Easy Granny Square Blanket Crochet Pattern (Free)

If you've ever wanted to make a blanket but felt it was too big a project, this easy granny square blanket crochet pattern is the perfect place to start. You make one small square at a time, so every evening ends with something finished. Once you have enough squares, you simply join them together.

This free pattern uses only three basic stitches, and every step is explained in plain language.

Why You'll Love This Granny Square Blanket

• Small, portable pieces – each square fits in your bag.
• Only basic stitches – chain, slip stitch and double crochet.
• Easy to resize – add or remove squares to make a baby blanket or a bed throw.
• Calm colors – sage and cream look lovely in any room.

Is This Pattern Good for Beginners?

Yes! If you can make a chain and a double crochet, you can make this blanket. The pattern repeats the same few steps over and over, which makes it a wonderful way to build confidence. New to double crochet? Practice a few rows on a spare chain first.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.
• sp – space: the gap under a chain, where you'll place your stitches.
• corner – the ch-2 space at each corner of the square.

Gauge and Finished Size

• One finished square: 15 × 15 cm (6 × 6 in) after 6 rounds.
• Finished blanket: 75 × 105 cm (30 × 42 in) – 35 squares, 5 across and 7 down.

Gauge simply means "how big your stitches are". If your first square is much smaller, try a bigger hook; if it's bigger, try a smaller hook.

How to Crochet a Granny Square (Step by Step)

Round 1

With sage, ch 4 and join with a sl st into the first chain to make a small ring.

Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc). Work 2 dc into the center of the ring. Ch 2, work 3 dc into the ring. Repeat from * two more times. Ch 2 and join with a sl st to the top of the first ch-3.

You now have: 4 groups of 3 dc and 4 corners.

Round 2

Sl st across the next 2 dc and into the corner space so you're in the right spot to start.

Ch 3, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in the same corner. Ch 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner, ch 1. Repeat from * two more times and join to the top of the ch-3.

You now have: 8 groups of 3 dc (2 on each side).

Round 3

Fasten off sage and join cream in any corner.

Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in that corner. Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space along the side, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner. Repeat around, ending with ch 1, 3 dc in the last side space, ch 1, and join.

Rounds 4–6

Keep working the same way: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in every corner and 3 dc in every ch-1 space along the sides, with ch 1 between groups. Each round adds one more group of 3 dc on every side.

Use this color order: Round 4 sage, Round 5 cream, Round 6 sage.

Beginner tip: weave in your yarn ends after every square. It takes one minute now and saves hours at the end!

Make 35 squares in total.

How to Join Your Granny Squares

1. Lay your squares out on a bed or the floor, 5 across and 7 down.
2. Hold two squares with the right sides facing up, edges side by side.
3. With cream, sl st through the back loops only of both squares, stitch by stitch, along the edge.
4. Join all the rows first, then all the columns.

Joining through the back loops creates a neat, flat ridge that looks like a little frame around each square.

Adding the Border

Join sage in any corner of the blanket. Work 2 rounds of dc all the way around, placing (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each of the 4 corners and 1 dc in every stitch and space along the sides. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Beginner Tips for a Neat Blanket

• Count your groups at the end of every round – it catches mistakes early.
• Keep your tension relaxed. Tight stitches make squares curl.
• Block your squares by pinning them flat, spraying with water and letting them dry. They'll be the same size and much easier to join.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• My square is twisting. You probably missed a ch-1 between groups. Count the spaces on each side.
• My square looks like a circle. Check that you have exactly ch 2 in each corner, not ch 1.
• My squares are different sizes. This usually comes from tension changing. Blocking fixes small differences.

How to Care for Your Blanket

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and dry flat. Cotton-blend yarn gets softer with every wash.

FAQ

How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?

For this 75 × 105 cm throw you need 35 squares. For a baby blanket, 25 squares (5 × 5) works well. For a single bed, try 7 × 10 squares.

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes. Any worsted (weight 4) yarn works. Just check that your first square is close to 15 cm, and adjust your hook size if needed.

How long does it take to make one granny square?

Most beginners take 20–30 minutes per square. You'll get faster after the first few!

Love blankets? Browse more free crochet blanket patterns, or try the quick Daisy Flower Coasters to use up your leftover yarn.