How to Crochet a Willow Granny Square: Free Pattern
Soft yarn centers and delicate petal-like stitches form this classic square that feels like a garden in your hands. You will love how the textured clusters create a dimensional floral look that works beautifully for blankets, tote bags, or decorative cushions. This project is a rewarding way for beginners to practice working in rounds while building a modular piece that grows quickly with each color change. You will learn to manage stitch counts for a neat finish and how to transition between colors to make the floral center pop against the surrounding border stitches. It is a satisfying way to use up your leftover scrap yarn and build a unique stash-busting project that brings a fresh, botanical aesthetic to your handmade collection.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This crochet ribbed beanie pattern uses a simple back-loop-only technique that creates a professional, store-bought look with minimal effort. You work the hat as a flat rectangle, which means you avoid the complexity of shaping increases and decreases common in circular patterns. Its stretchy ribbed texture provides a snug fit that conforms to different head sizes comfortably. Because you crochet in rows, it is an ideal project for practicing consistent tension and counting stitches without the pressure of managing a magic ring.
I finished this hat in one evening while watching a movie, and the fit is absolutely perfect for my daughter. The ribbed texture looks so much more professional than basic double crochet hats I have made in the past.
— Sarah, beginner crocheter
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Construction: Flat rectangle folded and seamed into a tube, then cinched at the crown
- Finished Dimensions: 8.5 inches wide by 10 inches tall (fits average adult head)
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight #4, 100% acrylic or wool blend, approximately 200 yards
- Hook Size: 5.5 mm / I-9
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, locking stitch markers
- Yarn Substitutions: You can use a cotton-acrylic blend for a softer feel, though cotton lacks the stretch of wool or acrylic, which may require you to add more foundation chains to ensure the hat fits comfortably.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Hat Body
- Row 1: Ch 40. Sc in the second ch from hook and each ch across. (39 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of each st across. (39 sts)
- Rows 3–60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 18 inches unstretched or until it fits around your head comfortably.
Assembly and Finishing
- Seaming: Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short ends together. Slip stitch through the back loop of the last row and the corresponding starting chain across the entire edge to form a tube. Turn the tube inside out so the seam is on the inside.
- Closing the Crown: Cut a 12-inch tail of yarn. Using your tapestry needle, weave the yarn in and out along the top edge of the tube. Pull the yarn tail tight to gather the top of the hat closed, then secure with a knot on the inside.
- Securing: Weave in all remaining loose ends securely to prevent unraveling during washing.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent to preserve the elasticity of the fibers.
- Lay the hat flat on a clean towel to air dry, as hanging it while wet can cause the material to stretch out of shape.
- Reshape the hat while damp by gently smoothing the ribbed lines to ensure it maintains its intended dimensions once dry.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension throughout every row; if your stitches are too tight, the hat will lose its elasticity and won’t stretch enough to fit over your head. Always use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row to ensure you are not accidentally dropping stitches at the edges, which would lead to a lopsided rectangle. Weave your ends in by working them back and forth through the ribbed texture in three different directions to ensure they remain hidden and secure. To adjust the size, simply add or subtract chains from your initial foundation chain to change the height, or add more rows to change the circumference of the finished hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a chunky weight yarn for this pattern?
Yes, but you will need to adjust your hook size to match the yarn label and likely reduce your starting chain count significantly, as the stitches will be larger and occupy more space.
Is this project suitable for a total beginner?
This is an excellent first project because it relies on only two basic techniques: the chain stitch and the single crochet worked in the back loop.
Can I sell the finished hats I make from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this design, provided you credit the pattern and do not use these specific images or instructions as your own.
Why does my hat look like a trapezoid instead of a rectangle?
This usually happens because of missed stitches at the ends of the rows. Always count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure you have exactly 39 before turning.
Seeing your finished block come together with those neat, defined petals is a real highlight of this project. You might experiment with variegated yarns for the outer rounds to give the square a softer, dreamier look compared to the traditional solid colors. Upload a photo of your completed square to Instagram or your favorite craft community so others can see your color choices. Browse the rest of the blog for more free patterns to combine with your squares for a custom handmade blanket or pillow cover.
