How to Crochet a Devil Eye Granny Square (Free Pattern)

If you are looking for a crochet project that is equal parts spooky and stunning, the Devil Eye Granny Square is exactly what you need. This eerie eyeball-themed granny square has become one of the most popular Halloween crochet designs in recent years, and for good reason. The way the colors layer together creates a hyper-realistic eye that looks almost alive — complete with a dark pupil, a vivid iris, a white sclera, and dramatic red outer details that give the whole piece a sinister, otherworldly vibe that is perfect for the spooky season.

Unlike most traditional granny squares that rely on chain spaces and open clusters, this design uses a solid, closed construction throughout every single round. That means no gaps, no holes, and no floppy corners — just a tight, sturdy fabric that really showcases the concentric circle design of the eye. The rounded corners that develop naturally in the later rounds help the square maintain its overall shape while still giving that soft, organic look that makes the eyeball motif so convincing and lifelike. Despite how intricate and detailed the finished square appears to the naked eye, the actual stitching is surprisingly approachable and beginner-friendly. If you know how to make a double crochet, a half double crochet, and a single crochet, you already have every skill you need to complete this pattern from start to finish.

This pattern calls for four colors of yarn and a 3.00mm crochet hook, which produces a finished square measuring roughly 4.5 by 4.5 inches. That is a perfect size for incorporating into larger projects like Halloween-themed afghans, trick-or-treat tote bags, decorative pillow covers, or even a creepy-cool wall hanging for your front porch during October. You could also stitch several of these together to create an entire blanket of staring eyes — talk about a conversation starter at your next fall gathering or crochet meetup!

In this comprehensive tutorial, we will walk through every single round of the pattern with detailed written instructions and step-by-step progress photos for reference. We will also share an alternate colorway variation at the end of the post, along with a full video tutorial for those who prefer a more visual learning approach. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a fun seasonal project or a confident beginner wanting to try something a little different from the usual granny square patterns, this Devil Eye Granny Square is a fantastic addition to your growing pattern collection.

Materials

Before you sit down to begin stitching, take a moment to gather everything you will need for this project. Having all your materials ready and organized will make the process much smoother, especially when it comes to the color changes between rounds:

• Yarn (4 colors): Black, deep blue, white, and red — any medium-weight (DK or worsted) yarn will work beautifully for this pattern. We recommend using four skeins from the same yarn brand and product line so that the weight, thickness, and drape are perfectly consistent across all four colors
• Crochet hook: 3.00mm (US size 11/2.5 or D/3) — we used a 3.00mm hook throughout to achieve a tight, neat finish that really shows off the stitch detail
• Darning needle: also known as a yarn needle or tapestry needle, for weaving in your loose ends after each color change is complete
• Scissors: for snipping yarn tails cleanly after fastening off each round

Color Combination Suggestions

The classic Devil Eye colorway uses black, deep blue, white, and red, which creates that iconic sinister look that works so well for Halloween. But part of the fun of making granny squares is experimenting with different color palettes to see what kinds of unique designs you can come up with. Here are a few alternative color combinations to try once you have mastered the original version:

Gothic Purple: Swap the deep blue iris for a rich amethyst purple and replace the red outer border with a deep charcoal gray or dark burgundy. The purple center gives the eye an almost mystical, enchanted quality while the dark border keeps things moody and dramatically gothic. This combination looks absolutely stunning against a black background.

Toxic Green: Use a neon or lime green for the iris and a bright chartreuse for the outer rounds instead of the traditional red. This creates a radioactive, sci-fi inspired eye that would look incredible as part of a monster-themed blanket, a trick-or-treat bag, or even a fun cosplay accessory for a mad scientist costume.

Ice Blue: Try a pale icy blue iris with a silver or light gray outer border instead of red. This gives the eye a cold, ghostly, almost frosty appearance that works wonderfully for winter-themed projects, a Frozen-inspired collection for children, or a hauntingly beautiful snow queen aesthetic.

