How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket: Free Pattern (2024)

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Granny square blankets are a crochet classic, with simple stitches that make them ideal for beginners and experts alike. Dive into this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to crochet a granny square blanket you’ll love snuggling under.

Granny squares are one of my favorite things to crochet – they work up quickly, you can get creative with color combinations, and joining them together into a blanket is deeply satisfying.

If you’re new to crochet, granny squares are a great beginner project to get you started. They’re made up of simple double crochet and chain stitches, so you can master the basics while making each individual square. And if you’re an experienced crocheter, you can never have too many granny square blankets! They make wonderful gifts and donations and are a cozy addition to any living room or bedroom.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to crochet a classic granny square blanket. I’ll also share tips on how to join your squares together neatly, and how to add a border to finish off your blanket. Whether you’re crocheting your first granny square or your hundredth, I hope you’ll find this tutorial helpful.

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Materials You’ll Need

So, what will you need to get started? Here are the supplies you’ll need for your granny square blanket.

Yarn

When shopping for yarn, you’ll want something soft and durable. In the free pattern below, we’ll be using Lion Brand Heartland yarn, which we’ve chosen for its affordability, ease of care, and beautiful color range.

If you’d like to substitute a different yarn, here are some things to consider:

• Fiber Content:While there’s no strict rule on which yarn to use, acrylic, cotton, and super-wash wool are all popular choices for blankets.
• Recommended yarn weight:We are using worsted weight (Category 4) for this project, since it’s easy to work with and widely available.
• Color combinations:This is your opportunity to get creative with color combinations! Choose a bright rainbow of shades, soft pastels, or even a monochromatic palette.

Crochet hook

We’ll use a size J-10 (6.0 mm) hook for our worsted-weight yarn.

Here are some tips for choosing the right hook:

• Start with the suggested hook size, and adjust the size hook up or down as needed to meet the gauge.
• Ensure your hook feels comfortable in your hand, and consider an ergonomic hook if you plan on crocheting for long periods. (We love these ergonomic hooks from Clover!)

Additional tools

Here are some other supplies you’ll want to have on hand as you make this pattern.

• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Yarn needle: To weave in those yarn tails.
• Measuring tape: To measure your gauge.
• Blocks mats and pins: To block your squares before seaming them together.

Crochet Techniques to Know

Before we start making granny squares, let’s cover some basic techniques.

• Magic Ring (aka Magic Circle): A handy technique for starting your squares without leaving a visible hole in the center.
• Double Crochet (dc): The main stitch you’ll use to create your granny squares.
• Single Crochet (sc): We’ll add a small border of single crochet after the blanket is assembled.
• Slip stitch: Use this stitch to join your rounds, and seam the squares together at the end.
• Weaving in the ends: Use a tapestry needle to secure your yarn tails so they don’t unravel.

How to Crochet a Granny Square

Now, let’s get down to the fun part – making the granny square itself!The process starts with a magic circle, and then builds upon that circle with rounds of 3-dc clusters (aka granny clusters).

Tip:If you’ve never made a granny square before, you may want to start with our beginner’s guide to How to Crochet a Granny Square.

Step 1: Creating a Magic Circle

Start by making a magic circle. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold the yarn tail in your hand and wrap the yarn around your fingers, crossing over at the top.
2. Slide your crochet hook under the first strand of yarn and over the second strand (the one that leads the yarn ball), pulling this strand back under the first strand and up into the loop.

This magic circle will serve as the center of your granny square. From here, you can continue on to the next steps.

Step 2: Round One

1. Chain three stitches – this counts as your first double crochet. Then crochet two more double crochet stitches into the center of the ring. This forms your first 3-dc granny cluster.
2. Next, chain three to turn the corner. Then, crochet three more double crochets into the ring to form your second 3-dc granny cluster.
3. Repeat this process twice more until you have four granny clusters (each cluster separated by three chain stitches). To finish the round, chain three more stitches and join with a slip stitch to the top of your initial chain-3.
4. Finally, fasten off. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail. Then, weave in the ends.

