15 Beautiful Granny Square Crochet Pattern Styles to Try

There’s something almost magical about sitting down with yarn, a hook, and a single square. A granny square crochet pattern can feel like a tiny creative universe. It’s one of those timeless crafts that somehow always stays fresh — passed down from grandmothers, reinvented on Pinterest, trending on TikTok, and showing up in high-fashion runway looks. Not bad for a humble square of yarn, right?

I still remember the first granny square I ever made. It was lopsided, uneven, and I was very proud of it. I didn’t care that the stitches were different sizes or that the tension was more unpredictable than a cat deciding whether or not to bite you. That square was freedom. It was trial, error, creativity, and progress all in one.

What makes the granny square special is how it invites experimentation. You can play with colors, stitches, textures, and shapes. You can make one or make a hundred. You can build blankets, tops, scarves, bags, jackets — the square is just the foundation of endless potential.

In this guide, we’re exploring 15 beautiful and unique granny square styles, each with its own vibe, personality, and best-use scenarios. Whether you’re new to the craft or you’ve got bins of yarn whispering to you from the corner, there’s something here that will spark your next project.

Let’s get into it.

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1. Classic Granny Square

This is the granny square most people picture — clusters of double crochet stitches radiating outward from the center like a warm memory from the 70s. It works in solid colors or multi-color rounds and is the perfect starting point for beginners.

Pros:

• Extremely beginner-friendly and forgiving
• Works up quickly, great for relaxation
• Easy to adjust size — keep adding rounds as needed
• Highly customizable with color changes

Cons:

• Can look “traditional” or dated if not styled with modern colors
• Tension inconsistencies will show more than in solid squares

Takeaway:
The classic granny square sets the foundation. Think of it as the bread and butter of the granny square crochet pattern world — always reliable, endlessly adaptable.

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2. Solid Granny Square

If you love granny squares but want something with less “lace” and more structure, the solid granny square is your best friend. It fills in the gaps, creating a tight, warm fabric.

Pros:

• Great for clothing because it doesn’t have open holes
• Ideal for bags, pillows, and sturdy items
• Looks modern and sleek in neutral colors

Cons:

• Takes longer to crochet than the airy classic granny
• Requires slightly more attention to stitch counts

Takeaway:
This one is perfect for garments or anything that needs durability and shape.

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3. Sunburst Granny Square

The sunburst square is so pretty it practically shows off on its own. Featuring puff and cluster stitches, it creates a soft, textured flower-burst center.

Pros:

• Adds beautiful depth and texture to pieces
• Works wonderfully with warm or gradient color palettes
• Looks high-end even in simple yarn

Cons:

• Slightly more advanced — puff stitches take practice
• Uses more yarn than flat stitch squares

Takeaway:
The sunburst square is the statement earring of granny squares — bold, eye-catching, and full of charm.

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4. Daisy Flower Granny Square

A sweet, delicate square featuring a daisy tucked inside. It has a soft, handmade cottage-core feel that’s perfect for spring and summer projects.

Pros:

• Perfect for light and airy clothing
• Flower center creates a charming handmade feel
• Works beautifully with pastel or natural palettes

Cons:

• Joining can distort the flower if tension is off
• Requires precise stitch placement around the petals

Takeaway:
If your aesthetic is “I grow herbs and look adorable doing it,” the daisy square belongs in your life.

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5. African Flower Granny Square

This design combines flower petals arranged in hexagon form, giving it a polished, intricate look. It’s bold and elegant at the same time.

Pros:

• Visually striking and decorative
• Great for items meant to impress (pillows, blankets)
• Color combinations are endless

Cons:

• Requires more counting than simpler squares
• Joining hexagons into square projects takes shaping knowledge

Takeaway:
If you want something artistic and a bit dramatic, this is the square.

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6. Puff Stitch Granny Square

Soft, plush puff stitches add cozy texture and depth. The fabric feels cloud-like.

