How to Crochet the Retro Granny Square

Hi guys! In this post, you’ll learn how to crochet this fun, retro inspired granny square. You can use it as a coaster, or crochet a bunch of them to make a blanket, scarf, bag, sweater, etc; the possibilities are endless!

This pattern uses a few different stitches to keep things interesting, and create texture. The center of the square is inspired by the Stargazer Coaster and Pot Holder because once I make something that I like, I tend to use it in future designs.

The free pattern below includes step-by-step pictures to help you. Let’s get started!

Pin the Retro Granny Square – HERE!

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Materials: 

• 5.0mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Yarn: 

• I Love this Cotton! Yarn, Weight 4 Medium Worsted Yarn (100% Cotton, 180 yd / 165 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g)
  • Colours: 1 Skein each of Warm Blush (A), Antique Gold (B), Antique Cream (C), Dark Denim (D), Periwinkle (E)

Yarn Note:

I chose to use a medium 4 worsted weight cotton yarn for my squares, but you can use any fiber, brand, or weight of yarn. This square pattern is versatile, so choose a yarn that suits you and your project.

If you choose to use a different type of yarn, you may need to adjust your hook size accordingly.

Yardage & Colour Breakdown:

Abbreviations: 

• Ch – chain
• St – stitch
• Sp – space
• Sl st – slip stitch 
• Sc – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Dc – double crochet 
• Ldc – long double crochet
• Fpdc – front post double crochet
• Tc – triple crochet 
• Rnd – round
• YO – yarn over
• [ ] – repeat instructions inside brackets

Gauge: 

If you’d like to check your gauge as you crochet, the diameter is measured from one end of the circle to the other, after each rnd listed: 

• Rnd 3: 3.5”
• Rnd 4: 5”
• Rnd 5: 6”

If your gauge is too small, try using a thicker weight 4 yarn or a larger crochet hook. If your gauge is too big, try using a thinner weight 4 yarn or a smaller crochet hook. You can also try adjusting your tension.

Pattern Measurements:

When laid flat, the granny square measures approximately 6.5” wide x 6.5” long, unblocked.

Special Stitches:

Here you’ll find a tutorial for all of the special stitches included in this retro granny square pattern: the front-post double crochet, long double crochet, and the standing double and triple crochet stitch.

Front-Post Double Crochet (Fpdc):

The front post double crochet is worked AROUND a stitch, instead of through the front and back loops of a stitch. 

• YO and insert hook from behind the post of the indicated st. (Pictures 1 & 2)

• YO and draw up a loop – you should have 3 loops on the hook. (Pictures 3 & 4)

• [YO and pull through 2 loops] 2 times. (Pictures 4, 5 & 6)

Long Double Crochet (Ldc) – Video Tutorial:

The long double crochet is an extended double crochet.

• Step 1: YO and insert the hook into the indicated st. YO and draw up a loop. (Picture 1, 2 & 3)

• Step 2: Once you’ve drawn up a loop, pull upwards to extend it as far as you can (1-2″) – there should be 3 loops on the hook. (Picture 4)

• Step 3: YO and pull through the first 2 loops on the hook – there should be 2 loops remaining. (Picture 5 & 6)

• Step 4: YO and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. (Picture 6 & 7)

Standing Double Crochet Stitch – Video Tutorial:

A standing double crochet is the first stitch of a new rnd that is worked without a starting chain. 

• Step 1: Wrap the yarn around the hook twice. (Picture 1)

• Step 2: Insert the hook into the indicated st. (Picture 2)

• Step 3: YO and draw up a loop – there should be 3 loops on the hook. (Picture 3)

• Step 4: YO and pull through the first 2 loops – there should be 2 loops remaining. (Picture 4 & 5)

• Step 5: YO and pull through the last 2 loops to complete the double crochet. (Picture 5 & 6)

Standing Triple Crochet Stitch – Video Tutorial:

A standing triple crochet is the first stitch of a new rnd that is worked without a starting chain. 

• Step 1: Wrap the yarn around the hook three times. (Picture 1)

• Step 2: Insert the hook into the indicated st. (Picture 2)

• Step 3: YO and draw up a loop – there should be 4 loops on the hook. (Picture 3)

• Step 4: [YO and pull through 2 loops] 3 times, to complete the triple crochet. (Picture 4, 5 & 6)

Invisible Colour Change – Rnd 2:

At the end of Rnd 2, we are going to change colour before starting Rnd 3. The following method creates an invisible colour change.

