The crochet paw print granny square is a delightful way to show love for animals while adding a playful touch to your projects. This pattern combines a traditional granny square with a centered paw print motif that creates an eye-catching and unique design. A standout feature of the tutorial is its use of contrasting colors to make the paw print pop, offering endless possibilities for customization while keeping the steps clear and simple.
Crochet Paw Print Granny Square for Home Decor
Inspired by pets and animal lovers, the paw print granny square is perfect for creating thoughtful handmade gifts for any occasion. Whether you’re making blankets, pillow covers, or tote bags, it adds a personalized and caring vibe. This pattern also works wonderfully for cozy pet accessories like small mats or covers during colder seasons.
Stitch Pattern & Structural Elements
The granny square starts with a circle of double crochets that gradually shape into a square. The paw print detail is crocheted separately using a combination of single crochets and slip stitches to form the pads and toes. These are then attached to the center of the square for a clean and structured finish. The edges follow a classic granny square style with repeated chain spaces and clusters.
Credit Hook & Loop Crochet Tutorials
Step-by-Step Pattern
Materials
To get started, gather the following materials:
- Yarn: 100% cotton yarn in two colors (Color A for the paw print and Color B for the background).
- Hook: 2mm crochet hook.
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing in ends and finishing.
- Scissors: To cut yarn as needed.
Stitch Guide
Here are some basic stitches and techniques you’ll use in this tutorial:
- Magic Ring: Create a circular foundation by looping the yarn into a “magic ring.”
- Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, pull through both loops on hook.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over again, pull through all three loops on hook.
- Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over again, pull through last two loops.
- Treble Crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops (three times).
- Single Crochet 3 Together (sc3tog): Insert hook into three consecutive stitches, yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.
Notes
- Gauge: This pattern can be adjusted in size depending on your yarn and hook. A smaller hook will result in tighter stitches, while a larger hook will create a looser square.
- Customization Ideas: Use contrasting or complementary colors to brighten your piece. You can also mix in metallic yarn for added glam.
- Blocking: Stretch your finished piece on a foam board and lightly sprinkle it with water for better shaping and professional results.
Pattern Instructions
The Paw Print
- Round 1:
- Begin with a magic ring and chain 3.
- Work 16 double crochets (dc) into the ring.
- Join with a slip stitch (sl st) on top of the first double crochet.
- Round 2:
- Chain 1 and make 1 single crochet (sc) in the same stitch.
- Follow this sequence:
- 1 hdc + 1 dc, 2 tr, 2 tr, 2 dc + 1 hdc, 1 sc, repeat around.
- Insert the hook through the 2 loops of the last hdc and cut the yarn tail.
- Round 3:
- Use the second color.
- Chain 1, make 1 sc in the same stitch.
- 1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next 5 stitches, 1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 1 sc3tog, 2 sc in the next 6 stitches, 1 sc3tog, 1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next 5 stitches, 1 sc in the next 3 stitches.
- Slip stitch to join and weave in the tails.
- Round 4:
- Count 2 stitches backward before the first sc3tog and insert the hook to rejoin the first color.
- Chain 2 (counts as 1 hdc), then follow this pattern:
- 2 dc in the same stitch, 3 dc in the next stitch, skip 3 stitches, 3 dc in the 4th stitch, repeat as shown in the video.
- Finish by cutting the yarn and pulling it tight.
- Round 5:
- Insert the second color into the sc stitch and follow this sequence:
- 1 sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next 2 stitches, 1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 1 tall dc in the back post under the space, repeat.
- Slip stitch, chain 1, pull, and cut the yarn.
- Insert the second color into the sc stitch and follow this sequence:
If you want to turn the paw print into a square, continue with the next steps.
The Square
- Round 1 & 2:
- Chain 1, make 1 sc in the same stitch.
- Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, 1 sc in the 4th stitch, repeat twice.
- Continue as shown in the video with steps for spacing, turning, and adding treble crochets and chains for corners.
- Round 3:
- Add corners: Work 3 tr + ch 3 + 3 tr into the corner space, then 3 dc + ch 1 in each space. Repeat corners and stitches to form the square frame.
- Round 4:
- Final round for the border:
- 2 hdc + ch 2 + 2 hdc, repeat around the corners.
- Pull up the yarn and close with a seamless stitch.
- Final round for the border:
Finally, block your square to give it a polished look.
Finishing Touches
Block your completed square to ensure a neat, professional finish. Use it as a coaster, bag panel, cushion cover, or blanket piece. The possibilities are endless!






