purlJam

<pattern>

# MITERED GRANNY SQUARE BLANKET

A modern take on the classic granny square, this queen-sized blanket features knitted mitered squares in a cool gradient palette. Each square is worked from the outside edge toward the center with simple decreases, creating concentric color frames that echo traditional crochet granny squares.

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner  
**Finished Dimensions**: 90" × 90" (229 cm × 229 cm)  
**Construction**: Individual mitered squares, seamed together

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Sport weight (#2 Fine)  
Suggested yarn: Any sport weight with approximately 300 yards per 100g skein

**Yardage by Color**:
- Color A (Black): 950 yards (869 m)
- Color B (Gun Metal): 950 yards (869 m)  
- Color C (Silver): 950 yards (869 m)
- Color D (Light Blue): 950 yards (869 m)
- Color E (Light Turquoise): 950 yards (869 m)
- Color F (Dark Turquoise): 950 yards (869 m)

**Total Yardage**: Approximately 5,700 yards (5,212 m)

**Needles**: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle, 32" or longer (for accommodating large number of stitches)

**Notions**:
- Stitch markers (3 per square)
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Scissors
- Blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended)

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## GAUGE

**24 stitches × 32 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in garter stitch (knit every row), blocked

**6 stitches per inch × 8 rows per inch** (garter ridges: 4 per inch)

**To measure gauge**: Cast on 30 sts, work in garter stitch for 40 rows. Block gently, then measure the center 4" × 4" area.

⚠️ **Gauge is critical**: Each square must measure 12" × 12" for proper finished dimensions. Adjust needle size if necessary.

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## PATTERN NOTES

**Mitered Square Construction**: Each square is worked from the outer edges toward the center. You'll cast on stitches for all four sides, place markers at the four "corner" points, then decrease 8 stitches every right-side row (2 stitches at each corner) until only a few stitches remain.

**Color Sequence**: Each square features 6 color stripes in concentric frames, worked from outside to inside. The pattern provides multiple color arrangement options for visual variety across the blanket.

**Stitch Count Verification**: 
- Starting cast-on: 208 stitches [Math: 52 sts per side × 4 sides = 208 sts]
- Decreases: 8 sts every RS row
- Total RS decrease rows: 26 [Math: 208 sts ÷ 8 = 26 rows]
- Total rows worked: 52 (26 RS + 26 WS)
- Finished square size: 12" × 12" [Math: 52 rows ÷ 8 rows per inch = 6.5" from edge to center; diagonal creates 12" square]

**Reading This Pattern**:
- RS = Right Side (odd-numbered rows)
- WS = Wrong Side (even-numbered rows)
- PM = Place marker
- SM = Slip marker
- K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK = Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)

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## MITERED SQUARE INSTRUCTIONS

**Make 64 squares total**

### CAST ON

Using Color A (or first color in your chosen sequence), **cast on 208 stitches**.

### SET UP MARKERS (Row 1 - WS)

**Row 1 (WS)**: K51, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k52, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k52, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k52, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k51.

[Verification: 51 + 1 + 52 + 1 + 52 + 1 + 52 + 1 + 51 = 262... ERROR]

**CORRECTION - SET UP MARKERS (Row 1 - WS)**:

Let me recalculate marker placement for 208 sts with 4 corners:
- 4 corner stitches (marked)
- 204 stitches remaining ÷ 4 sections = 51 sts per section

**Row 1 (WS)**: K51, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k51, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k51, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k51, PM, k1 (corner stitch), PM, k51.

[Verification: 51 + 1 + 51 + 1 + 51 + 1 + 51 + 1 = 208 ✓]

### DECREASE PATTERN

**Row 2 (RS - Decrease Row)**: 
*Knit to 2 sts before marker, SSK, SM, k1 (corner st), SM, k2tog; repeat from * 3 more times, knit to end. (8 sts decreased) [200 sts remain]

**Row 3 (WS)**: Knit all sts, slipping markers.

**Repeat Rows 2-3** until you've completed the color stripe, then change colors.

### COLOR CHANGES

Work each color for the number of ridges (RS rows) specified:

- **Color A (Black)**: Rows 1-15 (7 garter ridges + setup) [184 sts remain after Row 14]
- **Color B (Gun Metal)**: Rows 16-23 (4 garter ridges) [152 sts remain]
- **Color C (Silver)**: Rows 24-31 (4 garter ridges) [120 sts remain]
- **Color D (Light Blue)**: Rows 32-39 (4 garter ridges) [88 sts remain]
- **Color E (Light Turquoise)**: Rows 40-45 (3 garter ridges) [64 sts remain]
- **Color F (Dark Turquoise)**: Rows 46-51 (3 garter ridges) [16 sts remain after Row 50]

**To change colors**: On a WS row, knit to end with old color. Turn. Begin RS row with new color, leaving a 6" tail. Work in pattern as established.

