Granny Square to Rectangle Crochet Pattern

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a granny square into a rectangle, this free crochet pattern will show you exactly how. Using simple stitches and a clever construction method, you’ll start with a classic granny square before transforming it into a versatile rectangular shape—perfect for blankets, scarves, and other crochet projects.

This granny square to rectangle crochet pattern is a modern twist on the traditional design. By starting in the round, then working in rows before finishing with a clean border, you’ll create a neat rectangular shape that’s ideal for beginner-friendly crochet projects and modern handmade designs.

This is a great project for confident beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches and want to try something a little different. With simple construction and an easy-to-follow structure, it’s a practical way to build your skills while creating something stylish and useful.

Skill level

Confident beginner

Skills Required

• This pattern uses chain stitches (ch), UK treble crochet (tr) and UK half treble crochet (htr) stitches
• Basic crochet terminology is assumed.
• This pattern combines working in the round (as in a granny square) and working in rows. Some familiarity is helpful, but not essential.

Abbreviations / Terminology

UK crochet terms are used throughout.

• beg-ch3 – beginning chain 3 (counts as 1 treble crochet)
• ch – chain
• htr – half treble crochet
• RS – right side
• sp – space
• ss – slip stitch
• tr – treble crochet
• treble cluster – 3 treble crochet stitches worked into the same space
• turning chain – chain(s) worked at the start of a row to bring yarn to the correct height
• WS – wrong side

US Crochet Terms

This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology.

If you usually crochet using US terms, the stitches used in this pattern are:

A note on materials

This pattern will work with whatever yarn you choose and the appropriate crochet hook. For this sample, double knit yarn was used with a 4mm crochet hook.

Finished size

Finished size will vary depending on yarn and hook choice.

Pattern notes

• UK crochet terms are used throughout.
• The beginning chain 3 (beg-ch3) counts as 1 treble crochet (tr) unless stated otherwise.
• This pattern combines working in the round and working in rows to form a rectangle, before returning to rounds to complete the border.
• Stitches are worked into spaces between treble clusters unless otherwise specified.

Pattern

Step 1: Foundation
Using yarn A, Ch4, join with a ss in first ch to form a ring (or make a magic ring).

Step 2 (RS): Round 1
Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr into ring, ch2, [3tr, ch2] three times. Join with ss in top of beg-ch3. Do not turn.

Step 3 (RS): Round 2
Using yarn B, join in any ch-2 sp. Ch3, 2tr in same sp, [(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp] three times, 3tr in first corner sp. Instead of ch2 and joining with a slip stitch, work 1htr into the top of the beg-ch3 to join (in the same place you would normally insert your hook). Turn.

Note: This round is joined using a htr rather than ch2 and a slip stitch. This avoids extra bulk and positions the hook ready for the next step.

Note: You will now turn the square into a rectangle by working back and forth in rows.

Step 4 (WS): Row 1
Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr in the first sp at the base of the turning chain, work 3tr in the sp between treble clusters, 3tr in the ch-2 corner sp. Turn.

Step 5 (RS): Row 2
Ch3 (counts as tr), 3tr in the first sp, 3tr in the next sp, 1tr in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn.

Step 6 (WS): Row 3
Repeat Step 4.

Step 7 (RS): Row 4
Repeat Step 5.

Step 8 (WS): Row 5
Repeat Step 4.

Step 9 (RS): Row 6
Repeat Step 5.

Step 10 (WS): Transition back to working in the round
Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr in the first sp at the base of the turning chain, work 3tr in the next sp, 3tr in the last sp. Ch2, 3tr in the same sp to form a corner.

Continue working around the entire rectangle.

Working down the left side
You will now be working along the side of the rows.

See arrows in image below for placement of treble clusters along the left side.

Identify the single treble crochet stitches at the row ends (these are the last stitches of your RS rows). Work 3tr around the post of each of these stitches. This means you will be working into every other row along the side. Continue with 3tr in the space between treble clusters until you reach the corner.

In the corner sp, work (3tr, ch2, 3tr).

Bottom edge
Work 3tr in the sp between treble clusters across the bottom edge to the next corner.

Right side
In the next corner sp, work (3tr, ch2, 3tr). Work up the side the same way as before: 3tr in the sp between treble clusters and then 3tr around the post of each row-end treble stitch from RS rows only.

Final corner and join
In the final corner sp (where you began), work 3tr, ch2. Join with a ss in the top of the beg-ch3. Fasten off yarn B. Turn.

Step 11 (RS): Final round
Using yarn A, pull up a loop in any ch-2 corner sp. Ch3, 2tr in same sp, work 3tr in each sp to the next corner, [(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in corner sp, 3tr in each sp to the next corner] three times, (3tr, ch2) in first corner sp. Join with ss in top of beg-ch3. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

What did I make with my Granny Square to Rectangle Motifs?

Find out how I made the Granny Square to Rectangle Blanket, including all the yarn details, joining and border instructions with the free pattern here:

Granny Square to Rectangle Blanket

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you turn a granny square into a rectangle?
You begin by working a standard granny square in the round, then switch to working in rows to extend two sides. Finally, you return to working in the round to create a clean rectangular shape.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?
This pattern is best suited for confident beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches like treble crochet and working in both rows and rounds.

What can I make with a granny square rectangle?
This versatile shape is ideal for blankets, scarves, cushion covers, and other rectangular crochet projects.

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