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How to Crochet a Rectangle Granny Free Pattern

Learning how to crochet a rectangle granny has been on my bucket list for quite a while now. Once I got started, I quickly realized how easy this crochet technique is.

The granny rectangle is a simple variation of the classic granny square. Even if you are a beginner at crochet, this is appropriate for a beginner. This pattern can be used to make crochet rectangle tablecloth patterns or something as large as a big blanket.

In the world of crochet, few patterns exude timeless charm and versatility quite like the beloved granny square. But what if we told you that the granny square’s cousin, the rectangle granny, holds just as much creative potential and offers a fresh twist on the classic?

If you’re a crochet enthusiast eager to explore new horizons, you’re in for a treat! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to crochet a rectangle granny.

How to Crochet a Rectangle Granny
How to Crochet a Rectangle Granny

Crochet Pattern Development

The Crochet Rectangles has always eluded me until recently. In my quest to learn how to start the rectangle shape for the granny, I watched tutorials and scoured the web, but there wasn’t one method that was clear to me how to work this pattern.

I tried a few to get an idea of how to work this pattern. Then I made a few slight variations so one side of the rectangle would look just like the other side and make this crochet pattern an easy one to get started with and work the rounds as you grow your project.

Adapt This Pattern for Your Project Size

Once you learn how to work this pattern, it will be easy to adapt it for the project size you are working on. This same technique can be used for something as small as a bookmark, doily, or as large as a blanket. Sometimes it can be hard to determine the beginning number of foundation chain stitches for afghan patterns. One nice resource that I found for determining the length of the starting chain is from The Crochet Crowd. Their article also explains that a twin bed will require a longer starting chain than a queen size as the queen size is closer to being a square blanket than a rectangle.

If you are wondering what size to crochet a blanket from a baby blanket to a queen size bed blanket, I have put together Crochet Guidelines for Standard Bed and Blanket Size.

Crochet Basics The Rectangle
Crochet Basics The Rectangle

What to Use This Rectangle Pattern for?

Granny squares have long been celebrated for their charm and adaptability, but the rectangle granny opens up a world of possibilities that can transform your projects.

From cozy throw blankets, rectangular afghans, and stylish scarves to chic market totes, the flexibility of the rectangle granny pattern knows no bounds. Plus, with our free pattern and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your crochet journey with confidence.

Basic Granny Rectangle Pattern

This pattern is for the basic or classic granny rectangle pattern. Once you get past rows two and three, except for the number of stitches being worked between the corners, this is very similar to the granny square pattern. The only thing that is different is the length of the width.

This crochet stitch will work well with a wide variety of yarn weights. Now that I know how to work this easy pattern, I can figure out so many new patterns. I am working on another free crochet pattern for a Christmas rectangle granny tablecloth. That will be available soon.

I used a solid color yarn for the sample today; however, just like the basic granny, the new color can be changed to a new yarn color as often as you like.

Crochet Rectangle Changing Color Each Round
Crochet Rectangle Changing Color Each Round

Make Rectangle Motifs and Joining

Just as you would with granny squares, you can crochet various sizes of granny rectangles and join them to make handmade blankets.

The pattern will allow crocheters to use any yarn weight or hook size desired. The project is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with your own choices of yarn and hook size.

I chose to start making small rectangles such as this rectangle tablecloth. However, my to do list includes an afghan pattern in worsted weight yarn.

Christmas Colors Palette
Christmas Colors Palette

Crochet Videos for Crocheting a Rectangle

You will find the links below the written pattern on how to crochet a rectangle for both a left and right hand crocheter.

Crochet Pattern: How to Crochet a Rectangle Granny

Skill Level

Beginner

Gauge

Today I used a worsted yarn, the gauge will depend on the size of yarn and hook size you choose for your project.

Change the rectangle length by working your starting chain stitches in multiples of 3 plus 1.

Materials

I have used this pattern with a fingering yarn and a medium weight yarn. They both work well for this crochet stitch

Crochet Hook the appropriate size for the yarn used

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Measuring Tape

Abbreviations

CH = Chain

DC = Double Crochet

SK = Skip

SL ST = Slip Stitch

SP = Space

ST = Stitch

STs = Stitches

[ ] = Repeat Between

Crochet Pattern Notes

The length of the starting chain will determine how long the final project ends up being.

The greater number of starting chains will result in a longer and narrower final product. Whereas less starting chains will result in a squarer pattern.

The crochet pattern is worked in the round.

The first round is the foundation row and once started, the pattern is a repeat of rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired size.

The sample has a beginning chain stitch count of 28 crochet chain stitches. Remember, you can change the number of beginning chain stitches using the multiples of 3 + 1.

Granny Cluster, or shell: A granny cluster is a term for a special crochet stitch that consists of a set of 3 double crochet stitches, all worked into one stitch or space. The clusters are then separated from one another with chain stitches. You can find a photo tutorial on how to crochet the granny square, which will be helpful if you are a beginner at crochet.

The granny clusters should line up with each other on the top and bottom of the rounds in the same chain space.

In this sample, each round will increase by 4 granny clusters.

In the corner space, I worked a chain 2. You can work a chain 3 or other length in the corner stitch depending on the look you are going for with your crochet rectangle.

Pattern is written in US terms.

Crochet Pattern Directions

Begin

Chain 28

Round 1

In the 4th CH from the Hook, work 2 DC. (Counts as 3 DC with the skipped Chains). [CH 1, SK 2 STs, 3 DC in next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the last CH ST work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 2, 3DC).

Continue working on the underside.

