Granny Square Blanket Crochet – Free Pattern 2023

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The Rusty Cottage granny square blanket crochet pattern is here. It’s my first one, and I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted a classic granny square blanket, but I’ve never felt like I had found the right yarn for it. Until I found this Hue + Me yarn.

But before giving the details about the yarn, let me tell you. There are tons of patterns and tutorials for granny square blankets online. They are pretty straightforward to make.

And, before you go somewhere else, keep reading and check out this complete guide I’ve put together on how to make your own blanket.

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Purchase an inexpensive PDF from my Ravelry or Etsy shops of keep scrolling for the free pattern.

Are granny square blankets easy for beginners?

Absolutely! This granny square blanket pattern is a classic that’s known for being very beginner friendly. By the way, it’s super quick to crochet as well, since you will be using bulky yarn.

Not to mention, you will use only three shades of yarn, so not too many ends to weave in. And the best of all! You will not only love how fast it is to make, but how beautiful the end result is.

Before you get to the pattern, you may have a few questions. So, let’s dive into some information to answer the FAQ’s.

How long does it take to crochet a granny square blanket?

It will take you approximately 7-8 hours to crochet a throw blanket with a classic granny square. Of course, that is the total time, it may take you weeks depending on how many hours a day you work on it.

It really is that quick! That was how long it took me to crochet the blanket shown here, including joining the squares and making the border.

Certainly, everyone has their own speed and it will depend on other factors as well, such as the size of the blanket you will make, and the yarn thickness.

What’s the best yarn for a crochet granny square blanket?

I recommend bulky yarn for blankets because it builds up super quickly. By the way, I used Hue + Me, a yarn by LionBrand. Which is a super soft wool blend with a dreamy palette.

Hue and Me comes in 18 shades and you can mix any of them together that the combo will be simply gorgeous. I love the super cozy farm house feeling we can get from those shades.

But you can use any yarn you like, as granny squares are forgiving and easy to adjust to any size.

Does the fiber content matter?

Not necessarily! Wool blends create soft and cuddly blankets, but there are great quality acrylic yarns that will work just fine as well.

The fiber content of Hue + Me is 80% Acrylic | 20% Wool and it is a bulky (5) weight yarn. This yarn is so squishy and cuddly.

I am excited to have a new blanket to cuddle with when I am sitting in my couch now. Or to simply use it as a decor piece.

How much yarn do you need for a granny square blanket?

You will need approximately 49 oz of bulky yarn to crochet a throw blanket. That is a total of 13 skeins of 4.4 oz Hue & Me yarn. Obviously, if you are using a different yarn brand and/or thickness, that amount will vary.

Also, there is the factor edging size. If you are making a wider edging, you will obviously need more yarn. For the blanket pictured here, you will need this amount and colors of Hue and Me:

• Ozone (C1): 13.8 oz | 391 g, 430 yds | 393 m, or 4 skeins (you will use some of the 4th skein).
• Peacoat (C2): 14.52 oz | 412 g, 452 yds | 413 m, or 4 skeins (you will use some of the 4th skein)
• Arrowwood (C3): 20.40 oz | 578 g, 635 yds | 580 m, 5 skeins (you will use some of the 5th skein)

Pattern notes and instructions

• Ch 3 in the beginning of rounds counts as a dc.
• This granny square blanket was made using the classic technique. The classic granny square is built with chain 1 spaces, clusters and ch 2 spaces in the corners. 
• A cluster consists of a group of three double crochet stitches. So, the math concept in a classic granny square round is very simple: a cluster for every ch 1 space, a ch 1 space for every cluster, corners with (1 cluster + chain 2 + 1 cluster).
• Making two double crochets in the corners is what creates the increases. Having said that, every round will have 4 extra clusters each.

