How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket
A long time 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 their attention was the color combo. The teal and gray are calming and perfect for any baby.
There are several variations to granny square projects. Many years ago, I developed my own granny square blanket pattern to minimize the “holes.”
Sometimes the holes in granny square blankets can be annoying and take away from the beauty of the blanket.
You’ll enjoy these other easy blanket crochet patterns, too!
This particular blanket is a “lovey” and measures approximately 18 inches square. Thankfully, this blanket is easily expanded to make it full-sized.
Want to make your own? Keep reading to find out how.
Prefer ad-free, print-friendly crochet patterns? You can purchase a PDF download of this pattern in my Etsy shop.
If you like this pattern, you’ll also want to check out this beautiful striped blanket that incorporates rows of double crochet and granny stripes. Find the pattern here.
Granny Square Baby Blanket Pattern
Materials:
- Paintbox Simply Aran Yarn in Washed Teal (232), Slate Gray (205), and Paper White (200)
- I/9 crochet hook
- Scissors & Tapestry needle
Pattern Notes:
- Please see the FAQ section after the pattern for answers to commonly asked questions.
- dc cluster = 3 dc into the same stitch
- Buy the ad-free, print friendly granny square baby blanket pattern here in my Etsy Shop.
- You are welcome to sell finished items you make from this pattern. Want tips on how to price your Etsy items? Find my pricing formula here.
Round 1: Using your first color, ch 3. 2 dc into the first ch, ch 1. *dc cluster into the same stitch, ch 1* 3 times. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch. You will have four dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces at the end of this round.
Round 2: Sl st in the next two stitches and into ch 1 space. Ch 2, 2 dc into the same ch 1 space. Ch 1, dc cluster into the same ch 1 space. *dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space* around. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2. 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, 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 on the previous round. *dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space. dc cluster into the space between the clusters on the previous row* around. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2. At the end of this round you should shave 12 dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces.
For all of the remaining rounds of this granny square pattern, you will be continuing in the same manner.
You will work two double crochet clusters into each corner, with a ch 1 in between them.
You will work 1 dc cluster into each space between the clusters in the previous round.
When it’s time to change colors, cut your first color and weave ends. Join your second color in any of the ch 1 spaces. You will then continue the same pattern with the next color.
For the blanket is shown above, you will do:
- 6 rounds of Washed Teal
- 2 rounds of Paper White
- 2 rounds of Slate Gray
- 2 rounds of Washed Teal
- 2 rounds of Paper White
- 2 rounds of Slate Gray
- 2 rounds of Washed Teal
Granny Square Border Pattern
Round 1: hdc around the entire blanket working 3 hdc into each corner stitch. Cut yarn and weave ends.
Round 2: You’ll now be working a picot edging. Join white yarn using a slip stitch *sc in the next five stitches, ch 3, hdc in the first chain* around. I like to have a picot in each corner so I fiddle with the stitches between picots to make that happen. I used to have a cow if the spaces weren’t exact, but I’ve come to realize that once the blanket is finished, you won’t even notice!
If you enjoyed this project, try making this daisy granny square!
How Do I Make a Granny Square Blanket?
Granny square blankets are made two different ways.
First, you work one large square in rounds until you’ve reached the size you like. At that point, you add a border and you have a beautiful blanket. (See the pattern above)
Or, you make a collection of individual squares and seam them together into a beautiful mosaic. At that point, you’d finish your blanket with some sort of edging.
Both options create gorgeous blankets, but the first is a little more time-efficient.
How Do I Make A Granny Square Blanket Larger?
If you continue working one double crochet cluster between the clusters from the previous row and *a double crochet cluster, a chain 1* into each corner space, your blanket could go on forever.
Chances are you don’t want to do that. ?
Baby blankets range from 18″ square to 36″ square. The choice is up to you!
What Is the Best Yarn for a Granny Blanket?
The good news is that any yarn will work! You’ll get better stitch definition with a DK or worsted weight yarn, but you’ll get a plush, squishy blanket if you use a bulky or chunky yarn.
For the summer months, I highly recommend a cotton or cotton blend yarn. When it’s cold outside, you might want to use something a little warmer. A soft acrylic works well, as does a yarn with a touch of wool.
What Size Hook Should I Use for a Granny Square Blanket?
Because I crochet a little bit on the tight side, I like to go up one hook size from whatever is recommended on the yarn label. This produces a soft blanket with great drape.
