107 x 137cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	7 x 9 = 63	this will make a blanket 42” wide and 54” long
8”	5 x 7 = 35	this will make a blanket 40” wide and 56” long

 

For a blanket of around 48” x 72”  (122 x 183cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	8 x 12 = 96	this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long
8”	6 x 9 = 54	this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long
10”	5 x 7 = 35	this will make a blanket 50” wide and 70” long
12”	4 x 6 = 24	this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long

 

For a blanket of around 60” x 90”  (152 x 229cm)

Size of Square	Squares Required – width x length	Finished Size
6”	10 x 15 = 150	this will make a blanket 60” wide and 90” long
8”	8 x 11 = 88	this will make a blanket 64” wide and 88” long
10”	6 x 9 = 54	this will make a blanket 60” wide and 90” long
12”	5 x 8 = 40	this will make a blanket 60” wide and 96” long

 

The weakest part of a blanket made this way are the joins. You must be sure that you join them with a strong seam. This can be done by sewing (whip stitch is quick and easy)  – or crocheting – them together.

There is a lot of joining!  And a lot of ends to darn away.

To save time and effort – you can, of course, make strips instead of squares – and then join the strips together.

 

Another idea is to make larger square or rectangular blocks ~

If you like to knit using long straight needles or circular needles – cast on as many stitches as fit comfortably and knit until your piece is 24” long. Then join the blocks.

 

To finish ~

If you can crochet – a crochet border all around gives a good finish.

For crochet blankets -

Granny Squares are fun to make - and are a great way to use up small oddments of yarn.

There are lots of other choices too. You can make your blanket or throw in one piece, or in squares, strips or blocks. 

Granny stripes, chevron and V-stitch all work well.

  

You will find the instructions for these 2 easy blankets on these links ~ 

https://mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com/2026/03/granny-stripes-crochet-blanket.html

https://mariannaslazydaisydays.blogspot.com/2015/03/v-stitch-blanket.html

If you are making a blanket to donate ~

Each hospital, hospice or other organisation will have their own requirements and guidance about the yarns, fabrics and notions that should be used in the items they receive – please check before you invest time and money in making any items to donate.

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2025      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced

or republished on any webpage or website 

Number Squares Zero to Nine

 You have been loving my recent Picture Squares - 

and the matching Alphabet Squares (designed and written by my friend Jean Murray).

So here are the Number Squares that I know many of you have been looking forward to. 

Happy Knitting 

Number Square    0 Zero

 

Requires: 

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g 

4mm needles 

 

Instructions: 

Cast on 33sts 

Knit 9 rows 

Row 10:        K5, purl to last 5sts, k5 

Row 11:        Knit 

Row 12:        K5, p9, k5, p9, k5 

Row 13:        Knit 

Row 14:        K5, p8, k7, p8, k5 

Row 15:        Knit 

Row 16:        K5, p7, k9, p7, k5 

Row 17:        Knit 

Row 18:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 19:        Knit 

Row 20:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 21:        Knit 

Row 22:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 23:        Knit 

Row 24:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 25:        Knit  

Row 26:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 27:        Knit 

Row 28:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 29:        Knit 

Row 30:       K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 31:        Knit 

Row 32:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 33:        Knit 

Row 34:        K5, p7, k9, p7, k5 

Row 35:        Knit  

Row 36:        K5, p8, k7, p8, k5 

Row 37:        Knit 

Row 38:        K5, p9, k5, p9, k5 

Row 39:        Knit 

Row 40:        K5, purl to last 5sts, k5 

Knit 9 rows 

Cast off 

Darn away ends 

 

 

 

Number Square    1

 

Requires: 

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g 

4mm needles 

 

Instructions: 

Cast on 33sts 

Knit 9 rows 

Row 10:        K5, purl to last 5sts, k5 

Row 11:        Knit 

Row 12:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 13:        Knit 

Row 14:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 15:        Knit 

Row 16:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 17:        Knit 

Row 18:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 19:        Knit 

Row 20:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 21:        Knit 

Row 22:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 23:        Knit 

Row 24:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 25:        Knit  

Row 26:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 27:        Knit 

Row 28:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 29:        Knit 

Row 30:        K5,p8, k7, p8, k5  

Row 31:        Knit 

Row 32:        K5, p9, k6, p8, k5 

Row 33:        Knit 

Row 34:        K5, p10, k5, p8, k5 

Row 35:        Knit  

Row 36:        K5, p11, k4, p8, k5  

Row 37:        Knit 

Row 38:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 39:        Knit 

Row 40:        K5, purl to last 5sts, k5 

Knit 9 rows 

Cast off 

Darn away ends 

 

