How to Crochet a Circle to Square Granny Square: Free Pattern + Tutorial
Looking for a modern twist on the classic granny square? This Circle to Square Granny Square pattern starts as a circle and then slowly turns into a square, resulting in a super cute, solid motif that is great for blankets, baby gifts, or just stash-busting in general. Please enjoy this free crochet tutorial, where I show you exactly how to crochet your first square step-by-step with written instructions, a photo tutorial, and a full video tutorial!
I love this granny square because it’s great for both newbies and seasoned crocheters alike. It’s super fun to make and a great way to play with different color combinations too!
Want the full pattern in one place? Purchase the complete ad-free printable pattern PDF here. Or get access to my full pattern library here! 45+ patterns ready to download!
You’ll find everything you need below:
- Written pattern
- Step-by-step photo tutorial
- Video tutorial
- Yarn tips & printable PDF
Love this granny square? Check out the Raspberry Sprinkle Granny Square Pattern (its so cute!)
Circle To Square Granny Square Tips
This square is a little different from the traditional granny square we know and love, as it starts as a circle and gradually becomes a square. It’s super fun to watch it take shape! And because it’s solid with no big gaps, it makes for a warmer and more structured finished project. Back when I was kid, I kinda always had a little beef with crochet afghans because of the huge gaping holes (and the cold air they could let in, lol). Now that I’m a crocheter myself, I love all sorts of crochet blankets. Even the ones with holes! (Now I understand how its part of the art of crochet and a style choice.)
Color combo ideas:
Check out these three color combos I curated to give you some fun inspiration! (Remember the tip I shared above on how to find different palette ideas!)
For color planning, I love using a mix of 3–5 yarns in my favorite color combos. I picked these cute pastels because they matched the sprinkles in my blog header. I’m not going to lie, these are probably my favorite colors!
Pro Tip
I can sometimes struggle with color combos, such as what actually looks good together? I love so many different colors but there definitely is a science as to why certain tones and shades look good together and some don’t. One way I usually pick a palette is to think of some sort of “mood” or “vibe” and then Google that and tack on “color palette” after that. For example, I’ll search “beach sunset color palette”. Open a new browser and try it, you’ll find some amazing palettes! (Thank me later, lol!)
Ready to join your squares? Jump to the tutorial where I show you how, step by step!
Love this Project?
Save on Pinterest for later! Either click here or click on the image below to save!
Watch the Video Tutorial
Prefer to follow along with a video tutorial? I’ve made a full video tutorial where you can crochet right along with me, step by step. Click on the play button below to crochet along with me!
Yarn Substitutions
For this project I used JOANN’s exclusive yarn line Big Twist Value. And as I’m sure you already know, JOANN’s is no more and this yarn is unavailable as of the last update of this post. But don’t worry! You can easily substitute with any #4-medium weight yarn (I used 100% acrylic).
Here are some tried-and-true options:
- Red Heart Super Saver – widely available, and very affordable
- WeCrochet Brava Worsted – affordable and comes in so many beautiful colors
- Loops & Threads Impeccable – this one’s a Michael’s exclusive. It’s also affordable and comes in tons of colors
Helpful tip: This pattern is also a great stash buster! Crochet all the center circles with scraps from your stash and then use one cohesive color for all of the square rounds to bring it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Square!
- Beginner-friendly and fast to make
- Looks beautiful in solids or multi-color (see above for color combo ideas!)
- Great for different types of projects like blankets, bags, and scarves
- Easily customized in size or color
Skills Used
This pattern uses just a few simple stitches so it’s really great for all skill levels. If you’re just starting out or need a refresher, here’s a little run down on all the skills you’ll want to brush up on.
- ch (chain) – Yarn over, pull through loop on hook
- dc (double crochet) – Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2
- hdc (half double crochet ) – Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop and pull through all 3 loops on your hook
- magic ring (watch tutorial here)
- sl st (slip stitch) – Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops
- sc (single crochet) – Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops
New to crochet? Go through my complete beginner guide (Coming soon!)
Circle to Square Granny Square Pattern
This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my disclosures page.
- Want the full pattern handy in a large print and ad-free format? Purchase the complete ad-free printable pattern PDF here.
Materials:
- Big Twist Value Yarn (pictured in White, Gold, Teal, Soft Gray, Blush Pink, and Medium Rose)
- Size 5.0mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Want more of my go-to supplies? Grab your FREE Crochet Tools Checklist here!
