Drunken Granny Stitch

By Janice Jones, Certified Crochet Instructor with the Craft Yarn Council.  Updated November 11, 2026

The Drunken Granny Stitch may have a funny name, but the end result is gorgeous.  It looks like little fans going in opposite directions, combining to create a textural fabric ideal for scarves, shawls, blankets, and even table runners. It's versatile and unique.

A swatch of the Crochet Drunken Stitch worked in white

To make this stitch, you will need to know how to make a foundation chain and a double crochet stitch.  However, once you get the idea, it works up quickly. 

Drunken Granny Stitch Tutorial:
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Drunken Granny StitchPin for Future Reference

More examples of this gorgeous crochet stitch using different types of yarn;

Drunken Granny Stitch was done in variegated yarn
Drunken granny stitch worked in a blue and white pattern
Drunken granny stitch worked in blue yarn

Drunken Granny Stitch Pattern

This is a one-row repeat, so once you get the hang of it, repeat each row until you reach your desired length.

Use the yarn of your choice and a crochet hook size recommended on the yarn packaging.

Chain a row of multiples of 5 plus 4: For this example, I am chaining 24. (5 x 4 plus 4).

Make a slip knot and chain 24. Make a relaxed chain, or use a larger hook if you tend to crochet tightly.

Skill Level

Easy

Abbreviations Used

Ch:  Chain

DC:  Double crochet

RS:  Right Side

WS:  Wrong Side

Sp:  space

Ch sp:  Chain Space

Skills Needed

Supplies Needed:

Notes About This Tutorial

  • All directions use US Terms. A US double crochet stitch is called a treble in UK Terms.
  • The stitch pattern calls for multiples of 5 plus 4 and has a single row repeat.
  • For best results, block your fabric after finishing.

Instructions for Making the Drunken Granny Stitch Pattern (Written in Plain English)

Row 1:  *Make 3 double crochet stitches into the 5th chain from the hook; chain 2; make 1 double crochet into the same ch; skip 4 chains. Repeat from * until there are 3 chains left.  Skip the first two chains and make one double crochet into the last chain.  Turn.

Row 2: Chain 3. *Make 3 double crochet stitches in the first chain space, chain 2, then make one more double crochet into the same space. Repeat from * until you reach the end of the row.  Make one double crochet stitch in the top of the chain 3.  Turn

Row 3 and onward:  Repeat row 2 until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off.

The first row of the Drunken Granny Stitch worked in white cotton yarnThe Crochet Drunken Granny Stitch: Row One
Row two of the Crochet Drunken Granny Stitch Pattern worked in white cotton.The Crochet Drunken Granny Stitch: Row Two

Finishing Off a Project Made with the Drunken Granny Stitch

This crochet stitch is ideal for a blanket, scarf, table runner, placemat, or washcloth, among other things.  If you are making a project, you may want to create an edge around it for a finished look.

Before breaking off your yarn, Chain 3 and turn your work.  You will be working back along your work using single crochet and chain stitches only, turning at the corners, working down the side, the bottom, and finally the last side, ending where you began.  

For the sides: Make 2 single crochet stitches into the corner space, 1 chain, then 2 single crochet stitches into each space.

For the top and bottom: Make 2 single crochet stitches into the stitches, then 3 single crochet stitches into the space. For corner spaces, make 2 single crochet stitches and one chain.  When you reach the end, slip stitch and fasten off.  Sew in your ends.

Tips for the Drunken Granny Stitch

If you tend to crochet tightly, you may prefer to use a larger hook to make your initial chain, then reduce the size of your hook by .5 to 1.0 mm for all additional rows.

Changing colors is easy with this stitch, just change the color at the end of the row.  Leave about a 4 to 5 inch tail to weave in.  

Now, for Your Projects

Everyone crochets a bit differently and creating the drunken granny stitch is no different.  These next projects were submitted by our readers.  SKC makes no guarantees of their accuracy. 

As you can see, some folks will create the stitch using 4 DC and others use 3.  (meaning 3 double crochet stitches, chain 2, one double crochet stitch or a total of 4 double crochet in each chain space.   If you want a more compact fabric, try making it with a total of 5 double crochet stitches (4 double crochet, 2 chains, 1 double crochet stitch.)

I believe that the 3 double crochet, plus one is the more traditional approach as it resembles the way a granny square is constructed. 

Crochet Drunken Granny Stitch Table Runner, Free Pattern

A table runner worked in the drunken granny stitch, folded on a tableCrochet Drunken Granny Stitch Table Runner, Free Pattern

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Crochet Drunken Granny Square Stitch Pattern Pin ImagePin for Future Reference

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