[CH 1, SK 2 STs, 3 DC in next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the last ST work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 2, 2DC). Join with a SL ST to the top CH of the beginning CH. (20 granny clusters)

Rectangle Granny Round 1
Rectangle Granny Round 1

Round 2

CH 4 (Counts as DC, CH 1). [3 DC in the CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ] to the first corner CH 2 SP. In the CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). Continue to the underside CH 1 [3 DC in the CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the CH 2 corner SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 2 DC). Join with a SL ST into the 3rd CH of the initial CH 4. (24 granny clusters)

Rectangle Granny Round 2
Rectangle Granny Round 2

Round 3

CH 3 (Counts as DC). 2 DC in the same CH 1 SP. CH 1 [3 DC in CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ] to the first corner CH 2 SP. In the CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. Work 3 DC in the CH 1 SP. CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). Continue to the underside CH 1 [3 DC in the CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the CH 2 corner SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. Work 3 DC in the CH 1 SP. CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC) CH 1. Join with a SL ST into the top CH of the initial CH 3. (28 granny clusters)

Round 3 Rectangle Granny
Round 3 Rectangle Granny

Rounds 4 and beyond

Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until you reach your desired size.

Finishing

Leave about a 12-inch yarn tail. Weave in yarn ends and remove excess yarn.

How to Crochet a Rectangle Granny
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How to Crochet a Rectangle Granny

Learning how to crochet a rectangle granny has been on my bucket list for quite a while now. Once I got started, I quickly realized how easy this crochet technique is.
Prep Time0 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time15 minutes

Equipment

  • Crochet Hook: Choose a size that matches your yarn weight.
  • Scissors:
  • Tapestry Needle

Materials

  • Yarn. I have used this pattern with a fingering yarn and a medium weight yarn. They both work well for this crochet stitch.
Estimated Cost 5

Instructions

Begin

  • Chain 28
    Yarn.

Round 1

  • In the 4th CH from the Hook, work 2 DC. (Counts as 3 DC with the skipped Chains). [CH 1, SK 2 STs, 3 DC in next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the last ST work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 2, 3DC).
  • Continue working on the underside.
  • [CH 1, SK 2 STs, 3 DC in next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the last ST work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 2, 2DC). Join with a SL ST to the top CH of the beginning CH. (20 granny clusters)
    Rectangle Granny Round 1

Round 2

  • CH 4 (Counts as DC, CH 1). [3 DC in the CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ] to the first corner CH 2 SP. In the CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). Continue to the underside CH 1 [3 DC in the CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the CH 2 corner SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 2 DC). Join with a SL ST into the 3rd CH of the initial CH 4. (24 granny clusters)
    Rectangle Granny Round 2

Round 3

  • CH 3 (Counts as DC). 2 DC in the same CH 1 SP. CH 1 [3 DC in CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ] to the first corner CH 2 SP. In the CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. Work 3 DC in the CH 1 SP. CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). Continue to the underside CH 1 [3 DC in the CH 1 SP, CH 1]. Repeat across between [ ]. In the CH 2 corner SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC). CH 1. Work 3 DC in the CH 1 SP. CH 1. In the next CH 2 SP work (3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC) CH 1. Join with a SL ST into the top CH of the initial CH 3. (28 granny clusters)
    Round 3 Rectangle Granny

Rounds 4 and beyond

  • Repeat rounds 2 and 3 until you reach your desired size.

Finishing

  • Leave about a 12-inch yarn tail. Weave in yarn ends and remove excess yarn.

Notes

Skill Level

Beginner

Gauge

Today I used a worsted yarn, the gauge will depend on the size of yarn and hook size you choose for your project.
Change the rectangle length by working your starting chain stitches in multiples of 3 plus 1.

Abbreviations

  • CH = Chain
  • DC = Double Crochet
  • SK = Skip
  • SL ST = Slip Stitch
  • SP = Space
  • ST = Stitch
  • STs = Stitches
  • [ ] = Repeat Between

Crochet Pattern Notes

The length of the starting chain will determine how long the final project ends up being. The greater number of starting chains will result in a longer and narrower final product. Whereas less starting chains will result in a squarer pattern.
The crochet pattern is worked in the round.
Once started, the pattern is a repeat of rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired size.
The sample has a beginning chain stitch count of 28 crochet chain stitches. Remember, you can change the number of beginning chain stitches using the multiples of 3 + 1.
Granny Cluster, or shell: A granny cluster is a term for a special crochet stitch that consists of a set of 3 double crochet stitches, all worked into one stitch or space. The clusters are then separated from one another with chain stitches. You can find a photo tutorial on how to crochet the granny square, which will be helpful if you are a beginner at crochet.
The granny clusters should line up with each other on the top and bottom of the rounds. In this sample, each round will increase by 4 granny clusters. In the corner space, I worked a chain 2. You can work a chain 3 or other length in the corner stitch depending on the look you are going for with your crochet rectangle.

Video Tutorial Links

Left hand crochet: https://youtu.be/gwTX_F5REqs
Right hand crochet: https://youtu.be/-6-e4inZYMI

If you like the look of granny squares, I have quite a few with various colors that are easy and fun crochet projects to make.

You can find other crochet blanket patterns that are free patterns on the website.

YouTube Crochet Video Tutorial for Left Hand and Right Hand Crocheters on the Rectangle Granny

Left hand crochet

right hand crochet

If you love free crochet patterns, here are a few more for you to consider for your next project.

5 from 1 vote
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Thursday 16th of May 2024

once you get the first round done, this works up quickly

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