Ive finished my granny baby blanket…
Sorry it took a little longer than I thought it would to come back to you with it.
By the time I made the trip to spotlight to get the yarn to finish the edging…… and washed and blocked it (and waited… and waited) for it to dry…
Fortunately there has just been a break in the weather so I rushed outside to find somewhere to photograph it, and try to get the colors as true as possible…
I love it, and I hope the new baby (my soon-to-be-born niece or nephew) loves it too. Carter has already wrapped himself up in it a couple of times and keeps asking if he can keep it!!
In case you want to make a blanket like this, there are 42 squares (6 x7), this resulted in a blanket that is 84cm x 100cm (34″ x 40″), I used a variety of 8ply yarns and a 4mm hook.
There are loads of places that explain how to make granny squares, but they are all a little different, so here’s my version:
How to make a basic Granny Square:
Chain 5 and join with a slip stitch to make a circle, then chain 3 (this counts as the first dc):
Dc into the circle two times:
Chain 2, and DC three more times into the circle:
Repeat twice more, until you have 4 clusters of 3 DC separated by chain 2 spaces. After the last chain 2, join with a ss into the top of the starting chain 3:
Slip stitch in the next 3 DCs to get to the next chain 2 space:
Chain 3, DC x 2, Chain 2, then DC x 3 into the first space:
Make 2, 3DC clusters separated by chain 2 in each chain 2 space from the previous round. After the last chain 2, join with a ss into the top of the starting chain 3:
Repeat round twice more- SS to corner, then make 2 x 3DC clusters separated with chain 2 space in corners and 3DC clusters in spaces between corners:
If you are going to join as you go- this is where you stop making rounds and join to another square. If you are going to join in another method or you want to make a bigger square you just keep making rounds:
Join- as- you- go method for joining granny squares:
This is a nice method for joining as it means you don’t end up having to sew all your squares together, and also reduces the number of ends to sew in – each granny only has two ends if you use the single color grannies throughout.
Here is the first square (4 rounds) and the second square I’m going to join to it (3 rounds). The last round will be the joining round:
Chain 3 and make the first cluster in the corner of your joining square (light blue), chain 1, then insert hook behind the chain 2 space of first square:
…complete single crochet linking the two squares together:
Make another 3DC cluster into your corner:
Then insert hook through back of next space of first square again:
Pull up loop, then make an sc…
And make your next cluster, repeat again:
Make your first set of 3 clusters in corner space, then join again:Before completing next 3DC cluster in the corner of your joining square:
Complete round as normal, and join with a ss into the top of the beginning chain 3:
Repeat for all squares, joining two sides when you have to:
Once all edges were joined together, I edged the entire rectangle in 3DC clusters (just like a giant granny square), making 2 x 3DC clusters separated by chain 2 space in the corners:
The very outer edge was a simple bobble picot: Join in a space between clusters, sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch (that’s the center of the cluster below) and chain 3:
Join with a ss into the top of the same sc:
SC in the next 2 stitches, repeat bobble. Repeat all around the blanket:
I blocked the blanket to even out the shape. Because the weather has cooled down, and we have had a lot of rain it took absolutely ages to dry.
So there you go, I hope that gives you a little bit of insight into my creative process. If you have any questions, just leave a comment below and Ill do my best to help out.
Wuau…cuánto detalle!…muy buenas fotos para explicar el procedimiento, “Una imagen vale más que 1000 palabras”
Saludos desde Chile.
LikeLike
Your baby blanket is very beautiful! I love the colors in it!
LikeLike
Very beautiful. I am sure the new baby is going to live it.
LikeLike
That was to be love it!
LikeLike
What a pretty blanket, I am sure your niece or nephew will love it.
LikeLike
I LOVE it!!! So bright and beautiful. It will be great for all those new baby pictures too 🙂 By the way, love the way you joined the squares. I’ve never tried it like that before!
LikeLike
I love The blanket too and though I’ve crouched for 50 years and made many granny projects, I’ve never made that join. I thank you for your great tutorial. I agree with the lady who wrote in Spanish, your pictures are worth 1000 words.
LikeLike
I meant to say ‘crocheted for 50 years, of course”
LikeLike
Thanks Denise 🙂 xx
LikeLike
I love doing granny squares but have never joined them the way you taught it..thank you, will try it your way. Love the colors…look forward to your next project.
LikeLike
Gorgeous colours. Great tutorial. Thanks.
LikeLike
The colorsare beautiful and I love the edging. love Carol
LikeLike
Its so beautiful! !!!
LikeLike
wow!! how many tutorials in just one post!!!! thank you so much Janette`!!!!
happy weekend, xxx Ale
LikeLike
Wonderful… Have a nice weekend !
LikeLike
Hi There, Lovely blanket!!!I love your border!!!!I think Carter should get a blanket like that!!!Have a great weekend!!!
Love
AMarie
LikeLike
Love this colourful baby blanket, what a good way to to it joining the squares as you go , thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
I really like the colours you’ve used and the picot edging just finishes the blanket off perfectly.
LikeLike
That’s a lovely blanket. I can very well understand the time it took you to complete that ! My blanket was made of 50 granny squares and I kept crocheting these squares into such a tall pile before starting to put them together ! Oh yes, I joined them in exactly the same way as you.
LikeLike
That’s really lovely! And I like the join as you go idea, I’ll have to try that. 😃
LikeLike
Sometimes it takes somebody to point out the obvious to you and it’s like a massive revelation – I LOVE the way you are joining those squares – I can’t believe I never thought of it.
The blanket looks gorgeous – I’m feeling rather inspired to dig out my hooks. 🙂
LikeLike
A lovely colourful balnket and such clear instructions!