Pros:

• Very tactile and soft
• Perfect for baby blankets and scarves
• Adds warmth without bulk

Cons:

• Uses significantly more yarn
• Slower to work up due to puff technique

Takeaway:
The puff stitch square feels like a hug in yarn form.

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7. Lace-Style Granny Square

Airy, decorative, and elegant — these squares have deliberate openwork designs that look delicate and sophisticated.

Pros:

• Beautiful drape for shawls and cardigans
• Uses less yarn
• Looks refined and lightweight

Cons:

• Can stretch or warp if yarn and tension don’t match
• Not ideal for warmth or structural items

Takeaway:
Perfect for decorative clothing and fashion-first designs.

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8. Spiral Granny Square

Instead of working in color rounds, colors spiral outward together, creating movement and flow.

Pros:

• Striking modern look
• Endless color play possibilities
• No abrupt color change lines

Cons:

• Joining spirals neatly requires more effort
• Slightly tricky to start and count

Takeaway:
If you love color experiments, this square is creatively satisfying.

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9. 3D Flower Petal Granny Square

The flower petals literally rise off the square for dramatic depth.

Pros:

• Extremely decorative and luxe
• Ideal for statement blankets and accessories
• Great way to showcase color combos

Cons:

• Not ideal for items needing flat texture (like clothing)
• Takes longer and requires more shaping detail

Takeaway:
This square is for showstopper pieces — the kind that make people say, “You made THAT?!”

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10. Heart-Center Granny Square

Sweet and sentimental, this square features a heart shape in the middle.

Pros:

• Perfect for gifts and baby items
• Meaningful emotional touch
• Works great with bold or soft palettes

Cons:

• The heart shape can pull if tension varies
• Not ideal for fine lace yarns

Takeaway:
When you want your crochet to say something, choose this one.

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11. Bullseye / Mandala Granny Square

Circular mandala motifs squared off into granny shapes.

Pros:

• Stunning visual gradients
• Mesmerizing to crochet
• Invites creative color expression

Cons:

• Blocking required to achieve square shape
• Slightly advanced stitch transitions

Takeaway:
Meditative, colorful, and expressive — a favorite for mindful makers.

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12. Bobble Stitch Granny Square

Bobble stitches add adorable popcorn-like texture.

Pros:

• Fun, playful, modern feel
• Excellent for tactile sensory blankets
• Lovely in single-color minimalist palettes

Cons:

• Uses more yarn
• Can feel dense if used for clothing

Takeaway:
If texture makes you happy, this one is your jam.

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13. Corner-to-Corner (C2C) Square

Worked diagonally, these squares stand out in shape and stitch feel.

Pros:

• Fast and rhythmic once familiar
• Great for pixel art patterns
• Scales easily

Cons:

• Edges can slant until blocked
• Requires careful counting

Takeaway:
Perfect for storytelling and patterned blankets.

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14. Filet Crochet Granny Square

Filet squares use open and closed blocks to create pictures or geometric forms inside the square.

Pros:

• Clean, elegant, graphic designs
• Lightweight fabric great for wearables
• Works beautifully in cotton yarn

Cons:

• Requires chart reading
• Mistakes stand out more

Takeaway:
This is lace with personality — expressive and airy.

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15. Granny Square with Raised Cables

Yes — cables in a square. A beautiful merging of knit-style texture and crochet technique.

Pros:

• Very textured and luxurious
• Looks high-skill and artisan-crafted
• Great for winter accessories

Cons:

• More advanced — patterns require focus
• Not ideal for very lightweight yarns

Takeaway:
If you love elegance and structure, this square shines.

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Conclusion

The world of the granny square crochet pattern is bigger than it first appears. One tiny square can go in a thousand directions — soft, bold, modern, boho, refined, playful, or timeless. The beauty is that you don’t need to know everything at once. Start with one style that excites you. Let your yarn and hands guide the rest.

And remember: every stitch holds a bit of your time, patience, learning, and joy. Granny squares may be small, but what they represent is huge.

Happy hooking — you’ve got magic to make.