Soft to the touch and small enough to fit in a coat pocket, this handmade stuffed bear brings a cozy feeling to any nursery or gift basket. Beginners often struggle with shaping small limbs, but this approach uses simple increases and decreases to build a smooth, rounded head and body. You will master the single crochet stitch in a spiral, a technique that prevents visible seams and creates a clean look for stuffed toys. Whether you need a quick birthday present or a handmade keepsake for your shelf, this project works up in just a few hours using basic materials from your stash.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

The Classic Crochet Granny Square is the fundamental building block of crochet design. This specific pattern focuses on a traditional five-round square that creates a tight, balanced fabric without gaps in the corners. It is ideal for using up leftover yarn scraps from previous projects, as each round can be worked in a different color. Because it is worked in the round from the center outward, you can complete a single square in under twenty minutes, making it a highly rewarding project for those with limited time. Its repetitive nature allows for meditative stitching while watching a movie or listening to a podcast.

I finally learned how to keep my corners from curling with this pattern. The instructions for the chain spaces are much clearer than other tutorials I have tried.

— Sarah, beginner crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 15-20 minutes per square
Construction: Worked in continuous-style rounds, turning after each round for a balanced, non-twisting square
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches by 4 inches when using medium weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), acrylic or cotton blend, approximately 15-20 yards per square.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8).
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and optional stitch markers.
Yarn Substitutions: You may use DK weight yarn for a smaller, delicate square, but you will need to increase the number of rounds to reach the target size. Using bulky yarn will result in a larger, thicker square that works well for floor cushions or heavy blankets.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sp = space
MR = magic ring: A method of starting a round by creating an adjustable loop.
Cluster = A group of 3 dc stitches worked into the same chain space.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Granny Square Body

Rnd 1: Start with a MR. Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2 3 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch 3. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: Sl st into the next ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner sp. Ch 1, skip 3 sts, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp. Repeat from * to * two more times. Ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (24 sts)
Rnd 3: Sl st into next ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. Ch 1, (3 dc) in next ch-1 side sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp. Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. (36 sts)
Rnd 4: Sl st into next ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. [Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] twice, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp. Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st. (48 sts)
Rnd 5: Sl st into next ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner. [Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] 3 times, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp. Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st, fasten off. (60 sts)

Finishing

To finish, cut your yarn leaving a six-inch tail. Pull the tail through the final loop and tighten. Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle and weave it through the back loops of the stitches on the reverse side of the square to secure it. Trim the excess yarn close to the fabric.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve the shape of the acrylic or cotton fibers.
Lay the square flat on a clean towel to air dry; avoid hanging to prevent the weight of the water from stretching the stitches.
Lightly steam block the finished square if it appears uneven, keeping the iron a few inches away from the surface to avoid melting the acrylic.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tension Management: If your square begins to ripple or ruffle, your tension may be too loose; try going down one hook size to tighten the stitches.
Stitch Counting: Always place a stitch marker in the first chain of the round to ensure you join the slip stitch into the correct spot.
Weaving Ends: Weave your yarn tails in multiple directions to ensure they do not pull out through repeated washing or use.
Size Adjustment: To make the square larger, simply continue adding rounds by adding one additional (3 dc) cluster to each side of the square for every new round you work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this pattern for a blanket?

Yes, this square is perfect for joining into blankets. You can make many squares and whip-stitch them together using a tapestry needle.

What if my square looks like a hexagon?

A hexagonal shape usually means you are accidentally adding extra stitches into the side spaces. Count your stitches after every round to ensure you only have 3 dc clusters in the sides and corners.

Is this yarn color-blind friendly?

The pattern is based on stitch placement rather than color, so it is accessible regardless of color vision. You only need to follow the placement of the chain spaces.

Can I sell the finished squares?

You are welcome to sell physical items made from this pattern, but you may not sell or redistribute the written pattern instructions themselves.

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Your new stuffed companion will hold its shape well when stuffed firmly with polyester fiberfill. You can adjust the personality of your creation by swapping the standard safety eyes for hand-stitched yarn details or using a textured mohair blend for a vintage appearance. Seeing your unique version is the highlight of this process, so please post a picture of your finished work on social media. For more beginner projects to fill your weekend, browse the rest of the free pattern library on this blog.