How to crochet the Russian granny square (step-by-step tutorial)

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To see the beauty of the Russian granny square by using four colorways.

Stitch Challenge

These are the basic crochet skills needed to be able to crochet the pattern.

• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet
• fpdc – front post double crochet (TR/RF – UK treble crochet raised at the front)
• bpdc – back post double crochet (TR/RB – UK treble crochet raised at the back)

Stitch Standards

I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.

Foundation Chains

Start with a slipknot and make it loose. Chain 4 and slip stitch into the loose slipknot to form a ring. Pull the yarn end to tighten.

Round 1

With color A, chain 3. Work 2 double crochet into the ring. * [Chain 3, work 3 double crochet into the ring] 3 times. Chain 3, then slip stitch into the 3rd chain at the beginning of the round. Cut off color A and tidy up your ends.

Round 2

Using color B, make a slipknot. Yarn over, insert your hook into one of the corner spaces from Round 1, and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and complete a double crochet. Chain 3 and work 3 double crochet into the same corner space.

Side stitches

Work 1 front post double crochet (FPDC) into the next 3 double crochet stitches.

Corner stitches

Work 3 double crochet, chain 3, and 3 double crochet into the same corner space.
Repeat side stitches and corner stitches 2 more times, then work one more set of side stitches. Complete the first corner space with 2 double crochet, and slip stitch into the first double crochet at the beginning of the round.

Round 3

Using color C, make a slipknot. Yarn over, insert your hook into one of the corner spaces, pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook), yarn over and complete a double crochet. Chain 3 and work 3 double crochet into the same corner space.

Side stitches

Work 1 back post double crochet (BPDC) into the next 3 double crochet. Work 1 front post double crochet (FPDC) into the next 3 double crochet. Work 1 back post double crochet (BPDC) into the next 3 double crochet.

Corner stitches

Work 3 double crochet, chain 3, and 3 double crochet into the same corner space.
Repeat side stitches and corner stitches 2 more times, then work one more set of side stitches. Complete the first corner space with 2 double crochet, and slip stitch into the first double crochet at the beginning of the round.

Round 4

Using color D, make a slipknot. Yarn over, insert your hook into one of the corner spaces, pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook), yarn over and complete a double crochet. Chain 3 and work 3 double crochet into the same corner space.

Side stitches

Work 1 front post double crochet (FPDC) into the next 3 double crochet. Work 1 back post double crochet (BPDC) into the next 3 double crochet. Work 1 front post double crochet (FPDC) into the next 3 double crochet. Work 1 back post double crochet (BPDC) into the next 3 double crochet. Work 1 front post double crochet (FPDC) into the next 3 double crochet.

Corner stitches

Work 3 double crochet, chain 3, and 3 double crochet into the same corner space.
Repeat side stitches and corner stitches 2 more times, then work one more set of side stitches. Complete the first corner space with 2 double crochet, and slip stitch into the first double crochet at the beginning of the round.