How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket

By Lauren on October 28, 2024

Many years ago, I sold finished items in my Etsy shop rather than crochet patterns. Back then, I received so many messages asking me what pattern I used for this granny square blanket.

I believe what drew the attention of other crocheters was the color combination. The calming palette is still one of my favorites to this day.

There are several variations of granny square projects. Many years ago, I developed my own granny square blanket pattern to minimize the size of the “holes.”

This particular blanket is about 29 inches square. It’s easy to adjust the size of granny square blankets, though. If you want to make it bigger or smaller, I explain how at the end of the pattern.

Want to make your own? The full pattern is below.

Materials

I/9 (5.50 mm) Crochet Hook
Approximately 685 yards of worsted weight yarn
I used Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek in the following Shades:
- White (1 Skein)
- Linen (1 Skein)
- Viridescent (2 Skeins)
Tapestry needle and scissors for weaving ends.
If you prefer ad-free, print-friendly patterns, the PDF version of this pattern is available in my Etsy shop.

Pattern Notes:

The finished size of this blanket is approximately 29″ x 29″, but there are instructions for adjusting the size of this blanket at the end of the pattern.
Crochet hook sizes are not set in stone. If you know you crochet tightly, go up a size. If your tension is loose, go down a size.
Gauge is not important for this project.
At the end of each round, you should have 4 ch 1 spaces – the chain 1 spaces are your corners.
A video tutorial is available here.

Abbreviations

dc – double crochet
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet

Special Stitch:

dc cluster: 3 dc in the same stitch.
Note: the starting ch 2 of each round and the first 2 dc count as the first cluster.

Granny Square Blanket Patter:

Round 1:

Using Viridescent, ch 3.

Work 2 dc into the third chain from the hook and ch 1.

*dc cluster into the same chain, ch 1* 3 times. Sl st to the top of the ch 2 to join.

At the end of this round you will have 4 double crochet clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces.

Note: The ch 1 spaces are the corners of your blanket.

Round 2:

Sl st in the next two stitches and into the ch 1 space. Ch 2.

Work 2 dc into the ch 1 space, ch 1. Dc cluster in the same ch 1 space.

*dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space* 3 times. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2 to join.

At the end of this round you should have 8 dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces.

Round 3:

Sl st in the next two stitches and into the ch 1 space. Ch 2.

Work 2 dc into the same ch 1 space. Ch 1, dc cluster into the same ch 1 space.

Dc cluster into the space between the clusters of the previous round.

*dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space. Dc cluster into the space between the clusters of the previous round* around. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2.

At the end of this round you should have 12 dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces.

Rounds 4-27:

For the remaining rounds of this blanket, you will continue as follows.

Sl st in the next two stitches and into the ch 1 space. Ch 2.

Work 2 dc into the same ch 1 space, ch 1. Dc cluster into the same ch 1 space.

Dc cluster into the spaces between the clusters of the previous round until you reach the next corner.

*dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space. Dc cluster into the spaces between the clusters of the previous round until you reach the next corner* around. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2.

The stripe pattern is as follows:

8 rounds Viridescent
2 rounds White
2 rounds Linen
2 rounds Viridescent
2 rounds White
2 rounds Linen
2 rounds Viridescent
2 rounds White
2 rounds Linen
3 rounds Viridescent

Do not cut yarn after round 27.

Border Instructions

Rounds 28-29 are the border.

Round 28:

Sl st into the next 2 stitches and into the ch 1 space. Ch 1.

Sc, ch 2, sc into the same ch 1 space.

Sc around the entire blanket, working a sc, ch 2, and sc into each corner. Sl st to the top of the first stitch to join.

Cut yarn and weave ends.

Round 29 (this is the picot edging):

Join white yarn using a sl stitch in any corner.

Sc in the same ch 1 space and in the next 5 stitches. Ch 2, hdc in the second chain from the hook (first picot stitch made).

*Sc in the next six stitches. Ch 2, hdc in the second chain from the hook* around the edge of the blanket.

In each corner, work a sc; ch 2, hdc in the second ch from the hook; and a sc.

End with a sc, ch 2, hdc in the second ch from the hook. Sl st to the top of the first stitch to join.

If you’ve never worked a picot border before, here is a more detailed guide.

Step 1: In any corner join the white yarn using a slip stitch

Step 2: sc in the next 6 stitches.

Step 3: chain 2.

Step 4: hdc in the second ch from the hook.

There are several ways to make picot borders. If you have mastered another method, feel free to use it! Your results will look similar.

Note: If your picots aren’t all exactly 6 stitches around, you will NOT notice once your blanket is finished.

Adjusting the Size of this Granny Square Blanket:

To make this blanket smaller, work fewer rounds. To make it bigger add more rounds. To keep the same stripe pattern, work 2 rounds of each color until you get to the last “stripe” of Viridescent. The final stripe should have 3 rounds.

The chart below provides 4 blanket sizes, the number of rounds needed, and the yarn amounts for each size.

Granny Square Variations

There are many beautiful granny square variations. Some have a heart in the middle, while others sport flowers. Here are a few of my favorite variations.

What Should I Crochet Next?

If you enjoyed making this blanket, here are a few other patterns you should try next!

This timeless crochet throw blanket pattern is one you’re not going to want to miss. It’s easy, but has an heirloom look about it.
After making a blanket, you might be ready for a quicker crochet project. Try one of these crocheted dishcloths.
Want more granny? A granny stripe blanket would be a fun next project.