Yin Yang Granny Square – Free Crochet Pattern

July 21, 2025 Yarn Inspirations Patterns

Looking for a meaningful and unique square to add to your crochet collection? The Yin Yang Granny Square is a beautiful fusion of creativity and symbolism. With its iconic swirling design representing balance and duality, this square makes the perfect centerpiece for blankets, cushions, wall hangings, or spiritual-themed projects.

This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters ready to explore textured colorwork and unique construction methods. You’ll be working in the round and using rows, back loops, and a variety of stitches to bring this striking square to life. Let’s dive into the details and start hooking your own Yin Yang masterpiece!

🧵 Materials

Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Color A – dark tone (e.g., black)
- Color B – light tone (e.g., white)
- Color C – background (e.g., gray)
5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed for your tension)
Yarn needle
Scissors

🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
htr – half treble crochet (YO 2 times, pull through 3 loops)
tr – treble crochet
dtr – double treble crochet
sl st – slip stitch
ch sp – chain space
st(s) – stitch(es)
bl – back loop only

Instruction repeats:

[ … ] – small repeat
- … * – large repeat

🌀 Yin Yang Section (Motif Center)

Each half of the Yin Yang is made separately. We’ll repeat two rounds and three rows in each color:

For Yin: start with Color B, then continue with Color A
For Yang: start with Color A, then continue with Color B

Important: All stitches that join Yin to Yang are made in the back loops only.

🔁 Part 1: Circular Halves

Magic Circle

Round 1 – Color A & B (each half separately)
Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in the magic circle.
Fasten off and tighten the circle.
(12 dc total)

Round 2 – Switch colors (B on A, A on B)
All sts in back loops only (2nd and 3rd loops).
Start with a standing tr.

Repeat:
[2 tr in each of next 2 sts, 3 tr in next st] x4
Sl st to first tr.
(28 tr total)

When working the second half, join it to the first at sts 12–14 of round 2 using back loop slip stitches.

🔁 Part 2: Row Section

Row 1 – Color A & B
Ch 1, sc in next st, hdc in next. Hdc & dc in next. Htr & 2 tr in next.
[Tr, 2 tr] x2, tr in next 2.
Last tr is worked through the back loop of opposite half for attachment.
(15 sts)

Row 2 – Color A & B
Sc in back loops of other half x2 (counts as dc), turn.
Dc x2, 2 dc in next, dc x2.
Now the “weird stitch” (dc x2, hdc, sc – 6 loops total):

Pull through 3 loops
Pull through 2
Pull through remaining 3 loops
(7 sts total)

Row 3 – Color A & B
Turn.
Sc, hdc & dc in next, dc, 2 htr, [2 tr] x2. Dc in last tr.
Now switch to back loop of opposite half:
Dtr, then tr in same st, then dc.
Hdc, sc, sl st. Fasten off.
(17 sts)

🧩 Border – Forming the Square

Round 1 – Color C
Sl st around both motifs, preferably in back loops.
Start where you want your first corner to be.
(66 sl sts total)

Adjust count if needed (64–66 sts). Corners will be worked either in one or two stitches.

Round 2 – Color C
Work in back loops of sl st round and YinYang stitches.

Ch 4 (counts as dtr), dtr in same st.
Tr, ch 1, dc x2, hdc, ch 1, sc x3, ch 1, skip 1 st, sc x3, ch 1, hdc, dc x2, ch 1, tr, (corner: 2 dtr, ch 2, 2 dtr)
Repeat * to * 3 more times.
On final repeat, work only half corner: 2 dtr, ch 1, sc into top of first dtr.
(100 sts total)

free crochet here

🧱 Final Round – Traditional Granny Style

Round 3 – Color C
Start in first ch space: sc, ch 2 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same ch sp, ch 1.
[3 dc, ch 1] x5
Corner: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in ch sp
Repeat * to * 3 more times.
On last corner: 3 dc, ch 2, sl st in first dc. Fasten off.
(116 sts total)

🧘‍♀️ Conclusion

Your Yin Yang Granny Square is now complete! This bold and symbolic square brings balance and harmony to your crochet projects. You can use it in blankets, bags, garments, or even frame it as a decorative piece. Experiment with different color themes for a modern or traditional look.

Whether you’re exploring spirituality through yarn or simply enjoying the artistry of crochet, this square is a unique and rewarding project.

🧵✨ Happy Crocheting!