Cherry Pie Granny Square: Free Crochet Pattern

A tiny lattice pie turns a plain crochet square into a warm, kitchen-inspired project. This cherry pie granny square has a white background, a deep red center, a beige scalloped crust, and six narrow strips woven across the top.

The design is flat, with a little raised texture from the crust and lattice. There is no stuffing, no cardboard, and no separate pie dish. Make one as a decorative patch, or combine several with plain squares for a cushion, tote, or wall hanging.

This English pattern uses a separate pie appliqué sewn onto a solid granny square to recreate the look of the reference. The stitch totals are checked below, and the lattice includes a fit check so you can adjust it to your yarn. Your finished size and texture will depend on your hook and tension.

About the Cherry Pie Granny Square

This project has four main parts: a solid white square, a red circle, a beige edge, and six lattice strips. Making the pie separately lets you check its shape and weave the strips before attaching it to the background.

The lattice uses three vertical strips and three horizontal strips. They cross nine times, alternating over and under like a woven pie topping. Short hidden stitches keep the finished strips in place without making the pie stiff.

Skill Level

Confident beginner to intermediate. The crochet uses basic stitches, but joining rounds, counting corners, fitting strips, and sewing neatly need a little care. Take your time with the lattice; it is easier when all six pieces are laid out before sewing.

Size and Yarn Choice

A useful target is a white square about 16–18 cm (6.3–7 inches) across, with the pie taking up roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of its width. These are design targets rather than measured sample dimensions. The finished measurement will vary with your yarn and stitches.

Use smooth DK or light worsted yarn with a 3.5–4 mm hook as a starting point. Choose yarns of the same thickness for the white square, red filling, and beige crust. Cotton gives clear stitch definition; acrylic can also be used for a decorative project.

Make the square and pie circle first, then check them together. The crust needs a clear white margin on every side. If the pie is too large, use a smaller hook for all pie pieces or add an extra round to the square. Do not stretch a small backing to force it to fit.

Materials

• White yarn for the background square
• Deep red yarn for the pie filling
• Light beige or biscuit-colored yarn for the crust and lattice
• 3.5–4 mm crochet hook, adjusted to your yarn
• Yarn needle and scissors
• Four stitch markers
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Rust-resistant pins and a blocking mat or folded towel

Keep enough beige yarn for the edge and all six strips. Exact yarn amounts depend on the finished size and the thickness you choose. No stuffing or glue is needed.

US Crochet Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st/sts: stitch/stitches
• sp: space
• MR: magic ring
• RS: right side, the side that faces out

Important Pattern Notes

• The square and pie circle are worked in joined rounds. Do not turn them.
• A starting ch 3 counts as one dc. Join dc rounds into the top of that chain.
• A starting ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
• Do not work into joining slip stitches unless specifically told to do so.
• The four corner spaces are counted separately from the stitches.
• Each lattice strip is one row of hdc. Its two skipped starting chains do not count as an hdc.
• Work through both loops unless the instructions say otherwise.
• Leave sewing tails of about 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) on the lattice strips.

Part 1: White Solid Granny Square

Use white yarn. Make a magic ring.

Round 1

Ch 3, work 2 dc into the ring, and ch 2. Repeat (3 dc in the ring, ch 2) three times. Pull the ring closed and join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch 3.

Count: 12 dc and four ch-2 corner spaces. There are 3 dc on each side.

Round 2

Sl st across the next two dc and into the first corner space. Ch 3, then work (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) into that same space. Including the starting chain, this corner has four dc.

Dc in the next 3 dc. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next corner. Repeat this side-and-corner sequence twice more. Dc in the last 3 dc and join to the top of the starting ch 3.

Count: 28 dc and four ch-2 spaces. There are 7 dc between neighboring corner spaces.

Rounds 3–6

At the start of each round, sl st into the next dc and then into the adjacent corner space. Ch 3 and work (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) into that corner.

Dc in every dc along the next side. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next corner. Repeat this side-and-corner sequence twice more. Dc across the last side, then join to the top of the starting ch 3.

• Round 3: Work across 7 old side stitches. Finish with 44 dc: 11 per side, plus four ch-2 spaces.
• Round 4: Work across 11 old side stitches. Finish with 60 dc: 15 per side, plus four ch-2 spaces.
• Round 5: Work across 15 old side stitches. Finish with 76 dc: 19 per side, plus four ch-2 spaces.
• Round 6: Work across 19 old side stitches. Finish with 92 dc: 23 per side, plus four ch-2 spaces.

Round 7: Neat White Border

Ch 1. Sc in the same stitch as the join, then sc once in every remaining dc around. In each ch-2 corner space, work (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc). Join to the first sc and fasten off.

Count: 100 sc and four ch-2 spaces. Weave in both ends securely.

For a larger backing, add one more dc round before the sc border. That extra round has 108 dc and four corner spaces; its sc border has 116 sc and four corner spaces. Make this choice before fastening off the square.

Part 2: Red Pie Filling

Use deep red yarn. Make a magic ring. Keep the circle flat and avoid pulling the joining stitches too tightly.

Round 1

Ch 3 and make 11 dc in the ring. Pull the center closed and join to the top of the starting ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2

Ch 3 and make 1 dc in the same stitch as the join. Work 2 dc in each of the remaining 11 stitches. Join to the top of the starting ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3

Ch 3, counting as the first dc. Make 2 dc in the next stitch. Repeat (1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the following stitch) eleven times. Join to the top of the starting ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4

Ch 3, counting as the first dc. Dc in the next stitch, then make 2 dc in the following stitch. Repeat (1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the following stitch) eleven times. Join to the top of the starting ch 3. (48 dc)

Fasten off. Leave a long red tail for sewing the filling to the square later. Secure the starting tail at the back of the circle.

Part 3: Beige Scalloped Crust

Crust Round 1

With the red circle RS facing you, join beige yarn with a sl st in any dc. Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, then sc in each remaining dc around. Join to the first sc. (48 sc)

Crust Round 2

The join is already sitting in the first sc. Treat that joining slip stitch as the first anchor. Skip the next sc, work 5 dc in the following sc, and skip the next sc.

Repeat (sl st in the next sc, skip 1 sc, 5 dc in the next sc, skip 1 sc) eleven more times. Join to the first anchor slip stitch. Fasten off with a sewing tail.

Count: 12 shells, each with 5 dc. There are 60 dc in the shells and 12 anchor points around the edge. Each shell repeat uses four stitches from the 48-sc base; skipped stitches are included in those four.

Do not add an extra shell at the join. Shape the shells with your fingers so the crust lies around the red filling instead of folding across it.

Part 4: Six Lattice Strips

Use the same beige yarn as the crust. You need two longer center strips and four slightly shorter outer strips. These starting counts are a fitting guide; adjust the chain length to your actual pie before fastening off each strip.

Center Strips: Make 2

Ch 24. Starting in the third chain from the hook, hdc in every chain across. (22 hdc) Do not count the two skipped chains as a stitch.

Outer Strips: Make 4

Ch 22. Starting in the third chain from the hook, hdc in every chain across. (20 hdc)

Fit Each Strip Before Finishing

Lay the pie flat. A center strip crosses the middle of the red circle. Its ends should reach the beige base round at both sides, where they will be sewn under the inner edge of the scallops. The outer strips cross shorter paths, one on either side of the middle.

The finished strip should reach without stretching, with a little ease to pass over the other strips. If it falls short or bunches up, remake it with more or fewer chains. Every chain you add or remove changes the finished hdc count by one. For example, ch 25 makes 23 hdc.

Fit the worked hdc strip, not just the starting chain: a strip may shorten as you crochet into it. Once the length is right, fasten off with a sewing tail. Keep matching outer strips the same length when their placement is symmetrical.

Part 5: Weave the Lattice

Lay the pie RS up. Place one longer strip vertically through the center. Place two shorter vertical strips beside it, leaving even spaces. Call these the left, middle, and right strips. Pin their top ends only, keeping the bottom ends free.

Weave the three horizontal strips from left to right using this guide. “Over” means the horizontal strip lies on top of the vertical strip.

Leave red spaces between the strips. Move the outer strips slightly inward or outward to balance the pattern. The center crossing should sit close to the center of the pie.

Before sewing, check each row against the guide. There are nine crossings in total. Do not sew down all six strips first and then try to weave them; keep the free ends loose until the over-and-under order is correct.

Part 6: Secure the Lattice

1. Tuck each strip end against the beige base round, just under the inner edge of a scallop.
2. Sew each end securely with its beige tail. Avoid pulling the circle inward.
3. Check that the center of the pie still lies flat. Adjust any strip that arches too far above the filling.
4. Add one tiny hidden tacking stitch at each crossing, catching the strips and the filling beneath them.
5. Secure and weave in the lattice tails on the back of the pie.
6. Remove the pins and count all six strips again.

The little tacking stitches keep the weave from sliding. Hide them beside an existing beige stitch so they do not cover the red spaces or look like extra lattice bars.

Part 7: Sew the Pie onto the Square

Block the white square and pie gently before joining them. Follow your yarn’s care directions, let the pieces dry completely, and do not place a hot iron directly on the yarn.

Lay the square RS up with a straight edge across the top. Center the pie, leaving a balanced white margin around the scalloped edge. Pin it at the top, bottom, left, and right.

Using the red tail or a separate red strand, sew the outer red round to the square with small stitches hidden beneath the crust. Catch the surface of the white crochet firmly enough to hold the pie, without cinching the backing.

Add a few hidden red tacking stitches near the center if the filling lifts away. Use beige yarn to secure the inner base of the crust where needed, leaving the outer shell tips free to keep their scalloped shape. Weave in all ends and remove every pin.

Stitch-Count Check

• White dc rounds: 12 → 28 → 44 → 60 → 76 → 92. Each round after the first adds 16 dc.
• White sc border: 92 stitches plus 2 sc in each of four corners gives 100 sc, with four ch-2 spaces.
• Red filling: 12 → 24 → 36 → 48 dc. Each increase round adds 12 dc.
• Beige base: One sc in each red dc gives 48 sc.
• Crust shells: 48 base stitches divided into groups of 4 gives 12 shells.
• Lattice: Three vertical strips plus three horizontal strips gives six strips and nine crossings.

The stitch counts are checked, but the strip lengths still need to be fitted to your own crochet. That small check helps the finished pie stay round and flat.

Tips for a Neat Pie Square

Keep the Filling Flat

Check the count after every red round. A missing increase can make the circle cup; extra increases can make it ripple. Smooth small tension differences with gentle blocking rather than stretching the fabric hard.

Give the Lattice a Little Ease

Strips that fit perfectly when laid flat may become tight after weaving. Allow enough length to travel over the crossings. The red circle should not wrinkle when the ends are pinned.

Keep the Shell Join Small

The final join goes into the first anchor, not into an extra base stitch. Pull the finishing tail through gently. A tight knot at the edge can turn one scallop inward.

Use Matching Sewing Yarn

Red stitches blend into the filling, while beige stitches disappear into the crust. Keep white yarn for any visible repairs to the backing. Work in good light so the sewing does not show through the open spaces.

Ways to Use the Finished Square

Make a decorative kitchen wall hanging, a pie-themed tote patch, or a cushion front. You can also join several pie squares with plain white or beige squares for a larger project.

This raised design is not a hot-pan pad or potholder. Its lattice also makes an uneven surface for a drink, so use it as decoration rather than a cup coaster.

Color Variations

Use dark purple for a blueberry-inspired pie, soft orange for pumpkin, or warm golden yellow for apple. Keep the beige crust and lattice if you want the pie shape to remain easy to see.

For the look shown here, choose a deep cherry red rather than bright pink and keep the background white. A soft biscuit shade gives the lattice a gentle contrast without blending into the square.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pie stuffed?

No. The filling is a flat circle. The raised effect comes from the scallops and the woven strips, not from stuffing.

Can I use the pie without the square?

Yes. Finish the lattice and sew the completed appliqué onto a suitable fabric or crochet project. Keep the back tidy and secure every strip end.

Why are the center strips longer?

They cross the widest part of the circle. Strips placed away from the center travel a shorter distance between the edges.

Can I make all six strips the same length?

You can start that way, but fit them before sewing. Any extra length must be tucked neatly underneath the crust without forming thick folds or bunches.

How do I stop the pie from pulling the square inward?

Check the lattice fit first, then loosen any tight sewing stitches. The square and pie should both lie flat on their own before they are attached.

Can I join this to other granny squares?

Yes. Match the blocked size and final edge count. This version has 25 sc between neighboring corner spaces, plus the four ch-2 corners.

Care and Final Check

Wash according to the care label of the least washable yarn in the project. Lay flat to dry and reshape the scallops and lattice while damp. Check the attachment stitches occasionally, especially on a bag or cushion that gets regular use.

Before finishing, check for loose tails and forgotten pins. Your cherry pie granny square is ready to add a little handmade baking charm to your next crochet project.