If you know you crochet loosely, you might want to stick to the size that is listed on the packaging.
How Much Yarn Will I Need for a Granny Square Blanket?
In order to make a granny square baby blanket, you’ll need somewhere between 800 and 1500 yards of worsted weight yarn, depending on the size of your blanket. Obviously, the larger the blanket, the more yarn you’ll need.
For the blanket shown, I used 2 skeins of washed teal and one skein of the other shades.
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.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Granny Square?
The short answer is it totally depends.
A 4-6 round granny square can be made in 10 minutes or less.
Large granny square blankets might take 6-8 hours to make.
How Many Granny Squares Does it Take to Make a Blanket
If you’re making a blanket like the pattern above, just one.
Other complex afghans have hundreds of tiny granny squares sewn together.
This is another “it just depends answer.” ?
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.
beautiful! i love your ideas!
this is beautiful, love the colours and your crochet is so very neat x
wundervoll!<br />tolle Farben!<br />Liebe Grüße,*Manja*
This is gorgeous and exactly what I was unknowingly looking for.
Is this just one skein of each color?
Hi, I need to substitute the yarn used as I live in the U.K. & can't get this yarn. Is it one ball of yarn for each colour? I will need to work out how many yards/metres I will need to use.<br />Many thanks,<br />Jules
I think I'm absolutely in love with the color combo in this beautiful Granny Square Baby Blanket ! I too as well would like to know how many skeins in the different colors were used for this blanket ? Thank you
I’m having a hard time.how do I begin a new row without having to cut the yarn, every row I do I have to cut it, its annoying I have a hard time.adding a chain.and Continue
I just cut it every time. I’m sure there’s a way to avoid that, but I haven’t researched it.
Slip stitch across the top of the stitches from the previous row until you can slip stitch into a ch 1 space and then begin your row from there. Then you will only have to cut your yarn when you change colors.
i was reading the blog and i think that this information is going to help me a lot. i will also share this to my friends and i'm pretty sure they will also learn and come back often.<br /><br />www.n8fan.net
I'm confused in Rnd 1. After I make the 2 dc in the first ch stitch do I move to the next chain to start the dc cluster?<br /><br />I've tried different ways but either end up with 2 extra chains (from the beginning ch 3) or everything is so tight it doesn't look right.<br />please help
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Thank you so much for this pattern! I just finished crocheting a blanket and its so adorable!
How sweet…our first great grandchild is on the way. I reread the article but like a few others, am wondering how much of each color did you purchase? Thanks so much for the pattern!
This is beautiful! How many yards of each color are needed?
I used less than one skein of each color for this size blanket.
Hi, you mentioned one skein of each color, which brand and how many oz was each skein. I would like to make a baby blanket.
I used Lion Brand Yarn Cotton Ease. The balls weigh 100 grams.
Hi, what is the begining of this pattern please? Do you magic ring & how many?? I can't seem to start this.
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Hello this is soo pretty. I'm a beginner and am not sure how to make this larger. What do I do?
How do you get it to not start bunching up and looking like ruffles?
I was wondering how I could make this pattern bigger for an adult size. Can anyone tell me how I would do that?
I was wondering how I could make this pattern bigger for an adult size. Can anyone tell me how I would do that?
I found that if I simply kept adding to the blanket it gets bigger or simply use a bigger hook size. I made the blanket smaller by using a smaller hook. Hope this helps
That is correct what Cute N Crocheted said. I love this pattern. It is so adorable.
Shouldn’t you add extra at the corners to make it bigger?
You just keep doing the same thing – one cluster on the sides, two in the corner separated by the chain.
I have been looking for a pattern just like this, except I want it to be in an adult size rectangle form! Can you tell me how to do this?
Love this pattern! Great for any skill level.
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern. I made one for my friend for her baby shower. She simply loves it! I had a hard time finding the snow yarn. So I used a different yarn all together but it still came out beautifully. I wish I could show you the blanket. Thanks again.
I'm really having trouble with this pattern and I'm not entirely sure why. Round one gets done just fine, but when I try to move past that, my work ends up circular and it curves inward like a hat. It gets worse if I can actually get to round three. Am I stitching too tightly?
I have a quick question about round 2 of the border. Where did you start the round? The same place as the others, on the corner or somewhere else? Thanks so much!
My best friend just had her babygirl and I cant wait to make this blanket for them. Sooo cute! Thanks!
