Start here · a little extra help
Groups make the familiar square
In this guide a granny group means three UK treble stitches worked into the same space. A space is the opening under a chain, not a strand you need to pierce. Groups along a side build its length; extra groups and chains at a corner let the fabric turn.
Lay the square flat after each round. Locate all four corners before continuing. In the next round, the hook goes into the spaces specified in the instructions rather than automatically into every stitch top. Counting groups can be easier than counting each tall stitch.
Your small practice goal
Use four removable markers to identify the corner spaces. Check that each corner has the same arrangement before joining the round.
Picture it
Select the diagram to open it at full size. Use the written steps for the actual hook movements.
Words you’ll meet
No need to memorise these. Keep them nearby and look up a word whenever you need it. This guide uses UK names, with US equivalents explained.
Open the plain-English word guide · 10 terms
Chain · ch
A small loop pulled through the loop on your hook. A line of chains often forms the starting edge.
UK dc / US sc
UK double crochet is called single crochet in US patterns. They are the same short stitch.
UK tr / US dc
UK treble is US double crochet. Finish by pulling through two loops, then two again.
Slip stitch · sl st
A low connecting stitch: pull the new yarn through the insertion point and the loop on the hook.
Yarn tail
A loose end left at the start, finish or colour change. It needs to be secured inside the fabric.
Round · rnd
A complete trip around a shape. It may be joined at the end or continue in a spiral.
Chain space · ch-sp
The gap beneath chains. Working into a space means entering the gap, not splitting a strand.
Repeat · rep
Do the stated group of instructions again, as many times as the pattern says.
Granny group / cluster in this guide
Here this means three completed UK trebles in one space, not stitches joined at the top. Elsewhere ‘cluster’ can mean a joined-top stitch: follow the pattern’s own definition.
Stitch marker
A removable clip or scrap of contrasting yarn used to mark a stitch or place in the work.
Quick note: this guide uses UK crochet names. UK double crochet is US single crochet.
Before you start
You need chains, slip stitches and UK trebles (US double crochet). This original practice version uses ch-2 corners and ch-1 side gaps. Each starting ch 3 counts as one tr. A cluster here means three trebles together in one space, not three stitches joined at the top.
Round one — four corners
Ch 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Ch 3, work 2 tr into the ring, ch 2. Repeat ‘3 tr into ring, ch 2’ three times. Join to the top of the starting ch 3. Check: 4 clusters and 4 corner spaces.
Round two — grow the corners
Slip stitch across the next two trebles and into the corner space. Ch 3, then (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in that space. Ch 1. In each of the next three corners work (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr), followed by ch 1. Join to the top of the starting ch 3. Check: 8 clusters, 4 corners, 4 side gaps.
Round three — add the sides
Travel to the next corner with slip stitches as before. Ch 3, then (2 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in that corner. Ch 1, 3 tr in the next side gap, ch 1. Repeat ‘(3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in next corner, ch 1, 3 tr in next side gap, ch 1’ three times. Join. Check: 12 clusters, 4 corners and 8 side gaps. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Make it your own
Try a second square with a different colour every round. For a new colour, fasten off after the join and join the next yarn in a corner instead of travelling there. Secure every tail. These counts describe this practice square; other granny-square patterns can use different gaps or joins.
Sources & further learning
Original Crochet By Micky practice notes. See the linked lessons for the underlying techniques.
Checked 24 October 2026. Written in UK terms, with US equivalents where useful. Follow a project's own stitch key if it differs. These are original explanations and practice exercises, not copies of the linked publishers' patterns.