A Complete Step-by-Step Crochet Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Granny squares are timeless, but if you’re looking for something that feels a little more delicate, elegant, and textured, the Grandma Lucia Square is a perfect choice. It combines classic granny style with open lace details and soft shaping, creating a square that looks intricate yet is surprisingly easy to make.

In this detailed tutorial, you’ll learn:

Materials needed
Stitches required
Step-by-step instructions (round by round)
How to change colors
How to keep your square flat
How to join multiple squares
Creative project ideas

Let’s begin!

What Is a Grandma Lucia Square?

The Grandma Lucia Square is a decorative crochet square featuring:

A floral-style center
Open lace chain spaces
Cluster stitches
A defined square border

It’s perfect for blankets, cushions, bags, shawls, and even garments.

Despite its elegant look, it uses beginner-friendly stitches and simple repetition.

Why You’ll Love This Square

Easy to memorize pattern
Beautiful lacy texture
Great for color combinations
Beginner-friendly with basic stitches
Works up quickly
Perfect stash-busting project

Materials You Will Need

🧶 Yarn

DK or worsted weight yarn
Cotton for crisp stitch definition
Acrylic for softness
2–3 colors recommended

🪡 Crochet Hook

4.0mm – 5.0mm hook
(Check yarn label for recommendation.)

✂️ Other Tools

Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional)
Measuring tape

Basic Stitches You Should Know

This square uses simple stitches:

Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet (sc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Treble Crochet (tr) (optional variation)

If you know how to double crochet, you can easily make this square.

Finished Size

Approximately:

6–8 inches (depending on yarn and tension)

You can easily adjust size by adding extra rounds.

Step-by-Step: Beautiful and Easy Grandma Lucia Square

ROUND 1 – The Center Circle

Make a magic ring (or chain 4 and join to form a ring).
Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
Work 15 double crochets into the ring.
Slip stitch to top of chain 3.

You should have 16 double crochets total.

Pull the magic ring tight and fasten securely.

💡 This forms the floral center.

ROUND 2 – Create Texture

Chain 3.
Double crochet in same stitch.
Chain 1.
Work 2 double crochets in next stitch.
Chain 1.

Repeat around:
(2 dc, ch 1 in next stitch)

Slip stitch to join.

You now have small V-shaped clusters forming around the circle.

ROUND 3 – Forming Petal Spaces

Slip stitch into next chain space.

Chain 3.
Work 2 double crochets in same space.
Chain 2.
Work 3 double crochets in same space.
Chain 1.

Move to next chain space and repeat:

(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1)

Continue around and slip stitch to join.

Now you’ll see the square beginning to form with corner spaces.

ROUND 4 – Shaping the Square

Slip stitch into the next chain-2 corner space.

Corner Pattern:

Chain 3
2 double crochet
Chain 2
3 double crochet

Side Pattern:
In each chain-1 space:

3 double crochet
Chain 1

Repeat around entire square.

Slip stitch to join.

Now you have a defined square!

ROUND 5 – Expanding the Square

To enlarge your Grandma Lucia Square:

Corner:

(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)

Sides:

3 dc in each space
Chain 1 between clusters

Repeat until desired size.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

How to Change Colors Beautifully

For a stunning effect:

Change color after Round 1 for bold center
Use a different color for borders
Use gradient yarn for smooth transitions
Try pastel center + white border

To change color:

Complete final stitch of round until last yarn-over.
Pull new color through.
Continue with new yarn.

Tips to Keep Your Square Flat

✔ Don’t skip chain spaces
✔ Keep consistent tension
✔ Block after finishing
✔ Make sure corners always have chain-2 space
✔ Avoid tightening slip stitches too much

If edges curl:

Use slightly larger hook
Block with light steam

Blocking Your Square (Highly Recommended)

Blocking makes your square look professional.

Method:

Lightly spray with water.
Pin to square shape.
Let dry completely.

This enhances stitch definition and flattens corners.

Joining Multiple Grandma Lucia Squares

You can join squares using:

1. Slip Stitch Join

Simple and flat.

2. Single Crochet Join

Adds decorative ridge.

3. Invisible Mattress Stitch

Clean and seamless look.

Join as you go (JAYG) is also possible during the final round.

Project Ideas Using Grandma Lucia Square

This square works beautifully for:

Crochet blankets
Cushion covers
Tote bags
Cardigans
Shawls
Baby blankets
Table runners
Wall hangings

You can make a full blanket by joining multiple squares together.

Color Combination Ideas

🌸 Pink center + cream border
🌿 Sage green + ivory
🌈 Rainbow multi-color squares
🤍 Monochrome beige tones
💜 Lavender + white
🌻 Mustard + gray

Choosing harmonious colors elevates the elegance of this pattern.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Square Turning Into Circle

Cause: Missing corner increases
Fix: Always add (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corners.

Wavy Edges

Cause: Too many stitches
Fix: Double-check cluster count.

Tight Center

Cause: Over-tightening magic ring
Fix: Keep tension relaxed.

How Long Does It Take?

Beginner: 45–60 minutes per square
Experienced crocheter: 20–30 minutes

It’s relaxing and rhythmic once memorized.

Why This Square Looks So Beautiful

Because it combines:

A floral-style center
Balanced cluster symmetry
Open lace detailing
Structured square border

It looks complex but follows a simple repeating pattern.

Final Thoughts

The Beautiful and Easy Grandma Lucia Square is a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Whether you’re new to crochet or experienced, this square offers creative flexibility and stunning results.

Start with one square.
Experiment with colors.
Join multiple squares.
Create something meaningful and handmade.

Once you master it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for blankets, gifts, and decorative pieces.

If you’d like, I can also provide:

A printable PDF pattern
A chart/diagram version
A video tutorial script
A blanket-size calculation guide
An advanced textured variation

Happy crocheting! 🧶✨