Leo Granny Square Free Pattern

Pattern Description:

The Leo Granny Square is a vibrant, seven-color crochet square designed to celebrate Granny Square Day, which occurs every year on August 15th.

Named after the zodiac sign Leo, this cheerful square combines classic crochet techniques with creative color changes, making it perfect for joining community blankets or creating unique projects.

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK (or any DK weight yarn you prefer) in 7 contrasting or coordinating colors.
• Yarn Weight: DK (Double Knitting) – Category 3
• Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (or size suitable for your tension)
• Notions:
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors
• Measurements: Finished square measures approximately 12 cm x 12 cm (4.7 in x 4.7 in) after 7 rounds. You can make a smaller square (approx. 9 cm) by stopping after Round 5. To enlarge, repeat Round 5, increasing stitch groups accordingly.

Stitches & Abbreviations Used (UK terms):

• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull loop through stitch and loop on hook
• dc – double crochet (US sc): insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both
• tr – treble crochet (US dc): yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice
• ch – chain
• sp – space

Instructions for Making the Leo Granny Square Pattern

Round 1 – Colour A:

• Chain 5, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.
• Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr into ring, ch 1.
• 2 tr into ring, ch 1 – repeat from * 6 more times. (You should have 8 sets of 2 tr groups with ch-1 between them.)
• Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.

Round 2 – Colour B:

• Join new color into any ch-1 space.
• Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, ch 1.
• 2 dc into next ch-1 space, ch 1 – repeat 6 more times. (8 groups of 2 dc, separated by ch-1.)
• Join with sl st into 2nd ch of beginning ch-2. Fasten off.

Round 3 – Colour C:

• Join new color into any ch-1 space.
• Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in same sp, ch 1, 2 tr in same sp. (2 tr, ch 1, 2 tr) in next ch-1 space – repeat 6 more times. (8 shell-like clusters forming the start of corners.)
• Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.

Round 4 – Colour D:

• Begin in the space between tr groups (not ch-1 sp).
• These larger spaces sit above the dc groups from Round 2.
• Join new color in any such space.
• Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in same space, ch 1.
• 2 dc in next space, ch 1 – repeat twice more.
• Now make a corner: (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next space
• Then (2 dc, ch 1) in next 3 spaces
• Repeat the corner and 3 groups pattern 2 more times.
• Finish with 2 tr in starting space, ch 2.
• Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
• Fasten off.

Round 5 – Colour E:

• Join new color into any corner ch-2 space.
• Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in same space.
• Work 2 tr into each of the next 4 spaces. (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next corner space, then 2 tr in each of the next 4 spaces Repeat from * 2 more times.
• 2 tr in starting corner, ch 2.
• Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
• Fasten off. (Stop here for a 9 cm square if desired.)

Round 6 – Colour F:

• Join new color into any corner ch-2 space.
• Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in same space.
• Work 2 tr into each of the next 5 spaces. (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next corner, then 2 tr in each of the next 5 spaces Repeat from * 2 more times.
• 2 tr in starting corner, ch 2.
• Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
• Fasten off.

Round 7 – Colour G:

• Join new color into any corner ch-2 space.
• Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in same space.
• Work 2 tr into each of the next 6 spaces. (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next corner, then 2 tr in each of the next 6 spaces
• Repeat from * 2 more times.
• 2 tr in starting corner, ch 2.
• Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
• Fasten off.

Finishing Touches:

• Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle.
• Lightly block the square to smooth out corners and achieve uniform size.
• Combine with other granny squares to make blankets, cushions, bags, or bunting.

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