Multicolor Granny Square (crochet)

Skill: Easy. A versatile classic granny square worked in multiple colors; makes a great sampler square for blankets, cushions or bags. This pattern explains color changes, a join-as-you-go option and finishing tips.

Finished size & gauge

Finished size: approx 10" / 25.5 cm square after 6 rounds (relaxed, unblocked). Final size will vary with yarn and hook.
Gauge: 6 granny clusters x 6 rounds = approx 4" / 10 cm (not critical; adjust hook to match desired size).

Materials

Yarn (suggested): Worsted/Aran weight (US 4). Typical skein: 50 g / 1.75 oz, 200 yd / 183 m. You only need small amounts of multiple colours: about 10–40 yds (9–33 m) per colour for 5–6 rounds per square; total yardage per square ~120–140 yds (110–128 m) depending on rounds and border.
Hook (recommended): US H/8 (5.0 mm). Also common alternatives: US G/6 (4.0 mm) for a firmer fabric or US I/9 (5.5 mm) for a looser fabric.
Hook size equivalents (US, UK old, Metric): US G/6 = UK 6 (old) = 4.0 mm; US H/8 = UK 5 (old) = 5.0 mm; US I/9 = UK 4 (old) = 5.5 mm.
Notions: yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors, blocking mat and pins (optional).

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble (UK equivalent note: UK terms are different; UK double crochet = US single crochet etc.)
sp = space
rep = repeat

Notes

This uses the classic granny cluster: 3 dc worked in the same space. Corner spaces are ch-2 spaces (corner: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
You can change color every round for a multicolour effect or every two rounds for larger color blocks.
Join new colors with a standing dc or by slip-stitching into the join point and pulling up the new color to avoid bulky joins.

Pattern (make one square)

Use different colours for each round if you like. I’ll label colors A, B, C, D, E, F for rounds 1–6; use any number of rounds.

Round 1 (Color A): Make a magic ring (or ch 4, join with sl st to form ring). Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc into ring, ch 2, 3 dc into ring, ch 2; join with sl st to top of ch 3. (You now have 4 corners separated by ch-2 spaces.) Fasten off or change color.
Round 2 (Color B): Join in any corner ch-2 space. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into that ch-2 (this creates the first corner). *Ch 1, 3 dc into next corner ch-2 space; ch 1, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into next corner ch-2 space.* Repeat from * around until you’ve worked all 4 corners. There will be a ch-1 between corner clusters on each side. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off or change color.
Round 3 (Color C): Join in any corner ch-2 space. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in that corner. *Ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 space along the side until you reach the next corner ch-2; when you reach the corner ch-2, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).* Repeat around. Join. This is the repeating granny round: corners = (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc); sides = 3 dc in each ch-1 space with ch-1 between clusters. Continue adding rounds in new colors as desired until square reaches size you want.
Subsequent rounds: Repeat Round 3 for rounds 4–n, changing color each round for a multicolour square. Each round increases the number of clusters along each side; always work corners into the corner ch-2 spaces and clusters into the ch-1 side spaces.

Counts & visual cues

At the end of each round you should have 4 corners and a growing number of clusters along each side. If you’re unsure, look for the ch-2 corner spaces from the previous round; those are where you always place the corner cluster (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).

Joining squares (3 options)

Whipstitch (seam): Align squares right sides together and whipstitch through back loops only for a subtle join. Fasten off and weave ends.
Single crochet join: With right sides facing, join yarn in a corner and sc through both loops of each stitch across, working sc in each ch-1 join and sc across corner clusters to form a visible ridge.
Join-as-you-go (JAYG): On the last round of the new square, when you reach the side that meets a finished square, instead of ch-1 between clusters you: insert hook into the corresponding ch-1 space of the finished square, sl st to join, then ch 1 and complete the 3-dc cluster in the new square’s space. Continue around, joining where squares meet. JAYG looks neat and avoids lots of ends.

Finishing

Weave in ends with yarn needle; weave into color-matched areas and run yarn along the base of stitches for secure ends.
Block gently to settle the square: spray or pin to measurements and allow to dry. This evens out the stitches and opens the corners.
Add a border if desired: join a neutral color and work 1 round of sc to tidy the edges, then 1–2 rounds of hdc or dc to flare or finish.

Variations & tips

Two-color granny: alternate two colors every round for a striped effect.
Textured border: use FPdc/BPdc (front- or back-post double crochet) for ribbed edges.
Change cluster size: for a chunkier look, make clusters of 4 dc instead of 3, keeping corner sequence the same (4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc).
Color placement: place darker colors towards the center for a sunburst effect or make a gradient by moving from light to dark outward.

Troubleshooting

If your square curls: try one hook size larger or block square more firmly.
If edges are wavy: try one hook size smaller or add a neat sc round to even the edge.
Gaps at corners: ensure you’re working the full corner cluster (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the corner ch-2 space and not into a side ch-1.

Yarn & hook summary (concise)

Yarn: Worsted/Aran (US 4). Example skein: 50 g / 1.75 oz, 200 yd / 183 m. Small amounts per color: ~10–40 yds (9–33 m).
Recommended hook: US H/8 = 5.0 mm (UK old: 5). Alternatives: US G/6 = 4.0 mm (UK old: 6) or US I/9 = 5.5 mm (UK old: 4).

Credits & contact

Pattern by PurlJam. For help or photos of your square, share on socials with #purljam or contact support at team@verde.uk. Visit https://purljam.verde.uk for more patterns.

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