Willow Granny Square: Free Beginner Crochet Tutorial
A soft floral motif emerges from the center of this square, creating a vintage look that works beautifully in home decor projects like blankets, cushions, or bags. The design uses basic double crochet clusters to build a textured, rounded shape that transitions smoothly into a standard square. Beginners will appreciate how the clear stitch counts prevent common mistakes, while experienced makers will enjoy the meditative rhythm of the rows. This project is a quick way to use up scrap yarn from your stash, and it forms a sturdy foundation for any join-as-you-go blanket project.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This classic crochet beanie works up quickly using the half-double crochet stitch, which provides a balance of warmth and flexibility. You only need one skein of worsted-weight yarn, making it an excellent choice for using up leftover supplies from larger projects. The stitch pattern is straightforward, consisting of a simple repeat that creates a clean, ribbed texture without the need for complicated post stitches. Because the design is constructed as a flat rectangle before being seamed, it is highly accessible for those who have mastered basic stitches but want to move into wearable garment construction.
I finished this hat in a single evening while watching a movie. The instructions were easy to follow and the sizing was spot on for my head.
— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Construction: Worked flat in rows to create a rectangle, then seamed to form a tube and gathered at the crown.
- Finished Dimensions: 20 inches circumference, 9 inches height (stretches to fit most adult heads).
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted #4 weight, wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards.
- Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, locking stitch markers, and a measuring tape.
- Yarn Substitutions: Cotton yarn will result in a heavier, less stretchy hat, while alpaca blends will provide extra warmth and drape. If you use a lighter weight yarn, you will need to add more foundation chains and rows to maintain the dimensions.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: Chain
- hdc: Half double crochet
- hdc BLO: Half double crochet in the back loop only (this creates the ribbed texture).
- st/sts: Stitch/stitches
- sl st: Slip stitch
- FO: Fasten off
Special Stitch Instructions
To work in the back loop only (BLO), insert your hook only under the back strand of the V-shaped top of the stitch rather than under both loops. This technique creates a raised horizontal ridge on the right side of the fabric.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Hat Body
- Row 1: Ch 46. Work 1 hdc in the third ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (44 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 hdc BLO in each st across. Turn. (44 sts)
- Rows 3–60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 20 inches wide when slightly stretched.
Assembly
Once you reach the desired width, do not fasten off. Fold the rectangle in half so the short edges meet, aligning the stitches. Working through both layers, sl st across the short edge to join the hat into a tube. Fasten off, leaving a long tail of approximately 12 inches.
Finishing the Crown
Thread your long tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave the yarn in and out of the stitches along one edge of the tube. Pull the yarn tail tightly to gather the fabric and close the hole at the top. Secure the yarn with a few tight stitches through the center and tie a knot on the inside of the hat. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash your finished hat in cool water using a gentle wool-safe detergent to preserve fiber integrity.
- Lay the item flat on a towel to dry, shaping it into its original form while damp to prevent stretching or distortion.
- Avoid using a tumble dryer or harsh bleach, as these can felt wool fibers or cause synthetic yarns to lose their elasticity.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension throughout the rows to ensure the ribbing looks uniform across the entire surface. If your stitches look loose, try going down one hook size to achieve a denser, warmer fabric.
Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of every row to avoid accidentally dropping stitches, which is a common reason for edges becoming uneven during the seaming process.
Weave in your ends by traveling through the underside of the stitches in multiple directions. This prevents the yarn from working its way out over time with repeated wear.
You can adjust the height of the hat by changing the length of your starting chain. Adding 5 chains will increase the height by roughly one inch, though remember this will require a small amount of additional yarn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
Yes, but you will need to adjust your foundation chain length and total number of rows. Thinner yarns require more stitches for width and height, while bulkier yarns require fewer.
How do I know if the hat will fit correctly?
Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows. A hat should be about 1 to 2 inches smaller than your head measurement to ensure it stays snug as the fabric naturally stretches.
Is this project suitable for a complete beginner?
Absolutely. It relies only on the half double crochet stitch and back loop technique, which are foundational skills that provide a professional look with very little effort.
May I sell items made from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. Please credit the design appropriately when listing your products online or in person.
Your finished square shows off a beautiful floral center that looks great in both solid colors and contrasting scrap yarn. If you want a larger piece, try adding two extra rows of double crochet around the edges to turn these into decorative coasters or a full throw blanket. Sharing a photo of your finished work on social media helps others find inspiration for their own yarn stash. Explore our full collection of free patterns on the blog for more handmade ideas to fill your home.
