The solid granny square is the classic square with the holes closed up. Instead of working clusters of double crochet (UK treble) into chain spaces with gaps between them, you work a stitch into every stitch across, so the fabric comes out dense and even with no lacy gaps. Only the four corners keep a small chain space, which is what lets the square grow and stay flat.
That density is the whole point. A solid square reads as a tidy block of color, which makes it the go-to for crisp color-work blankets, sturdy bags that hold their shape, and any garment where you do not want a draft coming through the holes. It uses a touch more yarn than the open classic for the same size, in exchange for a warmer, firmer fabric.
What you need
- Yarn
- Worsted (CYC 4, UK aran) cotton or acrylic on a 4.0 to 5.0 mm hook. Solid squares use a little more yarn than the open classic.
- Skill
- Beginner. If you can work the classic granny square, the solid version is the same moves with the gaps closed.
Solid projects to make
- 1Solid color-block blanket. Squares in a planned palette joined into a grid. Teaches clean color changes and joining.
- 2Structured granny bag. Dense squares that hold a bag shape without a lining. Teaches assembling squares into 3D.
- 3Pixel-style square. Solid squares used like pixels in a larger picture blanket. Teaches charted color placement.
- 4Single large solid square. One square grown big enough for a cushion front or a small blanket. Teaches keeping a square flat over many rounds.
Where to find free solid patterns
The solid granny square is one of the most published free motifs. Ravelry filters it by free, and most crochet blogs have a photo tutorial. Look for one that shows the corner clearly, since the corner is the only place a chain space remains.
Stitches you will use
- Double CrochetUS: dc / UK: tr
- Chain StitchUS: ch / UK: ch
- Slip StitchUS: sl st / UK: ss
Looking for more? See all crochet granny squares patterns.