Gauge

When crocheted with the suggested 3.00mm hook and standard DK or worsted weight yarn, your finished Devil Eye Granny Square should measure approximately 4.5 x 4.5 inches (about 11.5 x 11.5 cm) from edge to edge. Keep in mind that gauge can vary significantly depending on your personal tension and the specific yarn you choose to work with. If your square turns out noticeably larger than expected, try going down one hook size. If it is coming out too small, move up a hook size. A tighter tension will produce a smaller, denser square with crisp stitch definition, while a looser tension will give you a slightly larger, softer piece.

For projects where consistent sizing really matters — such as joining multiple squares together into a blanket or making matching pillow covers — it is a good idea to make a gauge swatch before starting your full project. Crochet a small circle following Rounds 1 through 4 and measure the diameter to check whether your gauge matches the target measurements.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

Here is the complete list of abbreviations used throughout this pattern, written in standard American crochet terminology. If you are new to reading crochet patterns, keep this list handy as a quick reference while you work through each round:

• ch — chain stitch
• dc — double crochet
• hdc — half double crochet
• sc — single crochet
• sl st — slip stitch
• ch-sp — chain space (the gap or opening created by one or more chain stitches between other stitches)
• st(s) — stitch or stitches
• inc — increase (working two stitches into the same stitch to add width to your work)
• FL — front loop only (working through only the front loop of a stitch)
• BL — back loop only (working through only the back loop of a stitch)

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Devil Eye Granny Square

This pattern is worked in seven rounds total, moving from the center outward. Each round uses a different color and builds upon the previous one to create the layered, concentric eye effect that makes this design so distinctive. Pay close attention to where each round tells you to fasten off and where you should continue with the same yarn without cutting. When the instructions say to fasten off, you will rejoin new yarn at the start of the next round. If any of the step-by-step progress photos appear too small on your screen, go ahead and click or tap on them to view a larger, more detailed version.

Round 1 — The Dark Pupil

Color: Black

Begin by creating a magic ring (also known as a magic loop or adjustable ring) with your black yarn. If you are not yet comfortable with the magic ring technique, you can chain 4 stitches and join with a slip stitch to form a small ring instead — just be aware that the center hole will be slightly more visible using this alternative method.

Once your magic ring is prepared, chain 3. This chain-3 counts as your very first double crochet for the round. Now work 10 more double crochet stitches directly into the center of the magic ring. When you have completed all 10 dc stitches, you should have a total of 11 dc stitches around your ring (counting the chain-3 as one dc). Gently but firmly pull the long tail of your magic ring yarn to close the center hole as tightly as possible — you want almost no gap remaining in the middle.

To close the round, make a slip stitch into the top of the initial chain-3 stitch. Then fasten off your black yarn completely and cut the tail, leaving a short length of about 3 to 4 inches so you can weave it in later with your darning needle.

Round 1 stitch count: 11 dc total

Round 2 — The Deep Blue Iris

Color: Deep Blue

For this round, you will be attaching your deep blue yarn to any stitch from the previous round. Insert your hook into any dc stitch along the edge of your black circle, grab the blue yarn, and pull up a loop. Then chain 3 — this chain-3 again serves as your first double crochet stitch of the new round. Work one additional dc into the same stitch where you just joined. That gives you two dc total in the first stitch.

Now you will work increases evenly around the entire remainder of the round. In each of the remaining 10 stitches from Round 1, work a dc increase (which simply means making two dc stitches into a single stitch — so 2 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the stitch after that, and so on). When you reach the end of the round, slip stitch into the top of your beginning chain-3 to close everything neatly. Fasten off the blue yarn and weave in the tail.

Round 2 stitch count: 22 dc total

Round 3 — White Sclera Begins

Color: White

Attach your white yarn to any stitch from Round 2 by inserting your hook, grabbing the white yarn, and pulling up a loop. Chain 2 — this counts as your first half double crochet of the round. In that very same stitch, work a hdc increase (two hdc stitches in one stitch). Then continue working your way around the entire round by alternating between one regular hdc in the next stitch and one hdc increase in the stitch after that. Repeat this [1 hdc, 1 hdc inc] pattern a total of 10 times as you go all the way around.

Close the round with a slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-2. Important: do not fasten off after this round, because you will continue crocheting with the same white yarn directly into Round 4.

