Half-Moon Granny Square Blanket

Beginner Crochet Pattern (US Terms)

Finished Size (example blanket): 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) before border, using 144 squares (12 x 12). Easily customizable — make any number of squares.

Skill Level: Beginner

Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or wool-blend.

• Main Color (MC): approx 1200 yd (1100 m) for example blanket
• Contrast Color (CC) for moons: approx 400 yd (365 m)
  (Example uses 1 skein CC and 3–4 skeins MC; adjust for your size.)

Hook: US I-9 / 5.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)

Gauge: One finished square (after Rnd 4) = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm).
Check gauge by making one square; adjust hook if needed so square lies flat.

Abbreviations (US):
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
MC – main color
CC – contrast color
comm – beginning
rep – repeat
rnd – round

Half-Moon Granny Square (make 144 for example blanket)

Each square features a simple half-moon worked in CC in the center, then finished as a classic granny square in MC. The half-moon is created with a solid curved side of dc stitches that transitions cleanly into granny clusters.

Note: Work tightly on color changes to avoid gaps. Squares should measure 4" after Rnd 4 and block lightly if needed.

Rnd 1 (CC – moon foundation): With CC, ch 4, join with sl st in first ch to form ring.
Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), work 7 dc into ring. (8 dc)
Do not join; you will work the half-moon as a semi-circle. Fasten off CC. (8 dc ✓)

Rnd 2 (CC – build half-moon curve): Join CC with sl st in top of beg ch-3.
Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each of next 7 dc. (16 dc)
Fasten off CC. This solid half-circle is your half-moon. (16 dc ✓)

Rnd 3 (MC – start square shaping): Join MC with sl st in first dc of Rnd 2.
Ch 3, 2 dc in same st (first corner made), ch 2,
*skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * twice more,
skip next dc, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next dc (second corner),
ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 1,
skip next dc, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next dc (third corner),
ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in last dc, ch 1,
join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.
(You now have 4 corner ch-2 sps and the half-moon nestled along one side.)
Fasten off if changing colors, or continue. Stitch check: 4 corners + 8 side clusters ✓

Rnd 4 (MC – complete square): Sl st to next ch-2 corner sp (or join MC there).
Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, ch 1,
*(3 dc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across side, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next corner ch-2 sp; rep from * around,
working final side and joining with sl st to top of beg ch-3.
(4 corners, 3 clusters per side.)

Fasten off, weave in all ends. Square should measure 4" x 4". (Final count: 4 corner groups + 12 side clusters = balanced square ✓)

Tip for beginners: The half-moon sits naturally against one side of the square. When joining, you can orient all moons the same way or rotate them for a playful scattered look.

Joining the Squares

Make all squares first. Block lightly if edges curl (pin to 4" and spritz with water; dry flat).

Option A: Whip Stitch (easiest for beginners)

1. Arrange squares in desired layout (e.g., 12 rows of 12) on a flat surface, moons oriented as preferred.
2. With MC and yarn needle, hold two squares wrong sides together (or right sides for a ridge).
3. Whip stitch through both loops of corresponding stitches along edges, matching corners carefully.
4. Join in rows first, then join the rows together. Weave in ends as you go.

Option B: Join-As-You-Go (JAYG) – continuous join
Work Rnd 4 of each new square while attaching it to previous squares:

• When you reach a side that needs joining, instead of ch-1 between clusters, drop loop, insert hook in corresponding ch-1 sp (or corner) of adjacent square, pick up loop, and pull through, then continue 3 dc in next sp of current square.
• At corners: work 3 dc, drop loop, join to corner ch-2 of adjacent square(s), ch 1 (or ch 2 if outer), 3 dc to finish corner.
  Join in strips, then join strips the same way. This creates a nearly seamless look.

Optional Border

After all squares are joined, work a simple border around the entire blanket for a clean finish.

Rnd 1: Join MC in any corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp,
*ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp (or join space); rep across to next corner, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner; rep from * around, join with sl st to beg ch-3.

Rnd 2: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in corner, sc in each dc and ch-1 sp across side; rep from * around, join. Fasten off.

Rnd 3 (optional picot edge): Join CC if desired, *sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in first ch of ch-3 (picot made); rep around, working (sc, picot, sc) in each corner. Join and fasten off.

Weave in all remaining ends.

Finishing

• Steam-block or wet-block the finished blanket to even stitches and open the half-moons.
• Lay flat to dry.
• Care: Follow yarn label; most worsted acrylics are machine-wash gentle, lay flat to dry.

Customization Ideas

• Make fewer/more squares for baby blanket (e.g., 6 x 6 = 24" square) or throw.
• Use scrap CC for multicolored moons.
• Orient half-moons to form larger patterns (rows of moons, circles, etc.).

Enjoy your celestial granny blanket! Each half-moon adds a sweet handmade touch while the classic granny construction keeps it relaxing and beginner-friendly.