Classic Crochet Pattern: The Granny Square Blanket

The granny square blanket is a classic accessory that never quite seems to go out of style. They’re fun to put together and easily customizable to match any décor. Use funky colors for a retro look, or muted hues for a more modern touch.

When made in bright colors or pastels with an easy-care yarn, it also makes a great gift for a new baby.

This particular pattern includes single crochet rows in a dark, solid yarn. This pulls everything together and dampens some of the noise from those bright colors that can seem a bit loud.

Perhaps you’ve made dozens of granny blankets throughout the decades. Maybe you’ve never made one before. Whether you’re new to this classic project or would just like a refresher on the basics, I’d love to share with you how I like to make my granny square blankets.

Crochet your squares

To start, crochet your desired number of granny squares. If you’ve never made a granny square or can’t quite remember the details, see my post here on how to crochet a granny square to get started. I’ve included a handy chart as well as written instructions.

The blanket pictured here has 49 squares in a 7×7 grid. Each square is four rounds. This blanket was born from my desire to use up a bin full of acrylic yarn that’s been in my stash for far too long. It’s a great way to use up some of those scraps!

After crocheting each square, work two rounds of single crochet (sc) around each square in black yarn (or your solid color of choice) as follows:

• Work in joined rounds with right side facing. Chain 1 at the beginning of each round (doesn’t count as a stitch) and close each round with a slip stitch.
• Sc in the back loop only around the square, placing one sc in each stitch and chain around and 3 sc in each corner.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Block your squares before joining them together. Make and Do Crew has a handy little tutorial for blocking motifs here.

Join your squares

When you’re ready to join them together, use any method you like. You can single crochet or slip stitch them together, but that leaves a ridge in your fabric that’s asymmetrical.

You can join them by sewing them together with a yarn needle. A simple and clean-looking way to join, and what I typically use, is this “invisible seam” method.

For this project, however, I opted for this flat slip stitch join method. It’s a fancy way to slip stitch by pulling your working yarn up from underneath your work. It takes quite a bit more time and attention, but it leaves a beautiful flat seam that’s much like surface slip stitch.

Finish with a border

Once all of the squares are stitched together, work two rounds of sc in the back loop only around the entire blanket. Use the same method as you did when adding the solid rounds to each square.

Fasten off and weave in any loose ends. Block again, if desired.

Enjoy the new addition to your cozy home! Please post photos on Ravelry and connect them to the pattern page!