LikeLike
Happy colourful blanket!
LikeLike
Warmed my heart to see such a delicious, well made and beautiful blanket. I am glad you posted.
Hand made blankets are an essential “welcome to the world” gift for a new baby. Very generous of you to post tute as well. I am always delighted at how generous the crafting community is.
I will never get to be an Aunt so I have to admire them vicariously 🙂
LikeLike
Very nice 😀 I am currently making a baby blanket but I am doing one big granny square. It seems a little off center can or kinda lop sided. Have you made one of those blankets? Can it be fixed after somehow?
LikeLike
It might be ok once you’ve blocked it? This will work better if it’s wool or otton and not acrylic tho. Can’t wait to see it!
LikeLike
Well it is almost completely cotton. So I will try the blocking. This will be my first time trying that. I did take a chance and add some rows in a grey acrylic. I just couldn’t find that color in cotton around here. I did a small test square to see how it would wash and dry. Hehe seems like everything I do is a test.
LikeLike
Oh well i just figured out I have to turn on rows and that is why my square is leaning. I will start a new blanket to see the difference.
LikeLike
I’m not sure I understand, if it’s a square weren’t you working in rounds?
LikeLike
Congrats! I have nominate you for a Liebster Award, check it out here: http://knittichristi.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/the-liebster-award/ .
Great job- you deserve it!
And the blanket is awesome- thank you for the tutorial!
LikeLike
Thanks Christi, I’ll head over and check it out! xx
LikeLike
WOW, I love this. I have not been crocheting long and I have been looking for a way to make a granny square blanket and I just fell in love with this method of joining. I can’t wait to start it! Thank you do much for taking the time to post all the pictures and instructions.
LikeLike
absolutley love this, great stash buster.
LikeLike
I love it!!! Great colours!
LikeLike
Ok that’s IT! I am done with procrastinating about forgetting how to crochet and being to busy, you just spurred me into action…I can do that…I did do that…I WILL do that! Thankyou for the shove 🙂 Your blanket is absolutely gorgeous and totally inspiring. Cheers for the tutorial and the reminder and for the push 🙂
LikeLike
What a lovely blanket!
As I’ve promised to make blankets for three new babies coming into the world this year, I’m so glad you wrote a tutorial for this – it looks like I’m going to be very busy! 🙂
LikeLike
This is great, well done! These days I’ve been looking for some good tutorial for blanket made of granny squares, found it here. 🙂 Thank you!
LikeLike
It is wonderful and thanks for the great tutorial !:-)
LikeLike
Gorgeous blanket! How did you block it?
LikeLike
That is gorgeous and I love the bobble edging!
LikeLike
How beautiful, I love it. I’m still working on mine, slowly but surely. I love how you finished with the edging.
LikeLike
Very lovely. Great colors and a great tutorial.
LikeLike
You should do a book. I have never been able to follow directions, but you have made it so clear and easy even I understand them.
LikeLike
Thanks Mary, that’s some lovely feedback! Janette xx
LikeLike
That is so perfectly ended and very neat! I love it.
LikeLike
Thanks Windy!
LikeLike
love all your crochet and your blog – you are an inspiration – thank you for making crochet so much easier with the fantastic colourful instructions
LikeLiked by 1 person
enjoy your blog:) thanks for sharing all you knowledge of crocheting! keep up the good work!
LikeLike
That is so beautiful! I would love to be able to crochet again. In fact, several years ago, I started crocheting my dog a sweater because he is so large I couldn’t find one to fit him. But the arthritis in my thumbs made me stop crocheting. I was sad. 😦
LikeLike
lovey thank you!
LikeLike
i LOVE it, am trying it but… i dont undesrtand it!
LikeLike
What part are you having trouble with?
LikeLike
Ingenious!!!! 🙂 Thanks to this I’ve begun what I’m calling a Moody Gran Blanket – in other words a Granny Square mood blanket. Never made a blanket before so it’s slightly daunting, but who knows??
LikeLike
How many balls of wool did you use for that size blanket? It’s beautiful, lucky bub! I love the join as you go approach I have made many rugs but never joined them that way. Thanks!
LikeLike
Sorry Judy, I couldn’t tell you… they were from my stash- lots of small balls in there 🙂
LikeLike
The baby blanket turned out great! I’m sure the little one will love it, now you need to make Carter one since he can’t have that one! lol, 🙂
LikeLike
I know, I really do need to make a boy one!
LikeLike
Are your crochet patterns in UK or USA terms?
LikeLike
Hi Nina, all patterns are in us terms. J
LikeLike
Love your blanket especially the join as you go. Am having a little difficulty with the joining tutorial as I am left handed. Am an experienced crocheter of 40 or more years & have been able to “translate” patterns with no problem. I think I’m going to have to use a mirror to see exactly where my hook goes. See, I crochet a granny clockwise, not counter clockwise like a right hander. What do you think? Any ideas?
LikeLike
Hi Judy, i can only imagine how hard translating from right to left must be. Have you tried you tube… maybe there are some videos there that might help? Best of luck!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on adornosmalulu.
LikeLike
Love the crocheted material and crochet quilt. Trying to find the pattern. it was a July 22 2015
artical
LikeLike
Reblogged this on crochet1ng.
LikeLike
Your pattern looks absolutely wonderful. Can I get a condensed version of the instructions. I would gladly pay for it. Thanks much. Looking forward to starting it for my granddaughter in sparkly yarn!
LikeLike
Hi Barbara, sorry I cant do that. I’d suggest you just copy and paste the post into a word doc and remove anything you dont think necessary. Hood luck x
LikeLike
Good!!!
LikeLike