Reversible (two sided) granny square - the BEST pattern for one-color grannies!

Most likely, you've never seen this pattern.  I learned it in 1976. Betty, who taught me how to crochet, had amazing skills. Not sure this was her personal twist, but it has been my preferred method, even when presented with other directions. Since it is turned each round, it is reversible - no right/wrong side, no front/back;----this makes it perfect as a one-color-granny. It also inhibits the "slant" some people produce on one-sided squares worked "around and around." I know this isn't an issue for everyone, but is an issue for some.

While optimal for continuous rounds of solid color (with a color change whenever the maker chooses), of course, the yarn can be cut after each round with new color added, as in traditional grannies. The "magic" happens in the first corner of each round, and I promise, its a great square!

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE DIRECTIONS before starting so you know what is going to happen "before you get there." That is especially good advice for those who've made them differently--so you know how/why it is different--since the first corner of each round is unusual.

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REVERSIBLE GRANNY SQUARE - with worsted weight yarn and a G or H hook:

Note, as written, this calls for 2 stitches between each cluster. If you desire 1 stitch between each cluster, that is fine, but you should instead make 4 chains at the start of each round, not 5. If you prefer no chains between clusters, you should at least make 1 chain between each of the two corner clusters and chain 4 at the start of each round.

The photos below are the first round, and the start of round 2; note after the chain 5 photo of round 2, the next photo shows the chain five flipped to the other side due to flipping the work.

chain 5, join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Round 1:  Make 5 chain stitches (these 5 chains represent 1 double crochet and 2 chains and will shape the LAST cluster in this round).

3 dc into the ring (1st cluster) ch 2,
3 dc into the ring (2nd cluster) ch 2,
3 dc into the ring (3rd cluster) ch 2,
2 dc into the ring slip stitch into the 5-ch loop (completes the 4th cluster and the first round).

Chain 5 (starts the next round) and turn your square like a page in a book (to the left, assuming you are right handed).

<- this photo illustrates finishing the first round; the photo above it illustrates how the round will look coming full around to the first 5 dc.
                                                                                    












<- this photo is the first round completed, and the chain 5 of round 2 appears on the right hand side, BEFORE TURNING (like a page in a book) to the other side.











<- this photo shows the square flipped to the other side; notice now that the chain 5 is on the left hand side.












<- this photo shows how the chain 5 bends to create the corner, and illustrates where the next 3 dc will be placed in round 2.


The next photo shows all 3 dc placed into the same corner of round 2.





















ROUND 2:
Note:  Your square has been turned, and the chain 5 represents 1dc, 2 chs.
Make 3dc into same corner space (represents 1/2 of this 2-cluster corner) ch 2.
The remaining 1/2 of this 2 cluster corner will be completed as you finish this round.

In next corner make 3 dc , ch 2, 3dc, ch2, (second 2-cluster corner).
In next corner make 3 dc, ch 2, 3dc, ch 2 (third 2-cluster corner).
In next corner make 3 dc, ch 2, 3dc, ch 2 (fourth 2-cluster corner).
In last (which was the first) corner space, alongside and before the initial ch 5, make 2 dc, and slip stitch into ch-5 loop.
This completes the round.
Chain 5 and turn your square.

Round 3:
Note:  Your square has been turned, and the chain 5 represents 1dc, 2 chs.
Into same corner, make 3dc, ch 2 (half of the corner done; remainder to be completed as round is completed).

*Into next ch-2 space (NOT a corner): 3 dc, ch 2.
Into corner space make 3dc, ch 2 3dc, ch 2.*

Continue around as established repeating from * to * until you complete this round at the corner with 2 dc, slip stitch into ch-5 loop.  Chain 5, turn.

Successive rounds: As established in Round 3.

When your square is as large as you want it to be, sl st into the last 5 ch space, pull up a loop and cinch, cut yarn. ***

*** If you do want to change colors, remember to turn your square, then add the new color and chain 5 as the start of your corner, continuing as established in pattern.

FOR THOSE WHO RATHER HAVE ONE STITCH BETWEEN CLUSTERS, GO WITH THAT, REMEMBERING TO MAKE 4 CHAINS AT THE START OF EACH ROUND.

FOR THOSE WHO PREFER NO STITCHES BETWEEN CLUSTERS, YOU MUST STILL MAKE ONE CHAIN BETWEEN THE 2 CLUSTERS OF EACH CORNER, AND START WITH 4 CHAINS.