Finished Measurement:
- Approximately 5.5 ” by 5.5″ square
Abbreviations:
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st – stitch
Circle to Square Granny Square Photo Tutorial
Round 1:
In magic ring, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), and dc 11 (12)
Join with the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3 with a slip stitch.
Round 2:
ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in same stitch as ch 3, 2 dc in each stitch (24)
Join with the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3 with a slip stitch.
Round 3:
ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), and dc in that same stitch, dc in next stitch, *2 dc in next stitch , 1 dc in next stitch, repeat from * to end (36)
On the last dc of the round, stop before your last yarn over, cut yarn, and yarn over with new color. Join with the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3 with a slip stitch.
Round 4:
ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in that same stitch, ch 1, 2 dc in next stitch, hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc in each of the next 3 stitches, hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, *2 dc in next stitch, ch 1, 2 dc in next stitch, hdc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc in each of the next 3 stitches, hdc in each of the next 2 stitches; repeat from * 2 times;
Join with the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3 with a slip stitch, and slip stitch to the next corner ch 1 space.
Round 5:
ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc, ch 1, 2 dc in corner space, dc in each stitch until you reach the next corner. See below arrows pointing to where you will put your first dc after making your corner (you may have to move your corner stitches over a little bit so you can see this stitch).
Not counting the corner stitches, you should have crocheted 11 stitches along your straight edge side; 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in the corner space. Repeat this process until you reach the end.
Join with the 3rd chain of the starting chain 3 with a slip stitch. Slip stitch into the next corner space.
Round 6:
Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc, ch 2, 2dc in corner ch sp, dc in each stitch until you reach the next corner (not counting your corner stitches, you should have just crocheted 15 stitches along your straight edge), 2dc ch 2, 2dc in corner space; repeat this process until you reach the end of the round.
Join with 3rd chain of the starting ch 3 with a slip stitch and slip stitch into the next corner space. Cut yarn and secure.
Make your desired amount for a beautiful blanket!
How to Join the Squares
Once you’ve made a few of these squares, it’s time to turn them into something beautiful!
I recommend using the single crochet joining method with the seam showing on the front. It gives a really beautiful grid look to the blanket making it look more modern.
Learn how to join your squares! Click here to join your squares into a blanket!
You can also slip stitch your squares together depending on the texture you want.
Enjoy!
Love this tutorial?
Thanks for the great tutorial. I made one and they stitch up pretty quickly. Great use of all my scrap yarn.
Crystal in Cedar City
Hi Crystal! Great, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 🙂
A must try
Thanks Sylvia! If you try it out, let me know what you think! 🙂
Great tutorial! Thank you! 🙂
Do Ike your pattern but am confused? row 6 corner picture shows 2dc,2ch,2dc but write up is. dc,2ch,dc. ?????????
Hi Lynda! OMG, thank you for catching that! You are correct, it should read 2dc, ch 2, 2dc. I have updated the pattern.
Hi Brittany
Would it be ok if I used your pattern to make a few lap throws that I make regularly for my local hospital. They are so bright and cheery. They are not sold only given to patients that could use a little comfort .
Lynda
Yes of course, how thoughtful of you!! 🙂 And actually I do give permission to sell the items you make from my designs. For more information see my pattern’s permissions page.
And I’d love to see your finished blankets! Feel free to share finished/work in progress pictures to the Just Be Crafty Facebook page or on Instagram with #justbecrafty! 🙂
I will be definitely be giving this onemail a try ….soon .
Iris
I crocheted the pattern if the squares and used several colours on dom of the circles. I will start joining it tomorrow as I made 88 squares 11 x 8. This is to match my young granddaughter’s quilt with ice icr eam pattern. Im trying to design a borer now. Thanks for sharing the instructions.
Hi Antoinette! That sounds beautiful! I’m so glad you found the tutorial helpful. Happy crocheting to you!
Just made a turquoise square to try out your pattern, love it! I’m going to make a throw out of them. I make and donate crochet throws to the breast cancer association, so fun to make and I hope the ladies get a little comfort from all the pretty cheerful colors I make the throws with. Your squares will make a beautiful throw! Thank you again for the pattern.
Hi Donna! I’m so happy your are enjoying the pattern! And that is so wonderful you donate your crochet throws the breast cancer association! What a nice thing to do! I’m sure the ladies feel the love with each stitch on those blankets!
Also, I’d love to see your finished project!! Please feel free to share your completed blanket to the Just Be Crafty Facebook page or using the hashtag #justbecrafty on Instagram! Happy crocheting!
How would you recommend joining these?
I am making an afghan using a dark colour as the outer colour. I have found that the join between the circle and the square did not blend well so I do an extra circle In the outside colour navy and this improved the edge. I think it works better with a paler shade though but my daughter chose her colours as I am making it for her 40th birthday. Only another 40 or so squares to go!
Lovely tutorial!
Hi Caroline! If you follow the tip at the end of round 3, you should get a smooth color change no matter the color of yarn you use. Happy crocheting! 🙂
Lovely
How would you recommendo joining these
Hi Carol! I will be getting a tutorial up on this soon! (I used a single crochet join with the seam on the front.)
This was really fun to make. Thank you for the clear instructions. I’m a beginner and this was a great project to start with and count a success.
Hi Pam! I’m so happy you enjoyed the pattern! 🙂
Hi, is a beautiful pattern. Do you have advice on how to connect the squares in an easy way? Thank you
Hi Ana! Thank you! I joined mine with a single crochet join, with the seam showing on the front. I am working on a post for this and hope to have it out soon!
Thank you Brittany, love your modern take on this!
Hi. This pattern is beautiful. Can you give me instructions to add another row to the circle as I want to make slightly bigger squares?
Hi Charlotte! To add an extra round of the circle portion you will want to begin your new round with a ch 3, (this ch 3 counts as 1st stitch), *make 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch; repeat from * to the end of the round. You’ll then be able to start round 4 but just note, your circle will have more stitches, so the stitch count will be different, but you will follow the same basic directions. Hope this helps!
so how any dc plus chain 3 in the 4th new row and how would you adjust the stitching in what row 4 now 5 would be with the hdc? love love your instructions. easy to follow and lve the way its coming out.. I also would like to add the extra row to the circle
never mind – i figured it out- thanks anyway
Hi! Love this pattern. Adding the 4th round myself. Curious if I wanted to continue to add rounds before the border would I just continue with the same numerical system?
Hi Arielle! Yes you would keep increasing in the same numerical way for the center circle, but this will alter the stitch count of the next round when you work to square off the circle.
Hi there! I came across your lovely afghan while browsing Pinterest. I am excited to make this using a variety of colors. I make afghans for my local Hospice house. Thank you for posting easy to follow step by step tutorial.
Hi Nancy! That’s such a great way to give back, and I am sure it means so much to your recipients. I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful! 🙂
I just tried this pattern & just love all of the possible color combinations.?
Thank you!! I am so glad you enjoyed the pattern! 🙂
Hey Brittany, I found a great site where I can do granny squares and send them to make blankets for people in Africa. I have done the circle design before but love the simplicity of this pattern. I’ve got tons of yarn and I’m going to start making squares today. I will try to come back and post a few as I get them done. there may be some wild colors used tho…LOL.
That sounds like a great organization! Do you care to share the name of it, I’d love to check it out!? And I would love to see your finished squares! Feel free to upload photos to the Just Be Crafty Facebook page or use the hashtag #justbecrafty on Instagram so that I can see!
I can’t find your facebook page?
Hi Nancy! My facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/justbcrafty
Hi I love this patern however I want to increase the square rows by another 3 rows – can you advise how to do this as I am a beginners and need step by step guidance.
I want the pattern to remain as you have then add 2 extra rows in one collor and the last Row in another color.
I’ve been crocheting for 40 years and am not familiar with your beginning “magic ring” to get started. Please enlighten me. thanks a lot
Hi Karen! The magic ring is my favorite technique for beginning a crochet circle. Here is my video tutorial showing how to do this: https://youtu.be/_yNj1ZGy0PA
I just found your post on Circles to Squares. I love the colors and your tutorial is spot on !!! I was wondering if you did a post on joining the squares together? Can’t wait to start these to make a beautiful blanket. Thanks!
Hi Debbie! Thank you so much! And yes the post on the joining method is here: https://justbcrafty.com/2017/09/circle-to-square-granny-square-blanket-pattern.html
Thank you!
Can I make this with caron simply soft yarn?
Yes that would be lovely! Your squares just might end up a bit smaller.
Hello! Absolutely love this design! You have clear instructions which is great. Went out and bought the yarn to make this for future Grandbabies but I am having trouble with getting the 11 dc and the 15 dc! I must be doing something wrong ? Can make the 11 but not sure it’s right, and when it comes around to the 15 dc things just don’t work out to start making the corners.
I’m sure I have thoroughly confused you as to what I’m talking about.
I can’t figure it out ?.