Step 3: Round Two

Start round two by changing to the next yarn color. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make a slip knot with the new yarn, and place it on your hook.
2. Insert your hook into one of the corners of the square. Yarn over with the new yarn and pull through the loop on the hook.

Now, you can begin working the second round with the new color.

1. Start the second round by chaining 2 (this counts as your first double crochet). Crochet two more double crochets. This forms your first 3-dc granny cluster.
2. Chain 1. Crochet 3 dc in the next corner chain-3 space. Chain 3, then crochet 3 dc. This completes the corner. Repeat this process for the next two corners of your square.
3. To finish the round, chain 1, then crochet 3 dc in the last corner. Chain 3, then slip stitch to the top of your initial chain-2.
4. Fasten off, and weave in the ends.

Step 4: Third Round

1. Join the third color in any corner, as described above. Chain 2 (this counts as your first double crochet). Crochet two more double crochets.
2. Chain 1, then crochet 3 dc in the next chain-1 space.
3. Chain 1, then crochet 3 dc in the next corner chain-3 space. Chain 3, then crochet 3 dc. This completes the corner.
4. Chain 1, then crochet 3 dc in the next chain-1 space.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 two more times.
6. Finish the round: Chain 1, then crochet 3 dc in the last corner. Chain 3, then slip stitch to the top of your initial chain-2.

Step 5: Additional Rounds

1. For each new round, you’ll start by attaching the new color yarn, and chaining 2 stitches. Then crochet 2 dc to form your first 3-dc granny cluster.
2. For each side ch-1 space, you’ll chain 1 then crochet 3 dc in the ch-space.
3. For each corner chain-3 space, you’ll chain 1, then crochet (3 dc, chain 3, 3 dc, chain 1) in the ch-space.
4. For the last corner, you’ll chain 1, then crochet 3 dc, chain 3, then slip stitch to the top of your initial chain-2.

Assembling the Blanket

Once you’ve made enough squares for your blanket (this will depend on the size you want your blanket to be), it’s time to join them all together.

Then, block your squares so that they’re all the same size and shape. I find that the seaming process will go much easier if you take the time to block the individual squares first!

Next, we’ll be looking at two seaming methods here: the invisible mattress seam and the flat slip-stitch seam.

Mattress Seam

The mattress seam is great if you want an almost invisible-looking seam. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place two granny squares next to each other, with the right sides facing up.
2. Thread a yarn needle with the same color yarn as the outside of your squares.
3. Starting at one corner, pass the needle from top to bottom through the outer loop of the first stitch of one square, and from top to bottom through the outer loop of the corresponding stitch on the second square.
4. Continue this way, working back and forth. After every few inches, pull the yarn to tighten the stitches. Be careful not to pull too tight.

Flat Slip Stitch Seam

If sewing’s not your jam, you might prefer the flat slip-stitch seam. You can use the same color as the last round of the granny square so the seam blends in. Or, you could use a contrasting color yarn for a different look.

Here’s how to make a flat slip stitch seam:

1. Place two of your granny squares side by side on your work surface, with their right sides facing up. If you like, you can use safety pins or stitch markers to align the squares and hold them together as you work.
2. Insert your hook from top to bottom through the outer loop of the first stitch of the first square, and from top to bottom through the outer loop of the first stitch on the second square. Yarn over, and pull through all loops on the hook.
3. Next, insert your hook into the outer loops of the next stitches on both squares, yarn over, and pull through all the loops on your hook.
4. Continue to slip stitch down the side of your squares. Remember to keep your tension relaxed – not too loose or too tight. You want the slip stitches to lie nice and flat.
5. Once you’ve seamed your squares together, fasten off, and weave in the ends.

Repeat these steps for all the squares you want to join. I like to attach all the rows together first. Then, I go back and seam up the columns.

Adding a Border

Adding a border to your granny square blanket gives it a clean, finished look. A simple single crochet border is a perfect choice for this project. Here’s how to add one:

1. Choose the yarn for your border. You can use the same color as your squares, or pick a contrasting color to make the border stand out.
2. Attach your yarn to the blanket. To do this, make a slipknot on your crochet hook, then insert your hook into the back loop of an edge stitch. Chain 1, and make the first single crochet.
3. Single crochet around, making one single crochet in each stitch. When you reach the corners, make three single crochets in the 2nd chain stitch.
4. Join the round by making a slip stitch into the first single crochet.

