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# World Cup 2026 USA Granny Square Blanket

A patriotic, beginner-friendly throw to cheer on Team USA during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Made from 48 classic three-round granny squares arranged in red, white, and blue color blocks—**no stitch counter needed!** Each round has a clear, repeating pattern you can track just by counting corners.

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## Finished Measurements
- **Before border:** 36" × 48" (91 × 122 cm)
- **After border:** approximately 40" × 52" (101 × 132 cm)
- Lap/throw size, perfect for game-day cuddling.

## Materials

**Yarn:** Worsted weight (CYC #4), smooth acrylic or wool blend recommended.
- **Color A — Red:** approx. 600 yds (550 m)
- **Color B — White:** approx. 600 yds (550 m)
- **Color C — Navy Blue:** approx. 700 yds (640 m)

**Hook:** US I/9 (5.5 mm)

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Optional: rust-proof pins and spray bottle for blocking

## Gauge
One finished granny square (3 rounds) = 6" × 6" (15 × 15 cm) after light blocking.
Gauge is not critical—if your squares are slightly larger or smaller, the blanket will simply finish at a different size. Just make sure **all 48 squares are the same size as each other.**

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
- **ch** — chain
- **sl st** — slip stitch
- **dc** — double crochet
- **sc** — single crochet
- **sp** — space
- **rnd** — round
- **rep** — repeat

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## The Granny Square (Make 48 total)

You will make squares in **three color combinations**:
- **16 "Star" squares:** Center white, middle navy, outer navy
- **16 "Stripe Red" squares:** Center white, middle red, outer red
- **16 "Stripe White" squares:** Center red, middle white, outer white

*(This gives you flexible options for the flag-inspired layout below.)*

### Square Instructions

Begin with the first color as listed for each square type.

**Foundation:** With first color, ch 4. Join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.

**Round 1** *(first color)*: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc into ring. *Ch 2, 3 dc into ring.* Rep from * 2 more times. Ch 2. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.
- ✅ **Quick check:** You should see **4 corner groups of 3 dc** separated by 4 ch-2 spaces. That's it!

**Round 2** *(second color)*: Join new color with sl st in any ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), then work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc all in same corner sp (first corner made). *Ch 1, then in next ch-2 sp work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).* Rep from * 2 more times. Ch 1. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.
- ✅ **Quick check:** **4 corners** (each with ch-2 between two 3-dc groups) and **4 side ch-1 spaces.** Easy to spot!

**Round 3** *(third color)*: Join new color with sl st in any ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc all in same corner sp. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, then in next ch-2 corner sp work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).* Rep from * 2 more times. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail for weaving in.
- ✅ **Quick check:** **4 corners** and **2 groups of 3 dc along each side** (8 side groups total). Count by sides, not stitches!

**Math validation:**
- Rnd 1: 4 × (3 dc) = 12 dc ✓
- Rnd 2: 8 × (3 dc) = 24 dc ✓
- Rnd 3: 12 × (3 dc) = 36 dc ✓

Weave in all ends as you go—it's much easier than doing 144 at the end!

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## Layout (Stars & Stripes Inspired)

Arrange your 48 squares in a **6 columns × 8 rows** grid. Lay them out flat on the floor before joining.

**Suggested USA flag-inspired layout:**

```
Rows 1–3, Columns 1–3:  Navy "Star" squares (9 squares — the canton)
Rows 1–3, Columns 4–6:  Alternate Red & White stripe squares
Rows 4–8, Columns 1–6:  Alternate Red & White stripe squares in full rows
```

For a simpler beginner layout, just alternate Red, White, and Navy squares in a checkerboard or stripe pattern—any arrangement looks great!

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## Joining the Squares (Whip Stitch Method)

This is the easiest method for beginners.

1. Place two squares **right sides together**, aligning edges.
2. Thread a tapestry needle with about 24" of **navy yarn**.
3. Insert needle through the **back loops only** of both squares.
4. Whip stitch across, going through one stitch on each square at a time. Work 1 whip stitch into each dc and 1 into each ch-1/ch-2 space (about 11–12 stitches per side).
5. **Join all squares in vertical columns first**, then join the long column strips together horizontally.
6. At intersections, take an extra stitch to keep corners tight.

**Tip:** Using navy yarn for all joins gives the blanket a clean, framed look.

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## Border

With the right side facing, join **Color C (Navy)** with a sl st in any corner ch-2 space of the assembled blanket.

**Round 1 (Navy):** Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire blanket, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each of the 4 outer corners. Aim for roughly 1 sc per dc and 1 sc per ch-space. Don't stress over exact counts—just keep it flat. Join with sl st to first sc.

**Round 2 (White):** Join white in any corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner sp. Dc in each sc around, working (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner ch-2 sp. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off.

**Round 3 (Red):** Join red in any corner ch-2 sp. Ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 2, sc in same sp. Sc in each dc around, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

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## Finishing

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely with a tapestry needle.
2. **Block the blanket:** Lay flat, lightly mist with water, gently shape to square corners, and let dry completely. This evens out the squares and gives a polished finish.
3. Drape over the couch, grab some snacks, and cheer on the USA! 🇺🇸⚽

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## Beginner Tips (No Stitch Counter Needed!)

- **Count by groups, not stitches.** Every granny square round is made of "3-dc clusters." Just count the clusters—4 on Rnd 1, 8 on Rnd 2, 12 on Rnd 3.
- **Always work into spaces**, not into the tops of the dc stitches.
- **Corners always get (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).** Sides always get a single 3-dc group.
- If you lose your place, find a corner and start counting from there.
- Make one square fully before starting more, so you memorize the rhythm.

Enjoy your World Cup 2026 USA Blanket! ⚽🏆