How to Crochet the African Flower Granny Square
If you love floral motifs that look intricate but are surprisingly easy to make, the African Flower Granny Square will quickly become a favorite. Once you make one, you’ll see why this iconic motif has been adored by crocheters for decades.
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A Bit of Background
The African Flower Granny Square is a beloved crochet motif known for its iconic eight petals and scrap-busting power with some rounds using just the tiniest bit of yarn. It first gained popularity in vintage crochet circles and has seen a big resurgence in modern crochet thanks to social media and Pinterest.
This square is a chameleon of sorts, not sticking to just one style. You'll be amazed how changing up the colors you use can transform this motif from country chic to retro groovy...from spring festival to worldly and curated.
If you are digging the retro vibes, you'll also love our retro daisy square (check it out after this one!).
Skill Level
Intermediate — This square uses basic crochet stitches but adds the "spiked single crochet." Spiked stitches involve working down into rows below the one you're currently working into, allowing your current yarn to dip down into already-finished rows. This is a great project to give spiked stitches a try!
Stitch Abbreviations Used in the Pattern (U.S. Terms)
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Any weight yarn you love. I used a worsted weight 4 acrylic yarn. Some notice this motif wants to ruffle, starting with a slightly thicker or denser yarn for the first round or two will help the square lay more flat later.
- Hook: Use the hook size recommended on your yarn label. For tighter stitches and smaller “holes,” go down a size; for more drape, go up one size.
- Notions: Scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and your favorite cozy corner.
Gauge & Size
Gauge will depend on your yarn and hook size. A 4-weight yarn with a 5 mm (H) hook yields a square about 5.5 inches across. This is slightly larger than other granny squares because the entire motif plus squaring border is a minimum if 6 rounds.
Pattern Notes
- Starting chains count as stitches.
- The pattern is worked in-the-round, joining each round with a slip stitch.
- We will not be turning our work after rounds.
African Flower Granny Square Instructions
To begin, ch4 and sl st to the first ch to form a ch4 ring.
Round 1
Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and make another dc into the ring. Ch1, *2dc into the ring, ch1* rep between ** 6 more times. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd. Fasten off. (16dc ((8 sets of 2dc)) and 8 ch1s)
Round 2
Fasten on a new color at any ch1 sp. Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and work 1dc in the same ch sp. Ch1, 2 more dc in the same ch sp. Into the next ch1 sp work (2dc, ch1, 2dc). Repeat between () for each ch1 sp. Sl St to the starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (32dc, 8ch1s)
Round 3
In same color, without turning, sl st over to the next ch1 sp. Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and make 5 more dc into the same ch sp. *Into the next ch1 sp, work 6dc* repeat between ** for each available ch sp. Sl st to your first ch3 to complete the rnd. Fasten off. (8 groups of 6dc)
Round 4
Fasten on a new color with 1sc in the first dc of any 6dc shell from the prev rnd. Work 1dc in each of the next 5dcs as well. Work 1 "spike" sc by working 1sc into the space between 2dc clusters on rnd 2, enclosing rnd 3 in the legs of the stitch as well. *Tip* pull the first loop of the sc up long to match the height of your current rnd. Continue working 1sc in each dc from prev rnd and 1 spike dc in the spaces between 6dc shells from rnd 3 AND 2dc clusters from rnd 2. After your last spike sc, sl st to the first sc to complete the rnd. Fasten off (48sc, 8 spike scs)
Round 5 (squaring the flower)
Fasten on a new color (your border color) to any spike sc from prev rnd, work 1hc in that st. 1sc in each of the next 3sts, 1hdc in each of the next 2sts. 1dc in the next st. 1dc, ch2, 1dc all in the next st (a spike sc from prev rnd). Then, reverse the sequence by working 1dc in the next st, hdc 2, sc 3, 1hdc in the next spike sc. Repeat the process to work 3 more corners. Sl st to the first hdc of the rnd.
Round 6
Ch 3 (counts as 1dc) and work 1dc in each st from prev rnd. Into the ch2 corners, work 2dc, ch1, 2dc all into the ch 2 space from prev rnd. Sl st to starting ch3 to complete the rnd. Fasten off
Tip: due to tension differences of the sts, some find that this square has a tenancy to ruffle. Using a heavier weight yarn or one hook size larger for round 1 only can help the square ultimately lay more flat.
What Will You Make With The African Flower Granny Square?
This motif is a timeless favorite because it’s easy to customize. Whether you use bright contrasting shades or subtle tonal variations, your African Flower Granny Square will always be a show stopper.
