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# MONTREAL CANADIENS GRANNY SQUARE BLANKET

A cozy lap blanket celebrating the Montreal Canadiens, featuring traditional granny squares in the team's iconic colors: navy blue, red, and white. Perfect for game day or everyday use!

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Approximately 40" wide × 50" long (102 cm × 127 cm), after blocking

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (Medium #4) acrylic or acrylic blend
- Color A (Navy Blue): approximately 800 yards (732 m)
- Color B (Red): approximately 800 yards (732 m)  
- Color C (White): approximately 700 yards (640 m)

*Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Navy, Red, and White*

**Hook**: US H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**: 
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and joining
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Blocking pins (optional but recommended)

## GAUGE
One granny square = 5" × 5" (12.5 cm × 12.5 cm) after blocking

*Gauge is important for this project to ensure all squares are the same size. Take time to check your gauge and block a sample square.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

## SPECIAL STITCHES
**3-dc group**: Work 3 dc in indicated stitch or space

**Corner**: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in indicated space

## PATTERN NOTES
- Each square is worked in the round from the center outward
- Do not turn at the end of rounds unless instructed
- Join new colors with a standing double crochet or slip stitch as preferred
- Weave in ends as you go to reduce finishing time
- Chain-3 at beginning of rounds counts as first dc throughout

## INSTRUCTIONS

### GRANNY SQUARE (Make 80 total)

You will create squares in three color variations to create visual interest. Make:
- **30 squares** in Variation 1 (Navy center)
- **30 squares** in Variation 2 (Red center)
- **20 squares** in Variation 3 (White center)

#### VARIATION 1 (Navy Center Square)
**Round 1** (Navy - Color A): Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch to form ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), work 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. *[Stitch check: 12 dc + 4 ch-2 spaces]* Fasten off Color A.

**Round 2** (White - Color C): Join Color C with sl st in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 corner sp, ch 1]; repeat from * twice more, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. *[Stitch check: 24 dc + 4 ch-2 corner spaces + 4 ch-1 spaces]* Fasten off Color C.

**Round 3** (Red - Color B): Join Color B with sl st in any ch-2 corner sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1]; repeat from * twice more, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. *[Stitch check: 36 dc + 4 ch-2 corner spaces + 8 ch-1 spaces]* Fasten off Color B, leaving a 6" tail for weaving in.

#### VARIATION 2 (Red Center Square)
Work same as Variation 1, substituting colors as follows:
- Round 1: Color B (Red)
- Round 2: Color C (White)
- Round 3: Color A (Navy)

#### VARIATION 3 (White Center Square)
Work same as Variation 1, substituting colors as follows:
- Round 1: Color C (White)
- Round 2: Color A (Navy)
- Round 3: Color B (Red)

### BLOCKING SQUARES
For best results, block each square to 5" × 5" before joining:
1. Dampen squares with water or use a steam iron (do not touch acrylic directly with hot iron)
2. Pin squares to blocking board in 5" × 5" shape
3. Allow to dry completely

### ARRANGING SQUARES
Arrange your 80 squares in a grid 8 squares wide × 10 squares long. Alternate the variations in a pleasing pattern, or arrange randomly for a scrappy look. Suggested layout: alternate Variations 1 and 2, with Variation 3 scattered throughout for visual interest.

*[Calculation check: 8 squares × 5" = 40" wide; 10 squares × 5" = 50" long]*

### JOINING SQUARES

**Whip Stitch Join Method**:
1. Place two squares together with RS facing each other (WS facing out)
2. Thread yarn needle with 24" strand of Color A (Navy)
3. Working through the back loops only of both squares, whip stitch together along one edge
4. When joining corners, work through the ch-2 corner spaces
5. Fasten off and weave in ends

**Assembly**:
- First, join squares into 10 horizontal rows of 8 squares each
- Then join the 10 rows together to complete the blanket body

### BORDER

**Round 1** (Color A - Navy): With RS facing, join Color A with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *[ch 1, skip next st or seam, 3 dc in next st or ch-sp] across to next corner, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp; repeat from * around all 4 sides, ending with ch 1, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off Color A.

**Round 2** (Color C - White): Join Color C with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] across to next corner, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp; repeat from * around all 4 sides, ending with ch 1, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off Color C.

**Round 3** (Color B - Red): Join Color B with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] across to next corner, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 sp; repeat from * around all 4 sides, ending with ch 1, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off Color B.

## FINISHING
1. Weave in all remaining ends securely
2. If desired, block entire blanket to even out stitches and enhance drape
3. Steam lightly if needed (test on a swatch first if using acrylic)

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Machine wash gentle cycle in cold water. Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry. Do not iron directly if using acrylic yarn.

## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
- **Smaller Throw**: Make 6 squares wide × 8 squares long (30" × 40") - requires 48 squares
- **Larger Afghan**: Make 10 squares wide × 12 squares long (50" × 60") - requires 120 squares
- **Team Pride**: Embroider or appliqué the Canadiens logo onto a center square
- **Striped Variation**: Create all squares identical and use border to add color variety

## SKILL BUILDING TIPS
- Practice making your first square before committing to all 80
- Keep tension consistent for uniform square sizes
- Use stitch markers to identify corner spaces if helpful
- Make squares portable - keep one in your bag for on-the-go crochet

## TROUBLESHOOTING
**Squares are different sizes**: Check your gauge and tension. Block each square to measurements.
**Running out of yarn**: Yardage estimates include approximately 10% extra; individual crochet tension varies.
**Bulky seams**: Use a thinner yarn in matching color for joining, or try join-as-you-go method.
**Wavy edges**: Ensure you're working corners correctly with (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space.

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*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. Enjoy your Montreal Canadiens blanket and Go Habs Go!*

**Design Notes**: This pattern uses traditional granny square construction with strategic color placement to represent the Montreal Canadiens team colors. The mix of three color variations creates visual texture while maintaining the team's identity.