Supplies you need to make a granny square blanket

• Yarn of your preference. I used Bulky Yarn (5) Hue And Me.
• A 6.50 mm (US K) hook for bulky yarn.
• Tapestry needle, to weave in the ends
• Scissors to cut the yarn leftovers

Pattern abbreviations

• ch(s): Chain(s)
• C1: Color 1
• C2: Color 2
• C3: Color 3
• dc: double crochet 
• mc: magic circle
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• *: repeat instructions after asterisks as directed
• (…): work instructions within parentheses as directed 
• Cluster: 3 dc sts in the same ch space

Gauge / Square size information:

Gauge is not crucial for this granny square blanket crochet pattern. A granny square measures approximately: 8”x 8” (20 x 20 cm), if you use the same yarn weight and hook size. You may add rounds to each square, as needed, to achieve the desired size.

How big should a granny square blanket be?

A good size for a throw granny square blanket crochet pattern will be approximately 55” x 64” (140 cm x 162.5 cm), including the edging. 

Here is other blanket sizes, in case you would like to make this granny square blanket crochet pattern larger or smaller.

Blanket Type	Recommend size
Lovey	10″ (25 cm) x 10″ (25 cm)
Stroller / Baby:	30” (76 cm) x 35” (89 cm)
Receiving	40” (102 cm) x 40” (102 cm)
Toddler	42” (107 cm) x 52” (132 cm)
Swaddle	47” (119 cm) x 47” (119 cm)
Throw	55” (140 cm) x 64” (162.5 cm)

Blanket size chart

How to customize the size of the blanket

Let’s imagine a granny square in this pattern is two big for a lovey blanket, for example, you can do less rounds per granny square. Or, you can use a smaller yarn to reach the size closest to what you are looking for.

The sizes above are some of the most popular sizes. However, edging is not included as it varies depending on personal preference.

A classic granny square size can be anywhere between 8” x 8” (20 x 20 cm) to 12” x 12” (30 x 30 cm). Butt of course, you can make the squares as small or as large as you want.

Yarn color instructions

• Make 21 squares with C1 (round 1-3)
• Make 21 squares with C2 (round 1-3)
• Then use C3 to finish all the squares (round 4)
• Join the squares with C3

How to assemble a granny square blanket

This granny square blanket crochet pattern width will have 6 squares and the length will use 7 squares. Sewing instructions are in the “join the squares” section below. Join the squares alternating the colors.

When it’s time to join them, follow this chart to set up the layout and for the sewing guide.

How to join granny squares with the Mattress Stitch

1. To start, grab the first 2 squares and align them against each other, wrong sides facing each other.
2. Follow the color layout in the chart above, in the “how to arrange the layout” section, to assemble the blanket. 
3. Thread the tapestry needle with a strand of yarn C3, or a contrasting color, about 24” longer than the width of the blanket. Here, the yarn color you will use to join the squares is your choice. So, use the one you think will fit your blanket better.
4. Start mattress stitching, from right to left. Or left to right, if you are left-handed.
5. With this sewing method, you will work through the back loop only of the stitches in last round of the granny squares. I chose this method because I am using bulky yarn, it makes the seam less heavy, not so bulky.
6. Start with the corners. Each corner has two chains, start with the one immediately before the row you will sew. 
7. First, insert the needle and draw the yarn through the loops, pulling the strand all the way through.
8. Leave a tail to make a knot and secure it later. This and all the other tails can be weaved in later after you complete the joining process.
9. Continue this process of inserting the needle in both loops at once, one stitch at a time. Make sure you pull the strand all the way through. 
10. When you get to the next corner of the two granny squares, grab two more granny squares and continue stitching.
11. Join as many squares as needed to achieve the width of this crochet granny square blanket. For this specific pattern, you will have 6 squares.
12. Fasten off and cut the yarn at the end of each row. You can weave in the end now or do it later.
13. At this point, you have two rows of squares. Once you stitch the two last squares, go back to the right side (or left, if you are left-handed) and start a new row. Follow the same steps over and over until you complete all rows.
14. Once you’re done with the horizontal sewing, start sewing it vertically. See the chart above on how to set up the layout.

Instructions for the granny square blanket crochet pattern

Estimated Cost: 30 USD

Supply:

• Bulky yarn

Tools:

• 6.50 mm crochet hook

Materials: Tapestry needle, to weave in the ends Scissors to cut the yarn leftovers

I hope you enjoy making this classic granny square blanket crochet pattern.

Drop a comment below if you have any questions or if you just would like to say “hi”. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.

If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.

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