• Before completing the final YO of the last fpdc of the rnd, drop the current colour to the back of your work. Trim the tail. (Picture 1). 
• YO with the new colour, and pull it through the last 2 loops on the hook to complete the st (Picture 2 & 3). 
• Sl st into the first st of the rnd with the new colour to end the rnd (Picture 4).

Colour Breakdown:

The 3 granny squares use different colour combinations. Follow along with the colour changes of your favourite square, or go rogue and create your own colour combo!

Pattern:

Notes:

• Yarn is not carried in the pattern. After joining the new colour, drop the old colour, leave a tail, and cut the strand.
• Do not turn at the end of each rnd.
• Stitch counts are given at the end of each rnd in <> brackets.
• The beginning ch does not count as a st.
• The pattern is written with colour changes for the 3 granny squares in the following order: 1 (2, 3). Ex. With Colour B (A, A) means use Colour B for Square #1, Colour A for Square #2, and Colour A for Square #3.

With Colour B (A, A), ch 4 and join last ch to first ch with a sl st (this creates a ch-circle).

Rnd 1: 

• Ch 2, 12 dc in ch-circle. 
• Sl st in the first st of the rnd.
• Pull the tail to tighten the ch-circle center. <12 dc>

Rnd 2: 

• Ch 2, dc in first st, fpdc around same st.
• [dc in next st, fpdc around same st] 11 times. 
• Change to Colour A (D, B) before the final YO of the last st – see tutorial above.
• Join with a sl st. <12 dc, 12 fpdc>

Rnd 3:

• With Colour A (D, B), ch 2, [fpdc around st, 2 dc in next st] 12 times. 
• Join with a sl st and fasten off. <24 dc, 12 fpdc> 

Rnd 4:

• With Colour C (E, C), make a standing dc in any fpdc st from Rnd 3, Ldc in same st.
• [Ldc in next 2 sts, 2 Ldc in next st] 11 times.
• Ldc in last 2 sts. 
• Join with a sl st and fasten off. <48 Ldc> 

Rnd 5:

• With Colour D (B, E), make a standing dc in the first of the 2 Ldc from Rnd 4.
• Dc in next 2 sts.
• [2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts] 11 times.
• 2 dc in last st. 
• Join with a sl st and fasten off. <60 dc> 

Rnd 6:

• With Colour A (C, B), make a standing tc in any st, tc in same st.
• [tc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tc in next st, (2 tc, ch 1, 2 tc) in next st] until you reach the first st of the rnd.
• (2 tc, ch 1) in first st to complete the corner.
• Join with a sl st and fasten off. <4 ch-1 sp, 16 sc, 16 hdc, 16 dc, 24 tc> 

Weave in all ends!

Blocking your Retro Granny Square:

An optional step is to block your square after you crochet. Blocking helps even out your edges and relaxes the stitches, so your work lies flat.

To block your square, you’ll need a steamer or spray bottle, straight pins, and a blocking mat or foam board.  

• Stretch out your square (vertically and horizontally), and place straight pins along each side and corner, to hold it in place.

• Spray the square with water, or use a steamer, making sure to stay at least 2” away from the fabric.

• Gently press the steam/water into the fabric with your hands. Let the square dry completely before unpinning it.

Questions?

If you have any questions as you work through the pattern, please send me an email through my contact page. I am happy to help!

Other Granny Squares You’ll Love!

• Mini Circle Granny Square
• Two-Striped Granny Square
• Perfect Moss Stitch Square

End Notes:  

Congratulations! You just finished your first Retro Granny Square.

If you choose to make more than 1, you can either sew them together using the mattress stitch or whip stitch, or use a join-as-you-go method. Here is one of my favourite join-as-you-go methods from Hooked by Robin.

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Disclaimer: You are welcome to sell items that you’ve made from this pattern; however, you are not allowed to use my pictures or sell my pattern as your own (Copyright @ ThisPixieCreates).

I hope you enjoyed making these fun, retro inspired granny squares. Happy crocheting!

Love, Dayna