Hi Cindy! My suggestion would be to make sure that at the end of round 3 you have 36 stitches, and at the end of round 4 you have 44 stitches total. If these stitch counts are correct, and you pay particular attention to the photo in round 5 for placement of your first stitch after making your first corner of that round – your numbers should work out. Remember, the counts of 11 and 15 are not counting the corner stitches. I hope this helps! If you still have issues please let me know!
I had alot of scrap yarn and couldn’t make up my mind what to do with it and then I found your circle to square pattern. I LOVED IT so I made one of the squares it was SUPER EASY no problems at all following the instructions giving that I knit and haven’t crocheted in years!! I’ll be making a blanket for each grandchild (3). Thank you!!!!!
Hi Angie! Thank you so much for your comment, I’m glad that you found the tutorial and pattern helpful! This project is a great stash buster! Your grandchildren are going to absolutely love your blankets! 🙂
This pattern sounds so cute, but I’m a little confused. Round 1 says to start in magic ring. What is this? Do I creat it by joining a certain number of chains?
I’m new to crochet but I’ve made a ton of blankets and scarves. I’d like to make this square but I have no idea what a ‘magic ring’ is or how to make the 1st 11 double crochets a circle. I must be missing something very fundamental here. Can you explain it a bit to me? I’m just learning to read patterns. Thank you! ~Sharon
Hi Sharon! Welcome to the world of crochet! Here is a video tutorial where I show step by step how make the magic ring/loop. https://youtu.be/_yNj1ZGy0PA
Thank you so much! 🙂
I’ve made several circle to square afghans but I just continued crocheting all around and adding the corners. I made one by starting with brown, changing to goldish/ yellow, to green. I call it my sunflower Afghan. In the circle I used bobble stitches to make it look like sunflower seeds. Super cute!!
Hey Brittany
I’m about 30% into this blanket and I was wondering what method you use as he far as making all the circles first and then adding the squares to them or completing each motif completely before moving on to the next? Which is faster for you?
I made all the circles first and then went back and completed them with the white. Not only was this quicker for me but also made my square size more consistent. I suggest to block your squares in the pattern – but I ended up skipping the blocking step because my squares ended up all the same size :).
Hi Brittnay! This will be my next project the Big Twist Value yarn is no longer available from JoAnns would other options from their line be comparable (ie big twist Sincerely). Thanks!
– Christina
Hi Christina! This yarn is still available at my local JoAnn store, but you could you use any worsted weight acrylic yarn for this. (Red Heart Yarn would be a very similar substitute and can be found at Walmart, Michaels, AC Moore, JoAnn’s and possibly other stores.)
How many skeins of each color did you use for the circles and the background color ?
Great tutorial! I love the way it turned out! I will be using this for my 2019 temperature blanket ( circle high temp and square low temp for each day.
Hi! I am making dish clothes or wash clothes with this pattern. The middle circle I am using tulle for a scrubbie. They are super cute!! Thank you!!
Hi Seferina! That’s such a great idea – I love it!!! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Hooray! Now I found a way to use all my little balls of yarn in many colors. Thank you for thus great pattern.
Yes! It’s a perfect stash buster!! Happy Crocheting!
Thank you Brittany, this was a superb tutorial.
Great camera position, not too fast not too slow.
Very well explained.
Looking forward to more tutorials from you.
Thank you so so much Dawn! I really appreciate it and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I was piddling with 5 different skeins of yarns making squares. Didn’t know what I was going to do with them until I came across your pattern. Ripped out the squares and started the circles to square. When you say, join in the 3rd chain, you mean join in the 3rd chain ! I must have ripped out Round 4 three or four times before I figured out where I was going wrong. Finished with the first square. Great tutorial !!!
Oh good, I’m glad you got it! This pattern is a great stash buster! Happy crocheting to you!!
Forg’ve my ignorance but whats “hdc” on round 4? I’m new to crochet and dont understand.
Hi Alison! hdc = half double crochet. You will yarn over before inserting your hook into the stitch, grab your working yarn, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on your hook.
Thanks very much! 🙂
Amazing! Thank you so much for your quick response.
On rows 4 and 6, you put 2 sc between the 2-dc in each corner, but on row 5 there is only 1 sc between them. Is this correct? Thanks for the great pattern!
Hello and thank you for your question! For rounds 4 and 5, each corner will be 2 double crochets, chain 1, 2 double crochets. For round 6 you will complete 2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets. If you prefer to have a chain 2 or chain 1 for all corner rounds you totally can, and that would work just as well.
