Are you looking to add a touch of celestial charm to your crochet projects? The Moon Granny Square Pattern offers the perfect combination of whimsy and craftsmanship for crocheters of all skill levels. This versatile pattern creates a stunning crescent moon design that can elevate blankets, bags, garments, and home decor items with a magical touch.
Why You’ll Love This Moon Granny Square Pattern
The moon granny square brings together simplicity and creativity, making it an ideal project for:
- Beginners seeking to expand their granny square repertoire
- Advanced crocheters wanting a quick, satisfying project
- Anyone looking to add a celestial theme to their creations
- Crafters who enjoy working with contrasting colors
- Those who want to create personalized gifts with a unique touch
This pattern requires minimal yarn and can be completed in just a few hours, making it perfect for stash-busting or creating multiple squares for larger projects.
Materials You’ll Need for Your Moon Granny Square
To create your own moon granny square, gather these basic supplies:
- Yarn: Medium weight (worsted) in navy blue, white, and a contrasting color (turquoise used in this pattern)
- Hook: 5.5mm (I/9)
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Stitch markers to track your place
Skills and Abbreviations (US Terms)
This pattern uses standard crochet techniques including:
- Magic ring (mr) – creates a tight center circle
- Chain (ch) – basic foundation stitch
- Single crochet (sc) – small, tight stitches
- Double crochet (dc) – taller stitches
- Half double crochet (hdc) – medium height stitches
- Triple crochet (tr) – extra tall stitches
- Extended triple crochet (ext tr) – specialty stitch for shaping
- Slip stitch (sl st) – joining stitch
- Increase (inc) – expanding stitch count
Step-by-Step Moon Granny Square Pattern Instructions
Round 1: Creating the Foundation
With navy blue yarn, create a magic ring. Chain 2 (counts as first dc), then work 11 more dc into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (12 dc total)
Tip: If you struggle with magic rings, you can chain 4, slip stitch to form a ring, then work your 12 dc into that ring instead.
Round 2: Building the Base
Chain 2, then work an increase in every dc around (2 dc in each stitch). Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (24 dc total)
At the end of this round, join your white yarn without fastening off the blue. Carry the blue yarn under your white stitches.
Round 3: Forming the Moon Shape
With blue yarn:
- Chain 1
- Work sc increase, sc, sc increase (5 stitches)
Switch to white yarn (carrying blue underneath) and create the moon shape with this sequence:
- Sc, sc inc, hdc, hdc inc, dc, dc inc, tr, tr inc, tr, ext tr inc, tr, tr inc, tr, dc inc, dc, hdc inc, hdc, sc inc, sc (28 white stitches)
Switch back to blue yarn:
- Sc inc, sc, slip stitch to first sc of the round (3 more blue stitches)
You should now have a round with 8 blue stitches (5 at start, 3 at end) and 28 white stitches forming the moon shape. (36 stitches total)
Round 4: Squaring Off
With blue yarn:
- Chain 2
- Dc in next 4 stitches
- First corner: (dc, tr, ch, tr, dc) in next stitch (the first white stitch)
- Across top of moon: dc, hdc×2, sc×4, hdc
- Second corner: (dc, tr, ch, tr, dc) in next stitch
- Down back of moon: hdc, sc, sl st×4, sc, hdc
- Third corner: (dc, tr, ch, tr, dc) in next stitch
- Bottom: hdc, sc×4, hdc×2, dc
- Fourth corner: (dc, tr, ch, tr, dc) in next stitch
- Dc in each of the next 4 stitches
- Slip stitch to first dc
Each side should have 8 stitches plus corners. (48 dc + 4 chains total)
Round 5: Building the Square
- Chain 2
- Dc in next stitches until corner
- At each corner space: (dc, dc, ch 2, dc, dc)
- Continue with dc along each side (12 per side between corners)
- Join with slip stitch to first dc
You should have 64 dc stitches plus 8 chains total. Fasten off blue and switch to your contrast color.
Round 6 (Optional): Adding a Border
- Chain 1
- Single crochet around entire square, making 3 sc in each corner
- Join with slip stitch to first sc
This final round adds 76 sc stitches and provides a clean finish. Weave in all ends to complete your moon granny square.
Creative Ways to Use Your Moon Granny Square Pattern
Once you’ve mastered the moon granny square pattern, the possibilities are endless:
Blanket Projects
- Create a celestial-themed baby blanket with alternating moon and star squares
- Design an ombre night sky blanket with varying shades of blue and purple
- Make a seasonal throw with moon squares interspersed with sun squares
Fashion Accessories
- Craft pockets for a whimsical cardigan or jacket
- Join several squares for a cosmic tote bag
- Create fingerless gloves with a moon motif
Home Decor
- Make coasters for a celestial-themed kitchen
- Design pillowcases with moon squares as centerpieces
- Create wall hangings with moon, sun, and star squares
Gifts and Special Occasions
- Baby shower gifts for a “love you to the moon and back” theme
- Halloween decor with spooky moon elements
- Graduation gifts symbolizing “reaching for the stars”
FAQ About the Moon Granny Square Pattern
Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern? Yes! You can adjust your hook size accordingly – use a smaller hook (3.5-4mm) for DK yarn or a larger hook (6-6.5mm) for bulky yarn.
How do I make the moon granny square smaller? For a smaller square, omit round 6 or both rounds 5 and 6. You can also choose a thinner yarn with a smaller hook.
Can I use plush or specialty yarn for this pattern? Absolutely! Just be aware that textured yarns may obscure the moon design somewhat. Consider using smooth yarn for the moon portion and textured yarn for the background.
How many moon granny squares can I make from one skein? With standard worsted weight yarn, you can typically make 8-10 squares from a single skein of each color.
Can I add embellishments to my moon square? Yes! Consider adding small beads as stars, embroidering additional details, or attaching small crochet stars around the moon.
Tips for Perfect Moon Granny Squares
- Color Choices: Experiment with different blues for the background – navy, midnight, royal, or teal all work beautifully
- Tension: Maintain even tension throughout for a professional-looking square
- Blocking: Block your finished squares for crisp edges and perfect shape
- Joining: When connecting multiple squares, consider using a contrasting color for the join to make your moon designs pop
- Customization: Once you’re comfortable with the pattern, try adjusting the size of the moon by modifying the number of increases in round 3
Connect With Other Moon Granny Square Creators
Share your finished moon granny squares with the hashtag #MoonGrannySquare on social media to connect with other crocheters and get inspired by their variations on this celestial design.
Whether you’re creating a single statement piece or planning an entire galaxy of crochet creations, the moon granny square pattern offers endless possibilities for creative expression. Happy crocheting!
