Sometimes, patterns crocheted in granny stitch (like granny squares, or this cute top), note the required gauge in granny stitch instead of regular rows of double crochet.
Most of the time, patterns don't tell you how exactly to crochet a small square swatch of granny stitch, so these are instructions you can follow to do just that!
Abbreviations:
ch / chain
dc / double crochet
sp / space
st(s) / stitch(es)
- Make a chain that is a multiple of 4, ideally about 5" across for most accurate gauge measurements.
- Dc 1 into 4th ch from hook (makes first turning ch sp), [ch 1, skip next 3 ch sts, dc 3 in next ch st] repeat instructions in brackets to last 4 sts, ch 1, skip next 3 ch sts, dc 1 in last st.
- Ch 3 (turning ch), turn, dc 3 in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, dc 3 in next ch-1 sp] repeat instructions in brackets in each ch-1 sp to end of row, dc 4 in turning chain sp at very end of row.
- Ch 4 (turning ch + 1 ch), turn, dc 3 in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, dc 3 in next ch-1 sp] repeat instructions in brackets in each ch-1 sp to end of row, ch 1, dc 1 in top of turning chain from previous row.
- Repeat steps 3 & 4 until swatch is large enough to measure (we recommend making a square at least 4.5" in each direction).
Tips on measuring gauge:
When measuring gauge in granny stitch, patterns will either note how many groups/clusters of 3 dc, or how many individual dc sts fit in a certain distance, usually 4" or 10 cm. Check your pattern to see which way you should measure your swatch!
To measure your gauge, hold a measuring tape across your work and count the number of clusters/sts fit within the noted distance. For better accuracy, measure in a couple different places on your swatch (and average the numbers if they very).
Make note of whether your pattern's gauge is measured before or after blocking. Whether your pattern specifies that or not, if you intend to block your finished piece, you should also block your swatch before measuring the gauge! Otherwise, you may get gauge on an unblocked swatch, but end up with a different gauge on your blocked finished piece (which usually means your finished piece will be the wrong size, either too big or too small).