Granny Square Blanket Free Pattern: Crochet Your Own Cozy Heirloom

Create a Classic Granny Square Blanket: A Free Pattern Guide

Granny square blankets are a timeless crochet project. They’re perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. They offer a fun way to use up scrap yarn and create a warm, personalized blanket. This article provides a free pattern and helpful tips to guide you through the process.

Why Crochet a Granny Square Blanket?

Beginner-Friendly: The granny square is a simple stitch pattern to learn.
Customizable: Easily adjust the size and colors to your preferences.
Portable Project: Work on individual squares on the go.
Great for Scrap Yarn: Reduce your yarn stash by using leftover yarn.
Creates a Cozy Heirloom: Make a blanket that can be treasured for years.

The Basic Granny Square Pattern

This pattern creates a classic granny square. It’s the foundation for many beautiful blankets.

Materials You’ll Need:

Yarn (worsted weight is recommended)
Crochet hook (size H/5.0 mm is a good starting point)
Scissors
Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Instructions:

Round 1: Ch 4, sl st to join and form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2. *3 dc into the ring, ch 2.* Repeat from * to * two more times. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 2: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the same ch-2 space (corner made). Ch 1. *In the next ch-2 space, work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (corner made). Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * two more times. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 3 and beyond: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the same ch-2 space (corner made). Ch 1. *In the next ch-1 space, work 3 dc, ch 1. In the next ch-2 space, work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (corner made). Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Continue repeating Round 3 until your square is the desired size. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tips for a Beautiful Granny Square Blanket

Color Planning: Plan your color scheme before you start. Consider using a color wheel or online tools for inspiration.
Yarn Choice: Use the same type of yarn for the entire blanket to ensure consistent texture and weight.
Consistent Tension: Maintain consistent tension throughout your project to avoid uneven squares.
Blocking: Blocking your squares before joining them will help them lay flat and create a more professional finish.
Joining Methods: Explore different joining methods, such as the slip stitch join, the mattress stitch, or the crochet-as-you-go method.

Joining Your Granny Squares

After crocheting a pile of squares, you’ll need to join them. There are several ways to do this. The simplest method is the slip stitch join.

Slip Stitch Join:

Place two squares right sides together.
Insert your hook into the back loop of both stitches at the corner.
Yarn over and pull through all loops.
Continue slip stitching through the back loops of each stitch along the edge.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Edging Your Blanket

Adding an edging gives your blanket a finished look. A simple single crochet border is a great option.

Single Crochet Border:

Join yarn to any corner of the blanket.
Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
Work single crochet stitches evenly around the entire blanket, placing 3 single crochet stitches in each corner.
Join with a sl st to the first single crochet.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basic granny square, try these variations:

Solid Granny Square: Eliminates the spaces between the clusters.
Circle Granny Square: Creates a circular motif.
Flower Granny Square: Adds a floral design to the center of the square.
Different Joining Techniques: Explore flat braid join or invisible seam techniques.

Inspiration and Resources

Need some inspiration? Check out these resources:

Daisy Cottage Designs: Offers free granny square blanket patterns.
Nauti Krall Crochet: Provides color curated granny square blanket patterns.
CJ Design Blog: Features a free pattern for a chunky granny square blanket.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Having trouble? Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Issue	Solution
Squares are not the same size	Check your tension and hook size. Block squares to even them out.
Edges are curling	Make sure you are adding enough stitches in the corners. Blocking can also help.
Joining is uneven	Use stitch markers to align the squares properly. Practice your joining technique.

Enjoy Your New Granny Square Blanket!

Crocheting a granny square blanket is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and practice, you can create a beautiful and cozy heirloom to enjoy for years to come. Happy crocheting!