I am going to make this blanket for a baby girl. I would like to make it bigger in 3 colors also. Please tell me how many skeins of yarn I will need to make it about 36" x 36"? Thank you. You crochet beautifully.
Lauren herself said she used less 100 grams. I suggest you get 2 skeins of each color, but you will likely need a bit less than that.
I have made this blanket twice. It appears that the inside square is off from the rest of the blanket? Like it's crooked.. Am I doing something wrong? Thank you for your time..
Started this blanket yesterday and I am absolutely loving it. Simple, but beautiful! Thanks so much for the pattern!
Could you help me I’m having trouble getting started? I am a beginner just to put it out there, but in round 1 I did the dc in the first ch 3 times and then with the sl st i get confused. Do i do it just at the end of the last dc or into chain 2? Or. .?
Into the chain 2 🙂
Making two simultaneously 1) purple white and pink, 2) baby pink gray w/rainbow variated ribbon and white. Even made a flower in the grey outlined in pink fot the 2nd one! Super easy pattern!
I noticed that no one ever got a response to their questions. I personally started it off with a magic circle since it was not working out with the round 1 instructions. For those wondering how to make it larger all you do is keep add rounds until you have reached the desired length before starting with the border instruction. I hope this helps everyone out.
Oh sorry
I’m a beginner! Need help! In round 1, I’ve got to the point of sl st to the top of the chain. .. Now what? It says “you will have 4 dc and 4 ch 1 spaces at the end of the round” do you keep going another couple times or are you done? I’m confused. .
Keep going 🙂
does anyone know how to print this pattern and tutorials without downloading pdf software that is on the site.
All you have to do is drag the Print Friendly into your favorites bar – it’s so easy!
I just started this pattern and discovered that what she calls clusters is not what I am used to. If you make three dc when she says a cluster, it works up perfectly.
I am almost finished with my blanket for my motorhome, love this pattern. Thanks so much. Joan
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! 🙂
My center square is skewed. I started again and started turning after each row and it looks much better; however, I’m having difficulty with the join as I can’t figure out how to do the slip stitches so they don’t bunch up. Can you help?
Hmm. I’ve never had a problem with bunching. You’re welcome to email me a photo and I’ll do my best to help. [email protected]
I’m working on a big granny afghan now and I’m noticing a slight pucker as I go. Is this normal? I’ve never made one of these before. Is it necessary to turn the work and work with wrong side facing me?
very upsetting that the free patterns are not able to be printed instead of downloading. I am not real good with the computer and my computer does not have the ability to down load and printing the whole thing (comments and all) is a waste of paper and ink.
You can use the print friendly button on the sidebar to print everything without ads.
hello, what a darling pattern. I noticed the directions say to use an “I” hook, but in the pictures, a “H” hook is being used. Suggestions? Thank you, I can’t wait to begin this project!
I use an I hook. I was using a different type yarn for the sample photos so that’s why there was a discrepancy. Sorry for the confusion 🙂
Do you chain at all between the clusters going across the row? I know you do in the corners…
I don’t, but I know some people do in their granny squares.
If you use the magic circle, how many stitches do you need. I love this pattern, but I am a beginner and I can’t get started. Mine has 2 strands in one of the sections and 3 in the other 3. I don’t know what slip stitch into the next 2 and then into the space means. I would appreciate any help from anyone!
This website gives a tutorial for granny squares using the magic ring 🙂
I would like to make this as a baby blanket, about how much yarn will I need? I love this pattern and so glad you have shared it.
Thank you for this beautiful pattern. I need to start on a baby blanket for a friend and found your pattern yesterday. Beautiful colors and will be perfect for the little one. Keep doing what you do best!
I love the color combination on that blanket. I love your hats patterns too.
Only in the corner 🙂
I really like this pattern the colors are so beautiful together. I really would like to make this!
Love this pattern! It’s perfect for baby gifts. I’m sending one off to my cousin this week! Thank you for such an easy, gorgeous pattern!
How do I go about expanding the pattern to full size?
Just keep working. You’ll make two clusters in the corner and one everywhere else.
Can u give the dimensions of the finished project…I think mine is coming out small
Mine is about 18″ square. It’s very easy to keep adding rounds by following the pattern for the previous round.
I adore the “Granny Square Baby Blanket” from “Daisy Cottage Designs”! I can’t wait to make it 🙂