Additional Rounds (Optional):You can add more rounds of single crochet for a thicker border. Just repeat the process above – single crochet in each stitch along the sides, make 3 single crochets in the corners, and join with a slip stitch into your first stitch.

Fasten Off:To finish, cut your yarn, leaving a small tail. Yarn over and pull through the final loop on your hook. Pull tight to secure. Weave in any loose ends with a darning needle.

Prefer the PDF version?

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Crochet Granny Square Blanket

Skill Level

Easy

Finished Size

Lap Blanket / Small Throw

38 in x 50 in (96cm x 127cm)

Each granny square measures 6 in square, and there are 6 columns and 8 rows of squares. A crochet border adds additional width and length.

Note:To increase the size of your blanket, you can crochet more columns and rows.

Materials

• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Yosemite (Color A)
• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Congaree (Color B)
• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Gateway Arch (Color C)
• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Lassen Volcanic (Color D)
• 3 skeins Lion Brand Heartland (15oz / 753yd) in Acadia (Color E)
• J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

1 granny square = 6 in (15 cm) square, after blocking.

Take the time to measure your gauge, if you want your project to be the size specified in the pattern.

If your granny square comes out too large, try using a smaller size hook. Or, if your granny square comes out too small, try using a larger size hook.

Terms and Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• ch-sp(s): chain space(s)
• dc: double crochet
• rep: repeat
• rnd(s): round(s)
• RS: right side
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp(s): space(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)

Special Stitches

Granny cluster (3-dc cluster): A granny cluster is a set of 3 double crochet stitches, all worked into one stitch or space. In this pattern, the granny clusters are separated by 1 or 3 chain stitches.

Pattern Overview

• This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
• We’ll work 48 granny squares first, then join them together to create the blanket.
• Each granny square is worked in joined rounds. Change yarn colors after each round, according to the Color Sequence Guide below.
• After joining the squares according to the Assembly Diagram, we’ll work a border around the outer edge of the blanket.

Color Sequences Guide

• Square 1: A, B, C, D, E
• Square 2: C, D, A, B, E
• Square 3: B, C, D, A, E
• Square 4: D, A, B, C, E

Assembly Diagram

Pattern Instructions

Granny Squares

Make 48 squares, 12 of each color sequence.

Note:The granny squares are worked with the right-side facing for every round. If your granny square looks slanted, try turning after each round.

With the first color, make a magic ring. (To learn how to start your granny square with a magic ring, read thismagic ring tutorial.)

Rnd 1 (RS):Ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, (ch 3, 3 dc in ring) 3 times, ch 3; join with sl st in top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Rnd 2:With RS facing, attach second color in any ch-3 sp of Rnd 1. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp; rep from * 2 more times. Ch 1, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Rnd 3:With RS facing, attach third color in any corner ch-3 sp of Rnd 2. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 2 more times. Ch 1, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Rnd 4:With RS facing, attach fourth color in any corner ch-3 sp of Rnd 3. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice, *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice; rep from * two more times. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Rnd 5:With RS facing, attach fifth color in any corner ch-3 sp of Rnd 4. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) three times, *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) three times; rep from * two more times. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Joining the Squares

Following the Assembly Diagram, arrange Granny Squares into six columns and eight rows.

Using a mattress stitch or a Flat Slip Stitch Seam, join the first two rows together. Repeat to join all rows together. Then,join the columns.

Adding a Border

From RS, join yarn with sl st in any st.

Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc-blo in each st and ch-sp around the outside edge of the blanket, working 3 sc in each corner stitch. Join the round with sl st in the first sc.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Finishing

Blocking the blanket: If you like, you can gently steam or wet block your finished blanket to help even out stitches and give it a professional finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much yarn will I need for a granny square blanket?

The amount of yarn you’ll need will vary based on the size of your blanket and the thickness of your yarn. For a small throw-size blanket, you’ll need 7 skeins of worsted weight yarn, or about 1750 yards (1610m) However, it’s always a good idea to buy a little extra just in case.