 

Number Square    2

 

Requires: 

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g 

4mm needles 

 

Instructions: 

Cast on 33sts 

Knit 9 rows 

Row 10:        K5, purl to last 5sts, k5 

Row 11:        Knit 

Row 12:        K5, p7, k9, p7, k5 

Row 13:        Knit 

Row 14:        K5, p7, k9, p7, k5 

Row 15:        Knit 

Row 16:        K5, p7, k9, p7, k5 

Row 17:        Knit 

Row 18:        K5, p7, k3, p13, k5 

Row 19:        Knit 

Row 20:        K5, p8, k3, p12, k5 

Row 21:        Knit 

Row 22:        K5, p9, k3, p11, k5 

Row 23:        Knit 

Row 24:        K5, p10, k3, p10, k5 

Row 25:        Knit  

Row 26:        K5, p11, k3, p9, k5 

Row 27:        Knit 

Row 28:        K5, p12, k3, p8, k5 

Row 29:        Knit 

Row 30:        K5, p13, k3, p7, k5  

Row 31:        Knit 

Row 32:        K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5 

Row 33:        Knit 

Row 34:        K5, p7, k9, p7, k5 

Row 35:        Knit  

Row 36:        K5, p8, k7, p8, k5 

Row 37:        Knit 

Row 38:        K5, p9, k5, p9, k5 

Row 39:        Knit 

Row 40:        K5, purl to last 5sts, k5 

Knit 9 rows 

Cast off 

Darn away ends 

 

 

 

Number Square    3

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p9, k5, p9, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          K5, p11, k5, p7, k5

Row 25:          Knit

Row 26:          K5, p11, k4, p8, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p11, k5, p7, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p9, k5, p9, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 

 

 

Number Square    4

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p12, k3, p8, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p12, k3, p8, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          K5, p12, k3, p8, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          K5, p6, k11, p6, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          K5, p6, k11, p6, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          K5, p6, k11, p6, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          K5, p6, k3, p3, k3, p8, k5

Row 25:          Knit

Row 26:          K5, p6, k3, p3, k3, p8, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p6, k3, p3, k3, p8, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p6, k3, p14, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p6, k3, p14, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p6, k3, p14, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          K5, p6, k3, p14, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p6, k3, p14, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 

 

 

Number Square    5

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 25:          Knit

Row 26:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p7, k3, p13, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p7, k3, p13, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 

Number Square    6

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p9, k5, p9, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          k5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          k5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          k5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          k5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          k5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 25:          Knit

Row 26:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p7, k3, p13, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p7, k3, p13, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p9, k5, p9, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 

 

 

Number Square    7

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p8, k3, p12, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p9, k3, p11, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          K5, p9, k3, p11, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          K5, p10, k3, p10, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          K5, p10, k3, p10, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          K5, p11, k3, p9, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          K5, p11, k3, p9, k5

Row 25:          Knit

Row 26:          K5, p12, k3, p8, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p12, k3, p8, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 

 

 

Number Square    8

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 25:          Knit

Row 26:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          k5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p8, k7, p8, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 

 

 

Number Square    9

 

Requires:

DK yarn – a plain self-coloured yarn is best for this project ~ around 12g

4mm needles

 

Instructions:

Cast on 33sts

Knit 9 rows

Row 10:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Row 11:          Knit

Row 12:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 13:          Knit

Row 14:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 15:          Knit

Row 16:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 17:          Knit

Row 18:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 19:          Knit

Row 20:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 21:          Knit

Row 22:          K5, p13, k3, p7, k5

Row 23:          Knit

Row 24:          K5, p9, k7, p7, k5

Row25:           Knit

Row 26:          K5, p8, k8, p7, k5

Row 27:          Knit

Row 28:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 29:          Knit

Row 30:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 31:          Knit

Row 32:          K5, p7, k3, p3, k3, p7, k5

Row 33:          Knit

Row 34:          K5, p7, k9, p7, k5

Row 35:          Knit

Row 36:          K5, p8, k8, p7, k5

Row 37:          Knit

Row 38:          K5, p9, k7, p7, k5

Row 39:          Knit

Row 40:          K5, purl to last 5sts, k5

Knit 9 rows

Cast off

Darn away ends

 I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.    

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2021 ‘made by marianna’  All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced

or republished on any other webpage or website.