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# Classic DC Granny Square Blanket

**Difficulty:** Easy
**Terminology:** US Crochet

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn (Category 4), approx. 1,000–1,500 yds (915–1,370 m) total for a throw; choose multiple colors for a traditional scrappy look or a single color for a modern solid version
  - *Suggested:* Lion Brand Pound of Love, Red Heart Super Saver, or similar
- **Hook:** US J-10 / 6 mm crochet hook
- **Notions:**
  - Yarn needle (for weaving ends and joining)
  - Scissors
  - Stitch markers (optional, helpful for corners)
  - Rust-proof pins (for blocking)

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## Gauge

**1 granny square (4 rounds) = approximately 5" × 5" (12.5 cm × 12.5 cm)**

*Gauge swatch note:* Work one complete square. If your square measures larger than 5", try a smaller hook. If smaller, try a larger hook. Consistent square size is more important than matching exact gauge for a blanket worked in joined squares.

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## Finished Dimensions

| Layout | Squares | Approx. Finished Size |
|---|---|---|
| Baby blanket | 6 × 8 = 48 squares | 30" × 40" (76 × 102 cm) |
| Lap blanket | 8 × 10 = 80 squares | 40" × 50" (102 × 127 cm) |
| Throw (sample) | 10 × 12 = 120 squares | 50" × 60" (127 × 152 cm) |
| Full/Queen | 14 × 16 = 224 squares | 70" × 80" (178 × 203 cm) |

*Note: Finished dimensions do not include border. A 2-round border adds approximately 1"–1.5" (2.5–4 cm) to each edge.*

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## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| dc | double crochet |
| sp | space |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| sk | skip |
| [ ] | work instructions within brackets the number of times stated |
| ( ) | contains stitch counts or clarifying notes |

**Cluster** (as used in this pattern) = 3 dc worked into the same stitch or space

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## Pattern Notes

1. Each granny square is worked in the round from the center outward. Do not turn between rounds.
2. Each round begins with a **standing cluster** or a **ch-3 + 2 dc** to replace the first cluster (see instructions).
3. **Corner spaces** are formed by **ch-2** between two clusters at each corner.
4. **Side spaces** between clusters on each side are formed by **ch-1**.
5. Join each round with a slip stitch into the top of the beginning ch-3 (which counts as the first dc of the first cluster).
6. Fasten off and weave in ends after each color change, or carry yarn up the side if working in a single color.
7. All squares must be worked to the same size and blocked before joining for best results.

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## Granny Square Instructions

*(Make the number of squares required for your chosen blanket size — see Finished Dimensions table above.)*

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### Round 1

**Foundation ring:** Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.

**Ch 3** (counts as first dc here and throughout), **2 dc** into the ring.
*(First cluster made.)*

**Ch 2.** *(First corner space made.)*

**[3 dc into ring, ch 2]** 3 times.
*(3 more clusters with corner spaces made — 4 clusters and 4 corner ch-2 spaces total.)*

Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Fasten off if changing color. *(4 clusters | 4 corner ch-2 sps)*

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### Round 2

Join new color (or continue) with sl st into any corner ch-2 sp.

**Ch 3, 2 dc** into same corner ch-2 sp. *(First cluster of corner made.)*
**Ch 2.**
**3 dc** into same corner ch-2 sp. *(Second cluster of corner made — corner complete.)*

*\*Ch 1.*
*Into the next corner ch-2 sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.\**

Rep from \* to \* 2 more times.

**Ch 1.**

Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Fasten off if changing color. *(8 clusters | 4 corner ch-2 sps | 4 side ch-1 sps)*

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### Round 3

Join new color (or continue) with sl st into any corner ch-2 sp.

**Ch 3, 2 dc** into same corner ch-2 sp.
**Ch 2.**
**3 dc** into same corner ch-2 sp. *(Corner complete.)*

*\*Ch 1.*
*3 dc into next ch-1 side sp. Ch 1.*
*Into next corner ch-2 sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.\**

Rep from \* to \* 2 more times.

**Ch 1.**
**3 dc** into next ch-1 side sp. **Ch 1.**

Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Fasten off if changing color. *(12 clusters | 4 corner ch-2 sps | 8 side ch-1 sps)*

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### Round 4

Join new color (or continue) with sl st into any corner ch-2 sp.

**Ch 3, 2 dc** into same corner ch-2 sp.
**Ch 2.**
**3 dc** into same corner ch-2 sp. *(Corner complete.)*

*\*Ch 1.*
*[3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1]* twice.*
*Into next corner ch-2 sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.\**

Rep from \* to \* 2 more times.

