Crochet Leaf Granny Square
Part 1 of 2: The Granny Square · Part 2: Joining into a Blanket (coming soon)
There's something deeply satisfying about a granny square that does more than just fill space. This leaf granny square is one of those — it has real character, works up surprisingly quickly, and looks beautiful whether you're making one as a coaster or a hundred for a blanket.
This is Part 1 of a two-part tutorial. Here we focus entirely on crocheting the individual square — from the magic ring to the finished border. Part 2 will cover how to join them into a full blanket.
Ready? Let's go.
What You'll Make
A leaf granny square with a classic leaf motif at the centre, surrounded by a clean border — suitable for blankets, bags, cushion covers, and more. The finished size depends entirely on your yarn and hook choice, which we'll cover below.
Skill Level
Beginner–Intermediate. You should be comfortable with a magic ring, basic stitches (sc, dc, tr), and working in the round. If you've made a classic granny square before, this is a natural next step.
Materials
- Yarn — any weight (see yarn guide below)
- Hook — size to match your yarn
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Yarn & Hook Guide — Choose Your Project
This is where this square gets really versatile. The pattern works with virtually any yarn weight and hook size — what changes is the finished size and the feel of the square. Here's how to think about it:
Chunky chenille or velvet yarn (5.0–6.0mm hook)
This is what I'm using in the video tutorial, and it's my personal favourite for blankets. Chenille gives the finished square a soft, velvety texture that's irresistible to touch — perfect for a cosy throw you actually want to curl up under. The squares work up quickly, which makes the prospect of crocheting enough for a full blanket a lot less daunting. Finished square size: approximately 15–20cm depending on yarn weight.
DK or worsted cotton (3.5–4.5mm hook)
Cotton gives you crisp stitch definition and a lighter, more structured square. This is the go-to choice for bags, cushion covers, and table accessories — anything where you want the leaf motif to read clearly and the fabric to hold its shape firmly. Washes beautifully. Finished square size: approximately 10–13cm.
DK or worsted acrylic (3.5–5.0mm hook)
A practical, affordable option with a huge colour range. Great for large blanket projects where you need many squares in consistent colours. Machine washable, durable, and widely available. Finished square size: approximately 10–15cm.
Fingering or sport weight (2.5–3.5mm hook)
For a delicate, detailed finish. Ideal for smaller projects like coasters, appliqués, or as decorative squares on garments. Takes longer but produces a refined, intricate result.
A note on tension: always work a test square before committing to a large project. Yarn thickness varies between brands even within the same weight category, and a half-centimetre difference per square adds up fast across a blanket.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- hdc — half double crochet
- dc — double crochet
- tr — treble crochet
- sp — space
- BLO — back loops only
- rep — repeat
- st(s) — stitch(es)
How to Crochet the Leaf Granny Square — Step by Step
[photo: finished square]
Round 1 — The Leaf Base
Start with a magic ring.
Into the ring, work: ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 2, *3 dc, ch 2* — repeat 3 times. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. Pull ring closed.
You now have 4 groups of 3 dc with a ch-2 corner space between each — the classic granny square foundation.
[photo: Round 1 complete]
Round 2 — Building the Leaf Shape
Sl st into the corner ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc).
Into the same corner sp: 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc (first corner made).
*Ch 1, into next corner sp work: 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc* — repeat around all 4 corners. Sl st to join. Ch 1.
[photo: Round 2 complete]
Round 3 — The Leaf Detail
This is the round that gives the square its leaf character. Working in BLO for this round creates the raised ridge that defines the leaf shape.
Sl st into corner sp. Ch 3.
Into corner sp: 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
Along each side: ch 1, sc into ch-1 sp, ch 1.
Into each corner sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
Rep around. Sl st to join. Fasten off if changing colour here, or continue.
[photo: Round 3 — leaf detail visible]
Round 4 — The Border
Join yarn in any corner ch-2 sp.
Ch 3 (counts as dc). Into same sp: 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (corner).
Along each side: *ch 1, 3 dc into next ch-1 sp* — repeat across to next corner.
Into each corner sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
Rep around all 4 sides. Sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
[photo: finished square with border]
Tips for a Clean Finish
Keep your tension consistent. Uneven tension is the most common reason granny squares don't lie flat. If yours is curling or puckering, try going up half a hook size.
Count as you go. Each side of your square should have the same number of stitch groups. Check after every round.
BLO rows matter. When the pattern specifies back loops only, this is what creates the leaf ridge. Skipping this and working through both loops flattens the motif.
Blocking makes a real difference. Even a quick wet block — pinning the square flat, misting with water, and leaving to dry — transforms the finished square. The leaf motif opens up, the corners square off, and the whole thing looks significantly more polished.
Weave in as you go. If you're making many squares, weave in each end before starting the next one. It's much less daunting than facing a pile of loose ends at the end of a project.
Care Instructions
Care depends on your yarn choice — always check your yarn label first.
Chenille and velvet yarn: hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry.
Cotton: machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water. Air dry flat to preserve shape.
Acrylic: usually fully machine washable — check the label. Most are tumble dryer safe on low heat.
Store finished squares flat, away from direct sunlight, until you're ready to join them.
What's Next?
Part 2 of this tutorial covers how to join your leaf squares into a full blanket — including which joining method works best for this particular motif, how to plan your layout, and how to add a border that ties the whole thing together.
Part 2 coming soon.
In the meantime, if you make a square, I'd love to see it. Tag me on Instagram @spreeberrycreative or use the hashtag so I can find your work.
Written by Juliane Heise, founder and crochet pattern designer at Spreeberry Creative — a Berlin-based studio specialising in handmade plushies, loveys, and amigurumi. Juliane has been designing crochet toy patterns since 2020 and selling her designs internationally since 2023, with a focus on character-driven toys made for chenille and velvet yarn.