How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?

The number of granny squares you’ll need for a blanket depends on the desired size of your final blanket. If each granny square is approximately 6 inches, then you can calculate the number of squares needed based on the dimensions of common blanket sizes.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Small Baby Blanket:Typically measures about 30 x 36 inches.

You’d need 5 squares across and 6 squares down for a total of 30 squares.

Throw Blanket:Usually around 48 x 60 inches.

You’d need 8 squares across and 10 squares down for a total of 80 squares.

Twin Size Blanket:Roughly 66 x 90 inches.

You’d need 11 squares across and 15 squares down for a total of 165 squares.

Queen Size Blanket:About 90 x 96 inches.

You’d need 15 squares across and 16 squares down for a total of 240 squares.

My squares don’t all look the same size, what can I do?

Consistent tension is the best way to ensure all your squares come out the same size. You can also block your squares to even out the edges and ensure they’re all the same size and shape before seaming them together.

What if my granny square starts to look slanted?

If your granny squares start to look slanted or skewed, try turning your work after each round. After you finish one round, turn your square and work the next round in the opposite direction. This should balance any slanting that might occur.

What do I do with all the yarn tails at the back of my squares?

You can weave in the ends using a yarn or tapestry needle. I like to do this as I finish each square to prevent a large amount of weaving in at the end of the project.

Can I use different types of yarn in the same blanket?

While you can use different types of yarn, remember that different fibers have different washing instructions and might not wear the same over time. For ease of washing, we recommend using the same type/fiber content of yarn throughout your project.

Granny Square Blanket

Yield: 1

Learn how to crochet an easy granny square blanket with our free, beginner-friendly pattern and step-by-step instructions.

Materials

• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Yosemite (Color A)
• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Congaree (Color B)
• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Gateway Arch (Color C)
• 1 skein Lion Brand Heartland (5oz / 251yd) in Lassen Volcanic (Color D)
• 3 skeins Lion Brand Heartland (15oz / 753yd) in Acadia (Color E)

Tools

• J-10 (6 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape

Instructions

Granny Squares

Make 48 squares, 12 of each color sequence.

1. With the first color, make a magic ring. (To learn how to start your granny square with a magic ring, read this magic ring tutorial.)
2. Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, (ch 3, 3 dc in ring) 3 times, ch 3; join with sl st in top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off, weave in ends.
3. Rnd 2: With RS facing, attach second color in any ch-3 sp of Rnd 1. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp; rep from * 2 more times. Ch 1, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.
4. Rnd 3: With RS facing, attach third color in any corner ch-3 sp of Rnd 2. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 2 more times. Ch 1, 3dc in next ch-3 sp, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.
5. Rnd 4: With RS facing, attach fourth color in any corner ch-3 sp of Rnd 3. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice, *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice; rep from * two more times. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.
6. Rnd 5: With RS facing, attach fifth color in any corner ch-3 sp of Rnd 4. Ch 2, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp. (Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) three times, *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) three times; rep from * two more times. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-3 space, join with sl st in top of initial ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Blanket Assembly

1. Following the Assembly Diagram, arrange Granny Squares into six columns and eight rows.
2. Using a mattress stitch or a Flat Slip Stitch Seam, join the first two rows together. Repeat to join all rows together. Then, join the columns.

Add a Border

1. From RS, join yarn with sl st in any st.
2. Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc-blo in each st and ch-sp around the outside edge of the blanket, working 3 sc in each corner stitch. Join the round with sl st in the first sc.
3. Fasten off, weave in ends

Notes

• This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
• Work 48 granny squares first, then join them together to create the blanket.
• Each granny square is worked in joined rounds. Change yarn colors after each round, according to the Color Sequence Guide below.
• After joining the squares according to the Assembly Diagram, we’ll work a border around the outer edge of the blanket.

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More Crochet Patterns

If you liked this pattern, you may be interested in these related posts.

• 45+ Projects to Make with Granny Squares
• Crochet Sunburst Granny Square (Sunflower Granny Square Tutorial)
• How to Crochet a Solid Granny Square with No Gaps

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