Round 3 stitch count: 33 hdc total

Round 4 — White Sclera Expanded

Color: White (continued — do not fasten off from Round 3)

Still using your white yarn, chain 3 (this counts as your first dc stitch of the round). Work 1 dc stitch in the next stitch, then work a dc increase in the stitch right after that. Now repeat the sequence of [2 dc, then 1 dc inc] ten times total as you work your way around the entire circle. This gradual, consistent increase is what keeps the circle expanding smoothly and maintains the flat, even shape of the eye design without any rippling or cupping.

When you have completed all the repeats and worked your way all the way around, slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-3 to close the round. Fasten off the white yarn and weave in the loose end.

Round 4 stitch count: 44 dc total

Round 5 — Transition to Red with Corner Formation

Color: Red

This is the round where your piece begins to transform from a simple circle into the distinctive square shape. Attach your red yarn to any stitch from Round 4. Chain 3 (counts as dc). Now work the following stitch sequence along the first side: 1 hdc, then 5 sc stitches, then 1 hdc, then 1 dc, then a dc increase (2 dc in one stitch), then chain 1, then another dc increase (2 dc in one stitch). This specific combination of stitch heights creates the contour of one side while the chain-1 space at the end forms your very first corner.

Repeat that entire sequence [1 dc, 1 hdc, 5 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 dc inc, ch 1, 1 dc inc] three more times to complete all four sides and all four corners of the emerging square. Close the round by making a slip stitch into the top of your beginning chain-3. The chain-1 spaces at each corner are what define the square shape, and the single crochet section in the middle of each side creates a subtle flat edge that differentiates the sides from the corners.

Round 5 stitch count: 52 total stitches plus 4 ch-1 corner spaces

Round 6 — Building Out the Square

Color: Red (continued — do not fasten off from Round 5)

Still working with your red yarn, chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 10 dc stitches along the first side of the square. When you reach the chain-1 corner space from the previous round, work the following into that space: (1 dc, chain 2, 1 dc). This creates a proper chain-2 corner that will be the foundation for the final round. After completing the corner, work 2 dc stitches into the next stitches to begin the second side.

Now repeat the following around the remaining three sides: work 11 dc stitches along the side, then (1 dc, chain 2, 1 dc) into the next corner space, then 2 dc to begin the next side. When you finish all four sides and corners, close the round by slip stitching into the top of the beginning chain-3.

Round 6 stitch count: 68 dc plus 4 ch-2 corner spaces

Round 7 — Final Border and Finishing

Color: Red (continued — do not fasten off from Round 6)

This is the final round of the pattern. Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 11 dc stitches along the first side. When you arrive at the ch-2 corner space, work a full corner cluster into it: (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc). Then work 3 dc stitches to begin the next side.

Repeat around all four remaining sides: 12 dc along the side, then (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc) into the next corner space, then 3 dc. After completing the final corner and side, slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-3. Fasten off your red yarn and cut the tail. Use your darning needle to weave in any remaining loose ends from all the color changes throughout the project, and give your finished square a gentle press or block if desired.

Round 7 stitch count: 84 dc plus 4 ch-2 corner spaces

Devil Eye Granny Square Style 2 Variation

One of the best things about this pattern is how versatile it becomes when you simply swap out the colors. Below is an alternate version — Style 2 — that uses a completely different color combination to create an entirely new mood and personality for the same basic design. In this variation, the color placement is shifted so that the eye takes on a different character entirely. You could even try making one square in each style and pairing them together in a single project for a really dynamic, visually interesting effect that keeps the viewer guessing.

The construction and stitch counts for Style 2 follow the exact same seven rounds as the original version above. The only difference is which yarn colors you assign to each round. Experiment freely with your own custom palette and see what kind of character your personal devil eye takes on — there is no wrong answer when it comes to color creativity in crochet.

