How to crochet the Granny on the Straight stitch

Dear Artsy Craftsy Friends,

In this post we will teach you how to crochet the Granny on the Straight stitch.

This stitch originates from the Traditional Granny Square. Unlike the traditional Granny square, the Granny on the Straight stitch is worked on the long or on the wide in straight rows (thus the name). It is one of the easiest and frequently used stitch. You can crochet a variety of projects with the Granny on the Straight, such as blankets, shawls, scarves, sweaters, blouses, handbags and much more. You just have to use your imagination.

Abbreviations :
ch – chain
ch-x-sp – chain x space
dc – double crochet
sc – single crochet
sp – space

And now let’s continue with some technical information:

– this stitch is worked in multiples of 4;

– because the foundation chain tends to stretch a lot because it is looser, we recommend crocheting a row of single crochet stitches for consolidation;

– the double crochet stitch is the main stitch used across the project; it is worked in sets of 3 double crochet stitches called shells (Note: shells are not necessarily crocheted with a fixed number of stitches, the number may vary from 3 to 9 , such as in the Catherine Wheels stitch);

– the shells are separated by a ch-1-space, which creates a space between the sets.

When learning a new stitch, always crochet small swatches before committing yourself to bigger projects.

Work a loose chain from multiples of 4. Then work a row of single crochet stitches.

Row 1: work 3ch (they count as a dc here and across the project); work 2dc in the same sc as the ch-3; * 1ch; skip next 3sc from previous row; 3dc in 4th sc from previous row*; repeat from * to *; finish the row: 1ch, skip next 3sc, 3dc in last sc from previous row; work 4ch to turn (this counts as 1dc + ch-1 here and across).

Note: If you decide not to work the row of single crochet stitches, the instructions are the same. You will work the shells in the chains on the foundation chain and not in the single crochet. Here it goes: work 3ch; 2dc in 4th ch from foundation ch; *1ch; skip next 3ch; work 3dc in 4th ch from foundation ch*; repeat from * to *; finish the row: 1ch, skip 3ch from foundation ch, 3dc in last ch from foundation ch; work 4ch to turn.

Row 2: skip 1st shell of 3dc; work 3dc in next ch-1-space; * 1ch; skip next set of 3dc; work 3dc in next ch-1-space from previous row*; repeat from * to *; finish the row: 1ch, 1dc in last ch-3 from previous row (this sp is the same as the ch-4-sp from the beginning of the row); work 3ch to turn.

Row 3: work 2dc in 1st ch-1-sp from previous row (these 2dc + ch-3 make a shell); *1ch; skip next set of 3dc; work 3dc in next ch-1-sp from previous row*; repeat fro * to *; finish the row: 1ch, 3dc in last ch-1-sp from previous row; work 4ch to turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 to complete the pattern.

If you worked a row of single crochet stitches at the beginning you need to finish the project with a row of single crochet stitches as well. So, work 1sc in each dc from previous row, including the ch-1-sps as well.

We hope that our instructions will help you learn the Granny on the Straight stitch.

We would be happy if you uploaded photos of your finished projects using this stitch on our Facebook page, which you can find in the right column.

If you prefer video tutorials, you can watch them following the links bellow:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4: