SOLID GRANNY SQUARE

Hello everyone! Today I'd like to tackle one of the most common patterns when it comes to crochet- the solid granny square. To begin with, I have drawn a diagram/pattern of the beast: 

I have marked the separate laps with red and black respectively. The green dots represent where you will need to close the lap by joining stitches. Finally, the simple blue stitches on the outside could be a good way to end the square but are by no means a must. 

You will begin by making a simple ring of, I recommend, 4 stitches. If that feels too tight for the particular yarn you're using you can make more stitches or do a magic ring, whatever floats your boat will probably work. 

Then, for the next lap, you will follow a simple rhythm: three double stitches, three stitches in a chain (just the same as the classic granny square). 

The 2nd lap is where attention to detail really is of paramount importance. For the double stitches that you already have from the previous lap, you will make one double stitch each. Then, you will add two extra double stitches on the edges as well as another chain of 3 stitches in between each side. Please keep in mind that it is -two- stitches you are adding. Adding any less or more will ruin the shape of the square. 

Note also that, as my diagram shows, I like to skip one step though making a simple slip stitch before starting a new lap. This makes it neater and easier to keep track of the count and pattern. 

You can repeat the last lap again and again indefinitely. 

I prefer to finish my granny squares with a simple lap of slip stitches, one stitch per preexisting stitch, as it makes the shape more stable and makes it easier to attach the squares to each other if you're working on a larger project. 

Here is a picture of what it is meant to look like... (I did 6 laps per square for the final result.)

Good luck and I sincerely hope this was helpful!
Feel free to comment any questions you may have, and I will offer further guidance.