I complete a chain 2 for all corners in the last round because it really squares off the corners in that last round.
Hi,
How many skiens would I need for this blanket? Nice pattern!
Hi Nicola! You can find all the details for the blanket here: https://justbcrafty.com/2017/09/circle-to-square-granny-square-blanket-pattern.html
Thank you!
I will give it a try as soon as I have finished the three I am doing right now.
Great! Happy crocheting to you!
I decided to do some of the squares and I found a mistake but I fixed it on my written copy. Mistake 1. At the beginning of Round 4 it should be: Ch2 , dc in same st, ch1, 2dc in same st. That is the corner. Mistake 2 or I am doing it wrong: sl st to corner ch 1. Did I do something wrong? I have ripped it out and it still is not working!!
Hi Sheila! Thank you for your comment! Round 4 is correct as written. ch 3 (counts as a double crochet) dc in that same stitch, ch 1, 2 dc in next stitch. Round 4’s corners are developed over two stitches (instead of just one). This is where you begin to square off your circle. It sounds like you are trying to make your Round 4 corners into one stitch and that is where your stitch count is off.
Starting round 5, your corners will be worked into the chain spaces as usual. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with!
Happy crocheting to you!
I have some squares done and was wondering how many are there in the blanket.
Hi Sheila! I used 60 squares in my blanket and it came out to 36 inches wide by 66 inches tall (which is a good lap sized throw). I have a pictured schematic that shows my square layout and I talk about it here (https://justbcrafty.com/2017/09/circle-to-square-granny-square-blanket-pattern.html) but you can off course make your own custom sized blanket by using however many squares you would like and the colors or your choosing!
I have 2 questions about round 6. It says “Round 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc, ch 2, 2dc, dc in each stitch until you reach the next corner ”
#1: is that a 3rd dc at the end? Should it be Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 3 dc?
#2: after that first grouping, does the ch3 become dc instead?
Thank you!
Hi Amy! For Round 6, you’ll start with a ch 3 which counts as the first double crochet, followed by another double crochet, then a chain 2 and 2 more double crochet into that same corner chain space. You’ll the double crochet into each stitch until you get to the next corner. Once at that next corner (as well as all remaining corners) you’ll complete 2 double crochets followed by a chain 2 and 2 more double crochets.
I added the bold text to Round 6 to clarify any confusion:
Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc, ch 2, 2dc in corner ch sp, dc in each stitch until you reach the next corner
That clarified it for me. Thank you!!
Hi Brittany, Is there any way I can get a printable version of your circle to square granny? Thank you and I enjoy your tutorials very much.
Do you have a video of how to join the squares? I need a video, the directions are confusing to me.
tuto trés bien fait avec une voix charmante
Thank you so much! 🙂
Now in quarantine lockdown I am going to make this afghan. Go to Mister Domestic on instagram to see his version of this pattern. Beautiful. Thanks for the pattern♥ Be safe and well!
I love this pattern! I made a purse with it. Turned out fantastic. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pattern! Your purse sounds lovely!
I just finished the circle to square granny square. I would like to join the squares. Can you create a tutorial to show how to do it?
Thanks,
I seem to be getting an uneven at the corner where I start the white section, seems more bulky than the other corners and looks like I have more stitches when I don’t. Has this happened to you- would you know what I am doing wrong. lol
This pattern is so good and easy to do! I’m currently making two different baby blankets with it 🙂 thank you Brittany!
I will be using this for a granny square sweater I’m making. It’s going to have some squares with flowers, and some just plain, and some may have a color I haven’t decided. But I’m now planning on using this pattern for all, been looking for a pattern that doesn’t have a ton of holes.
I have been searching for new patterns to make. I belong to a group called the Happy Hookers and we crochet blankets, lap robes, baby blankets, spreads for beds, hats, scares, mittens and etc to donate to the needy at Christmas time. I just love the look of this pattern and am sure I can use a lot of my left over yarn. thank you so much for posting this for free… I will defiantly do this. Be Blessed…
love this pattern!! made a super cute wash cloth for my moms christmas present! super easy to follow!
I am going to add a 7th row to match other squares I have made. Would you recommend 2 or 3 c between the two dc at the corners? Thank you for your pattern and I look forward to your suggestion for the corners of an additional row!
Love this pattern! I added one more row. I’d like to make a blanket alternating these squares with “classic” granny squares. Any thoughts on how to get a classic granny square to be the same size? (23 stitches per side by row 7) Thank you!