Last updated on May 17th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
I fell in love with basic granny squares once I found this easy way to join rounds.
Before that, I wasn’t happy with starting chain 3 and how my squares looked. I tried a bunch of methods, but this one just works the best-and I’m excited to share it with you!
Tips & Benefits of This Method:
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No thinner-looking stitches caused by chain stitches.
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No struggling with standing double crochets – the fake double crochet looks like a normal double crochet.
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Using a half double crochet to join rounds allows you to start directly in the corner.
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No turning on each round
Materials Needed:
Yarn of your choice
Corresponding crochet hook
Scissors, tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms):
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
Basic Granny Square Step-by-Step Instructions
Round 1 (R1):
Make slip knot and chain 4.
Slip stitch into the 1st chain to form a ring. This forms the foundation—the center of your square.
Round 2 (R2):
Crochet over your starting tail to avoid weaving it in later.
Make a single crochet (sc) directly into the ring without chaining first.
Chain 2 (this creates a “fake double crochet” base).
Work 2 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
Chain 2.
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
Chain 2.
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
Chain 2.
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
Instead of chaining 2 for the corner, make a half double crochet (hdc) into the top chain of your fake double crochet.
At this point if you want to switch colors, you finish round with hdc and fasten off, join new color.
Round 3 (R3):
Work 1 fake double crochet (single crochet (sc) directly into the corner space, chain 2).
Work 2 double crochets (dc) into the same chain space (corner).
Chain 1 (side).
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the next corner chain space.
Chain 2 (for corner).
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the same corner chain-2 space.
Chain 1 (for the side).
Repeat steps 4-7 until you reach the last corner.
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the last corner chain space.
Instead of chaining 2, join with a half double crochet (hdc) into the top of the fake double crochet.
Round 4 (R4):
Work 1 fake double crochet (single crochet (sc) directly into the corner space, chain 2).
Work 2 double crochets (dc) into the same chain space (corner).
Chain 1 (side).
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the previous chain 1 space.
Chain 1.
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the same corner chain-2 space.
Chain 2 (for the corner).
- Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the same corner chain-2 space.
Repeat steps 3-8 around until you reach the last corner.
Work 3 double crochets (dc) into the last corner chain space.
Instead of chaining 2, join with a half double crochet (hdc) into the top of the fake double crochet.
Next rows follow the same crochet granny square pattern, sides will get longer, corners always will be 3dc, ch-2, 3dc.
Finishing:
When you reach your last round, hdc in the top of the fake double crochet and fasten off.
Weave ends.
Pull the center end tight to close the hole and snip the yarn.
No need to weave in this end if you crochet over it during the first round.
