Today we’re taking things full circle...literally, with a Circle-to-Square Granny Square. This classic technique starts as circle and then we work our crochet magic to trap it in a square!
This design adds a little variety to your granny square collection and works beautifully as a stand-alone motif or joined into larger projects.
Skill Level
Confident Beginner — If you can double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet, and work in the round, you’re all set. Squaring the circle does involve a few treble crochets.
Stitch Abbreviations Used in the Pattern (U.S. Terms)
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
| round | rnd |
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Any weight yarn you like — I used a soft wool blend in sport (3) weight.
- Hook: Use the hook size suggested on your yarn label. Go up a size for a looser, drapier square or down a size for a denser square with less gaps.
- Notions: Scissors, and maybe your favorite podcast for company.
Gauge & Size
Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern. With a 3-weight yarn and 4mm (G) hook, your finished square will measure around 4½ inches across.
Pattern Notes
- Worked in the round, joining each round with a slip stitch.
- Turn your work at the beginning of each round to help your square stay even.
- The magic happens in Round 4 — that’s where your circle transforms into a square.
Circle-To-Square Granny Square Instructions
Round 1
To begin, ch4 and sl st to the first ch to create a ch4 ring
Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and make 11 more dc into the center of your ch4 ring. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (12dc)
Round 2
Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and turn your work.
Make 2dc in each st from the prev rnd. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (24dc)
Round 3
Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and turn your work. Make 1dc in the same st, 1dc in the next st. *2dc in the next st, 1dc in the next st* rep between ** to the end of the rnd. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (36dc)
Round 4 (Squaring The Circle)
Ch4 (counts as one tr) and turn your work. Make 1tr in the same stitch. Ch1, make 2tr in the next st.
1dc in the next st, 1hdc in the next st. 1sc in each of the next 3 sts. 1hdc in next st, 1dc in next st.
Complete another "corner" by working 2tr in the next st, ch1, 2tr in the next st.
Again work 1dc in the next st, 1hdc in the next st. 1sc in each of the next 3 sts. 1hdc in next st, 1dc in next st.
Repeat that until you've worked 4 corners. Sl st to the top of your starting ch4 to complete the rnd.
Round 5
Ch3 (counts as 1dc) and turn. Work 1dc in each st from the prev rnd. When you reach your first ch1 sp, work (2dc, ch1, 2dc) all into that ch sp.
Continue working 1dc in each st from prev rnd and (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in each corner ch1sp. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd.
Round 6
Repeat round 5 but ch2 in corners rather than ch1.
A Simple Circle In A Square!
That's how it's done! Beautiful as-is in a single color for a slightly more unique texture than your typical solid granny square. Also, by getting creative with color, there are infinite possibilities for this square by turning the center circle into a soccer ball, a lemon sliced in half, or any round thing you can think of
Feel free to get creative with this one and keep it in your back pocket as a go-to (not so) basic granny square motif!