Crochet is a timeless craft that continues to evolve, blending tradition with creativity. One of the most popular and versatile motifs in crochet is the granny square — a simple yet iconic building block that can be used to make everything from blankets to bags and garments. When you add a crochet flower to the center of a granny square, you get a beautiful fusion of texture and color that transforms a simple square into a work of art.
Whether you’re new to crochet or looking to add new motifs to your pattern library, learning how to crochet a flower granny square opens the door to endless possibilities.
What is a Flower Granny Square?
A flower granny square is a type of crochet motif where a flower is crocheted in the center, and the outer layers are shaped into a square. This gives the visual appeal of a blooming flower framed by a traditional square pattern — a perfect combination of organic and geometric beauty.
These squares are often used in:
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Blankets and throws
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Pillow covers
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Tote bags and pouches
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Sweaters and cardigans
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Table runners and wall art
Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the pattern, gather the following supplies:
Yarn:
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Type: Worsted weight yarn (category 4) for a standard size.
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Colors: At least two — one for the flower, and another for the background (square).
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Fiber: Acrylic, cotton, or a blend (cotton offers great stitch definition; acrylic is easier to work with).
Hook:
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Size 4.0mm (G/6) or as recommended on the yarn label.
Other Tools:
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Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
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Scissors
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Stitch marker (optional for beginners)
✨ Stitches You Should Know
This pattern uses beginner-to-intermediate stitches. You should be familiar with:
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Slip Knot and Foundation Chain
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Chain (ch)
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Slip Stitch (sl st)
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Single Crochet (sc)
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Half Double Crochet (hdc)
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Double Crochet (dc)
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Treble Crochet (tr)
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Cluster stitch (used for puffier flower centers)
Step-by-Step Pattern: Crochet Flower Granny Square
Below is a basic pattern to create a 3D flower granny square with layered petals.
Round 1: Make the Flower Center
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Start with a magic ring, or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
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Ch 1, then work 12 single crochets (sc) into the ring.
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Join to the first sc with a sl st. (12 stitches total)
TIP: Use a different color for the flower petals.
Round 2: Form the Flower Petals
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Ch 2 (counts as part of your first petal).
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In the same stitch, work (1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 2).
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Sl st into the next stitch.
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Repeat this petal pattern: (Ch 2, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 2, sl st in next st) around.
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You’ll make 6 petals in total (or 12 if you work into each stitch).
You now have a complete flower in the round!
Round 3: Transition to the Square Shape
Switch to your background color (the one used for the square frame).
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Insert hook behind a petal and sl st into the space between two petals.
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Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc into the same space, ch 2, 3 dc into the same space — this forms a corner.
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Move to the next space between petals, 3 dc.
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Repeat the (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every third space to form the four corners, and 3 dc in the remaining two side spaces.
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Join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch-3.
You now have a square with a flower centered inside!
Round 4 (Optional): Add One More Border
Continue with your square frame:
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Ch 3, and work dc in each stitch around.
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In each corner space, work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).
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Join with sl st.
Finishing Up
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Fasten off the yarn and weave in all loose ends using your yarn needle.
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Block your square to straighten edges if necessary (especially helpful for joining).
Customizations and Variations
1. Petal Styles
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Use puff stitches or popcorn stitches for a chunkier 3D flower.
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Layer a second set of petals behind the first for a fuller bloom.
2. Color Changes
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Use gradient or ombré yarns for a multi-tone flower.
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Alternate background colors for a patchwork quilt effect.
3. Square Sizing
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Add more border rounds to increase square size.
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Use thinner yarn and a smaller hook for smaller squares.
Joining Flower Granny Squares
Here are some popular methods for joining your granny squares:
1. Whip Stitch (Sewing)
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Use a yarn needle and stitch squares together edge-to-edge.
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Best for seamless joins.
2. Slip Stitch Join (Crochet)
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Crochet squares together using slip stitches for a visible ridge.
3. Join-As-You-Go
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Attach new squares while working the final round.
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Saves time and creates a uniform join.
Creative Ideas Using Flower Granny Squares
Here are ways you can use your finished squares:
Project | Notes |
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Blanket/Afghan | Combine multiple squares in a pattern. |
Cushion Covers | 16 squares per side make a standard pillowcase. |
Bags and Purses | Use squares for front/back panels. |
Wall Hangings | Hang connected squares on a wooden dowel. |
Baby Items | Use pastel shades for a soft, cozy baby gift. |
Table Runners | Arrange them in a line and edge with lace. |
Tips for Beginners
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Start with fewer squares and smaller projects like coasters.
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Use stitch markers to keep track of corners.
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Don’t worry if your first few squares aren’t perfect — blocking helps a lot!
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Practice with scrap yarn until you’re confident in the pattern.
Conclusion
The flower granny square is more than just a pretty motif — it’s a celebration of color, creativity, and tradition. With a few simple stitches and your imagination, you can turn a ball of yarn into a square bursting with floral charm. From heirloom blankets to trendy accessories, the possibilities are endless.
By learning to crochet this beautiful motif, you’re not just making a square — you’re building the foundation for countless creative projects to come.
Video tutorial: