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# FFA Spirit Granny Square Afghan

This classic granny square afghan is perfect for beginners and a wonderful way to show your FFA spirit! The "FFA logo" is interpreted through the iconic National Blue and Corn Gold colors, arranged in a timeless checkerboard pattern, with a neutral white or cream for joining and finishing. This project is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to master basic crochet stitches and construction.

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner

**Finished Measurements:** Approximately 48 inches (122 cm) wide x 60 inches (152 cm) long

## Materials

*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn
    *   **Color A (National Blue):** Approximately 1200 yards (1097 meters)
    *   **Color B (Corn Gold):** Approximately 1200 yards (1097 meters)
    *   **Color C (White/Cream):** Approximately 300-500 yards (274-457 meters)
    *   *(Suggested Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, or similar acrylic worsted weight yarns for durability and ease of care.)*
*   **Hook:** US H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
*   **Notions:** Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and joining), scissors

## Gauge

One (1) completed 3-round granny square = 6 inches (15 cm) square.
*It's important to check your gauge to ensure your blanket will be the intended size. If your squares are larger, your blanket will be larger and require more yarn; if smaller, your blanket will be smaller and require less yarn.*

## Abbreviations (US Terminology)

*   **ch:** chain
*   **dc:** double crochet
*   **sl st:** slip stitch
*   **sp:** space
*   **sk:** skip
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **rnd(s):** round(s)
*   **rep:** repeat
*   **beg:** beginning

## Pattern Notes

*   **Beginning Chain:** The beginning ch 3 counts as the first double crochet (dc) in each round.
*   **Corners:** All corners are worked as (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc).
*   **Color Scheme:** The FFA "logo" is represented by the strategic use of National Blue and Corn Gold colors. An actual detailed logo graphic is beyond the scope of a beginner granny square project.
*   **Yarn Ends:** Weave in ends as you go, or after completing each square, to minimize finishing work at the end.

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## Instructions

### Part 1: Granny Squares (Make 80 total)

You will make 40 squares in Color A (National Blue) and 40 squares in Color B (Corn Gold).

**Traditional Granny Square (3 Rounds)**

**Rnd 1:** Create a magic ring (or ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring). Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into ring, ch 3. *(3 dc, ch 3) into ring.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. Pull magic ring tail tight to close center hole.
*(Stitch Count Validation: You should have 4 groups of 3 dc, and 4 ch-3 spaces. Total 12 dc.)*

**Rnd 2:** Sl st into the first ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch-3 sp (first corner made). *[3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 sp.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3.
*(Stitch Count Validation: You should have 4 corners, each containing 6 dc. Total 24 dc.)*

**Rnd 3:** Sl st into first ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch-3 sp (first corner made). *[3 dc] in next space between 3-dc groups from previous round. [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next ch-3 sp (corner).* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. [3 dc] in next space between 3-dc groups. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. Fasten off.
*(Stitch Count Validation: You should have 4 corners (each 6 dc) and 4 side groups (each 3 dc). Total 24 dc + 12 dc = 36 dc.)*

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### Part 2: Assembly (Joining Squares)

**Arrangement:**
Lay out your squares on a flat surface to plan your arrangement. For a checkerboard effect:
*   Create 8 rows of 10 squares each.
*   Alternate colors, starting with Color A (National Blue) in the top-left corner.
    *   Row 1: A B A B A B A B A B
    *   Row 2: B A B A B A B A B A
    *   Row 3: A B A B A B A B A B
    *   ...and so on, alternating rows for a total of 10 rows.

**Joining Method: Whip Stitch (using Color C - White/Cream)**

1.  Place two squares right sides facing, matching up stitches along one edge.
2.  Using a yarn needle and a long strand of Color C yarn, insert the needle through the outer loop of the corresponding stitch on each square.
3.  Working from right to left (if right-handed), bring the needle up through the next outer loop on both squares. Continue this process, making small, even stitches across the entire edge.
4.  Once one side is joined, knot off the yarn and weave in ends, or continue joining if working on a continuous strip.
5.  **Join Strips:** First, whip stitch all 10 squares in each of the 8 rows together. You will have 8 long strips of 10 squares.
6.  **Join Rows:** Next, whip stitch the 8 rows together along their long edges, maintaining the checkerboard pattern. Ensure your corners and stitch groups align for a neat finish.

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### Part 3: Border (Optional)

Once all squares are joined, attach Color C yarn to any stitch on the edge of the blanket.

**Rnd 1 (Single Crochet Border):**
Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work single crochet (sc) stitches evenly around the entire blanket.
*   Work 1 sc in each dc st along the sides of the squares.
*   Work 2 sc in each ch-3 corner space of the granny squares.
*   When working across the seams where squares meet, work 1 sc into the joining stitch to secure.
*   In each of the 4 overall blanket corners, work (sc, ch 2, sc) to create a neat corner turn.
Join with a sl st to the first sc.

**Rnd 2 (Optional Second Round):**
Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc around. In each ch-2 corner sp, work (sc, ch 2, sc). Join with sl st to first sc.
Fasten off.

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### Finishing

*   Weave in any remaining loose yarn ends securely using your yarn needle.
*   Block your afghan gently if desired, to even out stitches and square up the edges.
*   Enjoy your FFA Spirit Granny Square Afghan!