Devil Eye Granny Square Video Tutorial

If you are someone who learns best by watching a stitch being worked rather than reading about it, we have put together a complete video walkthrough of this entire pattern from start to finish. The video follows along round by round and shows close-up footage of every stitch, every color change, and every technique used throughout the seven rounds. It is especially helpful for seeing exactly how to handle the magic ring start, how the corner chain spaces develop and expand in Rounds 5 through 7, and how to maintain even tension throughout the entire piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change colors in a granny square?
To change colors in this pattern, simply fasten off at the end of the round, cut the yarn leaving a short tail for weaving, and use your darning needle to secure the end. When starting the next round with a new color, insert your hook into any stitch from the previous round, grab the new color yarn, and pull through a loop. Some crocheters prefer to use a standing stitch technique (pulling up a loop without any starting chain) for the cleanest possible join. Others like to chain up and treat the chain as the first stitch of the round. Both approaches work perfectly well for this pattern — choose whichever method feels most natural and comfortable to you.

What yarn is best for this pattern?
Any smooth, medium-weight yarn in the DK to worsted weight range works wonderfully for the Devil Eye Granny Square. Cotton or cotton-blend yarns will give you the crispest stitch definition, which really shows off those beautiful concentric rings of the eye design. Acrylic yarns are softer, more widely available, and more affordable — making them a solid practical choice if you plan to make many squares for a larger blanket project. Try to avoid novelty, boucle, or fuzzy yarns for this particular pattern, since the textured fibers can obscure the fine detail in the smaller inner rounds. For the most professional-looking results, use four yarns from the same brand and product line so that the weight, thickness, and ply structure are perfectly consistent across all four colors.

Can I make this square larger?
Absolutely. To make a bigger Devil Eye Granny Square, simply continue adding additional rounds of double crochet after completing Round 7. Each additional round follows the same principle: work dc stitches evenly along each side, and work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) clusters into each of the four corner chain spaces. Each additional round will add roughly half an inch to each side of the square, so after a few extra rounds you could easily have a square that is six, seven, or even eight inches across. You can add as many extra rounds as you like. For even more visual interest, consider introducing a fifth color in these additional border rounds to create a gradient effect or a contrasting frame around the eye design.

How do I join devil eye squares together?
There are several popular methods for joining granny squares, and the right choice depends on the look you want to achieve. The simplest method is the slip stitch join, where you hold two squares right-sides together and slip stitch through both back loops along the edge. For a flatter, less visible seam, try the single crochet join or the mattress stitch worked with your darning needle. If you want a decorative, lacy join between your squares, the chain join method creates a pretty open border. Since the Devil Eye square has a solid construction rather than traditional open granny clusters, a flat join method like single crochet or mattress stitch will look the cleanest and most professional. Choose a join color that either matches one of the colors in the square itself or use a contrasting dark color for a bold, graphic effect that makes each square pop individually.

Printable Pattern Card

Here is a compact quick-reference summary of the entire Devil Eye Granny Square pattern. You can screenshot this section, print it out, or bookmark this page for easy access while you crochet:

Devil Eye Granny Square — Pattern at a Glance

Hook size: 3.00mm  |  Yarn weight: DK / Worsted  |  Colors needed: 4  |  Finished size: ~4.5 x 4.5 inches

Round 1 (Black): Magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 10 dc in ring. Sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. [11 dc]

Round 2 (Deep Blue): Join in any st with new yarn. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st. Dc inc in each of next 10 sts. Sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. [22 dc]

Round 3 (White): Join in any st. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc inc in same st. [Hdc, hdc inc] repeat 10 times. Sl st to top of ch-2. Do not fasten off. [33 hdc]

Round 4 (White): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc, dc inc. [2 dc, dc inc] repeat 10 times. Sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. [44 dc]

Round 5 (Red): Join in any st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), hdc, 5 sc, hdc, dc, dc inc, ch 1, dc inc. [Dc, hdc, 5 sc, hdc, dc, dc inc, ch 1, dc inc] repeat 3 times. Sl st to top of ch-3. [52 sts + 4 ch-1 sps]

Round 6 (Red): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 10 dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-sp, 2 dc. [11 dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-sp, 2 dc] repeat 3 times. Sl st to top of ch-3. [68 dc + 4 ch-2 sps]

Round 7 (Red): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner, 3 dc. [12 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner, 3 dc] repeat 3 times. Sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. [84 dc + 4 ch-2 sps]