### FINAL ROWS

**Row 52 (RS)**: *K2tog, SM, k1, SM, k2tog, SM* 4 times. (8 sts remain)

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 stitches, pull tight to close center, and secure on wrong side.

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## COLOR ARRANGEMENT OPTIONS

Create visual interest by varying the color sequence across your 64 squares. Here are suggested arrangements:

**Arrangement 1 (Outer to Center)**: A-B-C-D-E-F  
**Arrangement 2 (Reversed)**: F-E-D-C-B-A  
**Arrangement 3 (Light Center)**: A-B-F-E-C-D  
**Arrangement 4 (Dark Center)**: C-D-E-F-B-A  

**Suggested Distribution**:
- Make 16 squares each of Arrangements 1 and 2
- Make 16 squares each of Arrangements 3 and 4
- Alternate arrangements in a checkerboard pattern when assembling

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## BLOCKING

**Critical step for professional results!**

1. Weave in all color-change ends except those needed for seaming.
2. Soak each square in lukewarm water with wool wash for 15-20 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
4. Pin each square to 12" × 12" dimensions on blocking mats.
5. Ensure corners are true 90-degree angles.
6. Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours).

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## ASSEMBLY

### LAYOUT

Arrange your 64 squares in an 8 × 8 grid. Take a photo of your layout before assembling!

**Suggested pattern**: Alternate Arrangements 1, 2, 3, and 4 in a checkerboard for maximum color variation.

### SEAMING METHOD: MATTRESS STITCH

Mattress stitch creates an invisible seam for garter stitch squares.

1. **Prepare**: Thread tapestry needle with matching yarn (18-24" length).
2. **Align**: Place two squares right sides up, edges touching.
3. **Seam**: 
   - Insert needle under the bottom loop of the edge stitch on the first square
   - Cross to the second square and insert needle under the corresponding loop
   - Continue alternating sides, pulling gently every few stitches to close the seam
   - The seam should be nearly invisible
4. **Join in rows**: First, join all squares into 8 rows of 8 squares each
5. **Join rows**: Seam the 8 rows together, matching seam intersections carefully

**Seam alignment tip**: Pin squares together at corners and midpoints before seaming to ensure proper alignment.

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## BORDER (OPTIONAL)

A simple garter stitch border frames the blanket beautifully.

### PICK UP AND KNIT

Using US 5 needle and Color A (or your choice):

1. **Starting at any corner**, pick up and knit approximately 540 stitches along one edge: 
   - 3 stitches in corner square
   - 67 stitches per square side × 8 squares = 536 stitches
   - 3 stitches in final corner
   - [Math: 3 + 536 + 3 = 542 sts per side]

2. **Continue around** all four sides: [542 × 4 = 2,168 total sts]
   - Pick up 542 sts on each side
   - Place unique marker at each of the 4 corners
   - Join to work in the round

### BORDER PATTERN

**Round 1**: Knit all sts, purling the 4 corner sts.

**Round 2**: *Knit to corner st, k1-f/b (knit into front and back of corner st); repeat from * 3 more times, knit to end. (4 sts increased)

**Repeat Rounds 1-2** five more times (12 rounds total, 6 garter ridges).

**Bind off** all stitches loosely knitwise.

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## FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely, reinforcing at color changes.
2. Block entire blanket to final dimensions (90" × 90"), pinning out border evenly.
3. Steam lightly if desired (check yarn label for heat tolerance).
4. Allow to dry completely before use.

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## YARN ALTERNATIVES

This pattern works beautifully with:
- **Cascade 220 Sport** (100% wool)
- **Knit Picks Swish Sport** (superwash merino)
- **Scheepjes Catona** (100% cotton, for warmer climates)
- **Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend** (cotton/acrylic sport, budget-friendly)

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- **Washing**: Hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle in cool water (check yarn label)
- **Drying**: Lay flat to dry, reshaping to dimensions
- **Storage**: Fold (do not hang) and store in breathable cotton bag

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## CUSTOMIZE YOUR BLANKET

**Size Adjustments**:
- **Throw (60" × 60")**: Make 25 squares (5 × 5 grid)
- **Twin (72" × 96")**: Make 48 squares (6 × 8 grid)
- **King (108" × 90")**: Make 72 squares (9 × 8 grid)

**Color Variations**:
- Use 3 colors instead of 6, working each for more rows
- Create an ombre effect by arranging squares from lightest to darkest
- Use scraps/stash yarn for a true "granny square" rainbow effect

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Square isn't square**: