Welcome to this paw-some Dog Granny Square pattern! This delightful design is perfect for beginners and intermediate crocheters who want to add some puppy love to their projects. Each 2.9-inch square features an adorable dog face with floppy ears and a sweet expression, framed in a classic granny square border.
These versatile squares are perfect for creating unique pet-themed blankets, charming cushion covers, or even playful nursery decorations. Mix and match colors to create different dog breeds - from golden retrievers to dalmatians, the possibilities are endless!
Don't worry if you're new to character granny squares - I'll guide you through each step with detailed instructions and helpful photos. Ready to start creating your own pack of puppy squares? Let's crochet something tail-waggingly cute together!
Pin for Later
Don't forget to pin this adorable puppy granny square pattern for your next cozy crafting session!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let's talk about the perfect materials to create these charming puppy squares that'll make your projects truly special!
For this lovely dog pattern, I highly recommend using Loopara milk cotton yarn. This yarn is absolutely perfect for these squares – it creates beautiful stitch definition that makes every detail of your puppy motif really pop, while still maintaining that soft, pleasant feel! What I particularly love about this yarn is how it holds its shape after washing, ensuring your adorable dog designs stay crisp and defined over time.
For colors, you'll need a main color for the dog, black for the eyes and nose, white for highlights, and a background color for the border. The choice of colors is entirely up to you – this is where you can really let your creativity shine and create different dog breeds by varying your color combinations!
We'll be using a 2.3mm crochet hook for this pattern. This hook size pairs perfectly with the Loopara milk cotton yarn, helping you achieve those clean, well-defined stitches that make our puppy designs look so polished and professional. The combination creates just the right tension, giving your squares that perfect balance of structure and detail.
I just love how these squares work up – they're satisfying to create, and the yarn's smooth texture makes every stitch a joy to work with. Trust me, once you start making these sweet puppies, you won't want to stop!
Materials needed for Dog Granny Square
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (White 01, Green 13, Orange 48, Red 65, Grey 82 and Grey 84)
- Hook – 2.3mm
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle
- Hot melt adhesive
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Magic ring
- ch - chain
- sk - skip
- sl - slip stitch
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- BLO - back loop only
- hdc - half double crochet
- hdc inc - half double crochet increase
- dc inc - double crochet increase
- dc2tog - double crochet 2 together
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 together
How to Crochet a Dog Granny Square – Step by Step
How to Crochet the Base
Round 1: Chain 5. In the 4th chain from your hook, work (1 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet). Work 6 double crochet along the chain. In the last chain, work (2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet).
Round 2: Chain 3, then 1 double crochet. Work the first corner (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet). Make 4 double crochet. Work your increases: 3 double crochet increase, 2 double crochet increase, 3 double crochet increase. Work 2 double crochet, followed by 2 double crochet increase. Create the second corner (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet). Finish with 2 double crochet.
Round 3: Chain 3. Work (1 double crochet, chain 3, 2 half double crochet). Make 6 half double crochet. Work 3 half double crochet increase. Make 2 half double crochet, then work another 3 half double crochet increase. Create 6 half double crochet. Work (2 half double crochet, chain 3, double crochet). Finish with 4 double crochet and fasten off.
Round 4: Work single crochet in back loops only. Chain 4, work 7 single crochet. Make 2 half double crochet, then (half double crochet, double crochet). Chain 3, work (double crochet, half double crochet). Single crochet, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, 2 slip stitch. Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, single crochet. Work (half double crochet, double crochet), chain 3, (double crochet, half double crochet). Make 2 half double crochet, 7 single crochet. Chain 4, single crochet, slip stitch, 8 half double crochet.
Round 5: Change color. Chain 3, work 3 double crochet. Double crochet 2 together, 5 double crochet. Work corner (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet). Make 11 double crochet. Work another corner (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet). Work 5 double crochet, double crochet 2 together, 5 double crochet. Work corner (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet). Make 11 double crochet. Work final corner (2 double crochet, chain 3, 2 double crochet). Finish with 1 double crochet.
Round 6: Change color. Repeat [12 single crochet, (5 single crochet) 3 single crochet] 4 times.
How to Crochet Ears (Make 2)
Round 1: Chain 1, work 3 single crochet.
Round 2: Chain 1, work 3 single crochet.
Round 3: Chain 1, work 3 single crochet.
Round 4: Chain 1, work 3 single crochet.
Round 5: Work 3 single crochet 2 together to create a decrease.
Round 6: For edging, work 4 single crochet. Work 3 single crochet on the other side, slip stitch to close.
How to Crochet the Mouth
Round 1: Chain 12. In the 4th chain from hook, work (2 double crochet, half double crochet). Make 2 half double crochet, 3 single crochet, 2 half double crochet. Work (half double crochet, 5 double crochet, half double crochet). Make 2 half double crochet, 3 single crochet, 2 half double crochet, 1 half double crochet, 2 double crochet.
Round 2: Repeat (single crochet, chain 2) 5 times. Work 1 single crochet, 3 slip stitch. Skip 1, repeat (single crochet, chain 2) 9 times. Work 1 single crochet, skip 1, 2 slip stitch. Skip 1, repeat (single crochet, chain 2) 5 times.
How to Crochet the Tongue
Round 1: Chain 3. Work single crochet in 2nd chain from hook. Make 3 single crochet in last chain. Finish with 1 single crochet.
How to Crochet the Nose
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Work 1 single crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 single crochet.
How to Crochet Eyes (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet into the ring.
How to Crochet the Paw
Round 1: Chain 4. Work 2 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook. Make 5 single crochet, 1 single crochet, then 4 single crochet. Use eye-colored thread to sew the piece together.
Tips: Keep your tension consistent throughout all rounds, especially when working on the face details. Weave in ends securely, and make sure to position facial features symmetrically for the best results.
Dog Granny Square Assemble
Step 1: Attach mouth, tongue, nose, and eyes in appropriate positions.
Tips: Pin all pieces in place before sewing to ensure perfect positioning.
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you're thinking of making one with those squares, I'm excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I've detailed every method I know and love - each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I'm sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I've perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I'll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care Instructions
Let me share some essential care tips to help you keep your adorable puppy granny squares looking their best for years to come!
For washing, always treat your squares with gentle care. Hand wash them in cool or lukewarm water using a mild detergent or wool wash that's perfect for delicate fibers. Avoid wringing or twisting the squares, as this can distort their shape. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water, then roll them in a clean towel to remove moisture.
When it's time to dry, lay your squares flat on a clean surface away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. While they're still slightly damp, take a moment to gently reshape them, paying special attention to the puppy's facial features to maintain those adorable details!
Store your precious squares in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I prefer using breathable containers or fabric bags rather than plastic, which can trap unwanted moisture. If you're stacking multiple squares, consider placing acid-free tissue paper between them to prevent any color bleeding or sticking.
To maintain their beauty long-term, only wash your squares when necessary. A quick dusting with a soft brush often does the trick for regular maintenance. Before storing for extended periods, ensure they're completely clean and dry. I love adding a couple of cedar balls to my storage container – they help protect against moths while keeping everything fresh and cozy!
What’s Next?
I'd love to see your puppy granny square creations! Share your finished squares on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter - let's inspire other crafters with your adorable doggy designs. Don't forget to tag your crafty friends who'd enjoy making these cute squares too! #CrochetDog #GrannySquare
