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!

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.

• Daisy in the Center Granny Square
• Granny Square Heart
• Sunburst Granny Square
• Granny Heart Square
• Crochet Monkey Granny Square

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.