**Ch 1.**
**[3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1]** twice.

Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Fasten off and weave in ends. *(16 clusters | 4 corner ch-2 sps | 12 side ch-1 sps)*

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**Your completed square should measure approximately 5" × 5" (12.5 cm × 12.5 cm). Block if needed before joining.**

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## Blocking

Blocking is strongly recommended for a professional finish and to ensure all squares are the same size before joining.

1. Wet-block each square by soaking in cool water for 10–15 minutes.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
3. Pin each square to a blocking mat or foam board to 5" × 5" (12.5 cm × 12.5 cm), pinning corners and the midpoint of each side.
4. Allow to dry completely before removing pins (several hours or overnight).

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## Joining Method — Whip Stitch

### Arranging Squares

1. Lay all blocked squares flat on a clean surface.
2. Arrange into your chosen grid (e.g., 10 wide × 12 tall for a throw).
3. If using multiple colors, step back and assess the layout for color balance before joining.
4. Take a photo of your layout for reference.

### Joining Squares into Rows

1. Place two squares **right sides together**, edges aligned.
2. Thread a yarn needle with a length of yarn in your joining color (approx. 18–24 in / 46–61 cm per seam).
3. Insert the needle through the **outer loops only** of the corresponding edge stitches on both squares simultaneously.
4. **Whip stitch** across the entire edge: draw the yarn through from back to front, moving one stitch at a time, keeping tension even and stitches snug but not puckering.
5. At corner ch-2 spaces: pass through both corner spaces once to join them together.
6. Secure yarn ends with 2–3 knots and weave in on the wrong side.
7. Continue joining squares horizontally until you have completed all rows.

### Joining Rows Together

1. Place two completed rows right sides together, aligning the seams.
2. Join with whip stitch as above, matching seam intersections carefully.
3. At seam intersections, pass the needle through all layers to keep joins tidy.
4. Continue until all rows are joined into a single blanket panel.

*Tip: For a decorative raised ridge on the right side, whip stitch with the squares' right sides facing you (wrong sides together). This creates a visible seam that adds a design element.*

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## Optional Border

A border unifies all the squares and gives the blanket a polished, finished edge.

### Round 1 (Foundation Round)

Join yarn with sl st to any corner ch-2 sp of the blanket.

**Ch 1, sc** into same sp.

Work **sc** evenly across the entire outer edge of the blanket as follows:
- **1 sc** into each dc
- **1 sc** into each ch-1 side sp
- **1 sc** into each joining seam
- At each **outer corner ch-2 sp**: work **sc, ch 2, sc** *(corner made)*

Join with sl st to first sc. Do not fasten off.

### Round 2 (Decorative Round)

**Ch 3** (counts as first dc), **2 dc** into same st. *(First cluster.)*
**Ch 2.**
**3 dc** into same st. *(Corner cluster — corner complete.)*

Work across each side: **\*Ch 1, sk next 2 sts, 3 dc into next st.\*** Rep from \* to \* across each side, adjusting spacing as needed to keep work flat.

At each corner ch-2 sp: **3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.**

Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.

*Note: The border rounds can be worked in any color. A single solid color (such as the most prominent blanket color, or a coordinating neutral) works beautifully to frame a multi-color design.*

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## Finishing

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the wrong side using a yarn needle.
2. Give the completed blanket a final wet block or steam block, pinning edges straight.
3. Allow to dry completely before use.

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## Yarn Quantity Estimates

*(Based on approx. 200 yds / 183 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein of worsted weight yarn.)*

| Blanket Size | Squares | Approx. Yardage |
|---|---|---|
| Baby (30"×40") | 48 | 950–1,100 yds (870–1,005 m) |
| Lap (40"×50") | 80 | 1,600–1,850 yds (1,460–1,690 m) |
| Throw (50"×60") | 120 | 2,400–2,750 yds (2,195–2,515 m) |
| Full/Queen (70"×80") | 224 | 4,500–5,100 yds (4,115–4,660 m) |

*Yardage includes joining and border yarn. Always purchase 10–15% extra to allow for variations in tension and dye lots.*

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## Stitch Count Summary (Per Square)

| Round | Clusters | Corner ch-2 sps | Side ch-1 sps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| 3 | 12 | 4 | 8 |
| 4 | 16 | 4 | 12 |

*Each round adds exactly 4 clusters. If your counts don't match, check that you worked both corner clusters into the same ch-2 sp and didn't skip any side ch-1 sps.*

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*Happy crocheting! Tag your finished blanket — we'd love to see your color choices.*