How to fix wonky and crooked granny squares.
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There is something special about the classic, traditional granny square that always warms my heart, and they’re so versatile too, but sometimes, they can take on a wonky shape. If your granny square is taking on a wonky shape, let me show you how to fix it.
The yarn shown is Premier Yarns Basix Worsted in the Light Gray colorway.
Premier Yarns Basix Worsted is a soft, yet sturdy acrylic yarn that is perfect for practically any yarn project you could dream of! It’s also machine washable and dryable making projects easy to care for. As of May 11th, 2026, it is available in an amazing number of colors – 93 colors – as well as in DK Weight, Chunky Weight and Super Bulky Weight.
Together with my worsted weight yarn, I’m using an H8/5mm crochet hook – I love the Koi Fish Ergonomic Clay one I bought on Etsy from SiennasBowtique.
We have lots of great crochet hooks in our Yarn Crafts and Coffee Yarn Shop. The most popular, and preferred by Candace and Emily, are the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks with the soft handles and smooth metal hook. Alexandra prefers metal crochet hooks with large, ergonomic clay handles and just loves the fun designs from SiennasBowtique and BronzeShepherdStudio! If your preference is wood, the LYKKE brand are lovely, smooth and sturdy.
There is something special about the classic, traditional granny square that always warms my heart! Check out our collection of free granny square crochet patterns and granny-inspirations on my sister blog, EyeLoveKnots.
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Video Tutorial Discussing How to Fix Wonky Granny Squares:
How do you Crochet a Granny Square?
Before diving in on fixing a wonky granny square, you may be wondering how to crochet a granny square? I have a step by step photo tutorial, as well as video tutorials available!
How do I fix a granny square that is caving in on the sides, or butterflying?
A granny square that is butterflying at the sides, or caving in in the center of the sides and flaring out at the corners can be caused from a tight tension. An easy way to fix this butterflying is to add an extra chain in between clusters outside of the corners. For example, I always work a chain 1 in between my clusters along the sides so I would try a chain 2 instead.
How do I fix a granny square that is bowing out and puffy on the sides?
A granny square that is bowing out at the sides, or puffy in the center of the sides and smaller at the corners can be caused from a loose tension. An easy way to fix this bowing is to take away a chain in between clusters outside of the corners. For example, I always work a chain 1 in between my clusters along the sides so I would try no chain instead.
Why Does My Granny Square Slant?
Typically, we do not turn at the end of each round when working a granny square – we simply join, slip stitch over and begin again. If you’re noticing a slant in your stitches (right if you’re right handed, left if you’re left handed), it’s a natural slant the stitches take from working unturned, and can make your square appear a bit crooked. An easy way to fix this crookedness is to slip stitch join, then turn your square to work in the opposite direction, as done in rows.
If you’re working in color blocks or stripes, by fastening off at the end of the round, and rejoining in a corner chain space, it will achieve the same thing.
How do you make granny squares neater?
To make your granny squares neater, you can block them after weaving in the ends, leaving them pinned down in the square shape until completed dried.
I skip blocking my granny squares because I feel like after I seam them together, and add a border, it shapes them up nicely.
Why does my granny square look round?
If your granny square is looking a bit round, it can either be bowing or puffing at the center, in which case, I’d recommend omitting a chain in between the clusters (as addressed previously), or perhaps it can be that you missed a corner chain space.
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