Granny Patchwork Blanket :: Ta-dah!

It's not often I set out to de-stash my yarn as I simply don't consider yarn as something that has to be "used up". I really, really love having a good collection of yarns in the Attic to inspire me with it's cosy charms and colourful possibilities. However, at the end of last summer when I was looking for a holiday project, I decided to try and use up this rather large and unruly pile of leftover Stylecraft Special DK. I thought there would be enough for a modest size blanket without having to buy any more...so it was kind of a de-stashing project by default I guess.

Some of the yarn was left over from my caravan blankets. There are seventeen colours which have become known as "Lucy colours", as follows:

aspen ¦ meadow ¦ spring green ¦ sherbet ¦ cloud blue ¦ turquoise ¦ lavender ¦ aster

wisteria ¦ magenta ¦ clematis ¦ shrimp ¦ plum ¦ fondant ¦ lipstick ¦ saffron ¦ pomegranate

There are also six other colours which were left overs from a friend's blanket, as follows :

teal ¦ claret ¦ violet ¦ denim ¦ emperor ¦ midnight

So this granny square blanket began on 21st August 2012 as a quick and easy holiday project, and you can read all about the start of it's journey in this post.

A month later I had made 84 squares, but the blanket had to be laid aside so I could concentrate on other things. Bower Birds took over for a while, followed by a hat. Then it was a whole heap load of flowers, stars, balls and pom poms, AKA The Christmas Wreath. How could I possibly think of blanket making when The Wreath needed my full undivided attention?! Then there was my feverish Christmas card making, and the completion of my wonderful ripple. It was a busy hooky end to 2012.

I started back with the blanket as soon as the festive period was over, and it was like revisiting a great friend. Granny squares are so quick and easy to make, it almost felt like the blanket was making itself. The colours just sort of fell into place, a mix of 23 shades in a jolly, random riot. Really, this has turned out to be a very relaxed and rather spontaneous blanket, with an ever so slightly haphazard look.

I finished the patchwork of squares a couple weeks ago, 144 in total. But it's taken me an absolute age  to decide what to do with the border. I really struggled trying to come up with a solution, and changed my mind over and over. For a while I thought I might use a single colour to make a wide band around the squares, but I could not for the life of me decide which colour it should be. Eventually I made up my mind and decided what to do, and it was such a releif to get going again. It's fun being on the edge! It's fun to work in lengthy long rows after spending so long doing short ones, and a pleasing rhythm develops.

I have to tell you that Little B is convinced this blanket is his. He is sweetly possessive about it, wrapping it around himself like a cape and getting cross if anyone else dares to use it.  But I have a feeling this will be an On-The-Go blanket, a family blanket that comes out with us on picnics and journeys and holidays. I don't think it'll end up as a sofa blanket, and I think Little B will have to get used to sharing it.

Anyhow, back to the business of making the border....this is how it turned out. Ten rows of granny clusters (the first row is made using this excellent method to prevent the border from ruffling), then my fabby-dabby "Spot-On" edging. This is the same edging I used on my ripple blanket, and I really love the simple effect it creates.

I think borders and edgings on a blanket are a very personal thing, and everyone's approach is different. When I make granny square type blankets, I personally like to see quite a wide border running round. I like to think of the border as a frame, and somehow the busy-ness of all those squares jostling together seems to require a wider frame than say a striped blanket.

So I think now would be a good time to show you how it all came together?

How the riot of colourful squares looked when framed by calming rows of purple and blue?

Oh no, that's not it, that's another Casual Snap!

I need to lay it out for you don't I?

Need to smooth it out and show it in all it's patchwork glory.

Have to do my usual precarious balancing on the arm of the sofa with camera held above my head.

It's not easy photographing blankets you know!

Anyhow....

here it is........................................

Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a colourful, happy-go-lucky, casual blanket this one. Made for fun times, holidays and journeys. For parks and beaches and riverbanks.

I am really, really looking forward to using it. I'm looking forward to laying it down on some fresh green grass and seeing all those colourful, happy patchwork squares sitting in the landscape.

I tried to photograph it on my bed to give you an idea of it's size. It measures 130cm², so not enormous, but hoping it'll be just right as a lovely Useful Blanket to fold up and take out and about.

For the time being though, as we are still in the depths of Winter and not planning on sitting around in the park or on a riverbank for a while yet, the blanket has joined my ripples on the sofa.

It looks good actually, and I love walking into the room and seeing it there.

What do you make of the colours? It's slightly different to my usual creations due to the dark tones I've used in with my usual mid-tones. I did keep an eye on those dark colours and tried to space them out quite evenly, but truthfully I didn't labour over the colour placement at all. I tried just to let it happen.

I wanted to show you these two pictures side by side to show the calming effect of the border. You can see how important it is to get the border right in terms of colours and size. I think I hit it pretty spot on.

Whilst making this Granny Patchwork, I've received many questions about how I make my granny squares and what pattern I use. My squares are quite dense with small holes, as I decided to drop the chain spaces along the sides. So my basic method involves making a chain-2 in the corners, but NO chain spaces along the sides.

I thought it might help if I write out the pattern.........

chain 4, join to make a ring.
ROUND 1 ::
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), 2tr’s into ring, chain 2, 3 tr’s, ch 2, 3tr’s, ch 2, 3 tr’s, ch 2, sl st into 3rd ch of initial ch 3 to close round. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

ROUND 2 ::
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 2tr’s into the first corner space. NO CHAINS ALONG SIDES!
{So in next corner space, work 3 tr’s, ch 2, 3 tr’s}.
Repeat between {} twice more, then in the very first corner space work 3 tr’s, ch 2, then sl st into 3rd ch of initial ch 3 to close round. DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

ROUND 3 ::
chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 2tr’s into the first corner space. NO CHAINS ALONG SIDES!
3tr’s into side space, {3 tr’s, ch 2, 3 tr’s into corner space, 3tr’s into side space}
repeat between {} twice more, then in the very first corner space work 3 tr’s, ch 2, then sl st into 3rd ch of initial ch 3 to close round.

ROUND 4 and 5 ::
chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 2tr’s into the first corner space. NO CHAINS ALONG SIDES!
3tr’s into each side space, {3 tr’s, ch 2, 3 tr’s into corner space, 3tr’s into each side space}
repeat between {} twice more, then in the very first corner space work 3 tr’s, ch 2, then sl st into 3rd ch of initial ch 3 to close round.

I used the Join-As-You-Go method to join the squares.

This morning I photographed a tutorial to show you how to make my Spot-on Edging as so many of you have been asking for the pattern. Hoping to have that written up in the next few days, then it's on to new things.....

....this is what is left of my Stylecraft yarn. Some colours are more or less completely gone, but I think there is enough left to make a little cushion. I have a new design just busting to come out of my Creative Mind, I can't wait to get started.

Before we go, shall we have one more look at the Granny Patchwork blanket?

Awwwwww pretty-pretty.

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 PS....Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss the Bower Bird Pattern, I know, it's taking so long and I am sorry. Its quite a complex pattern and although I've made the photographs already, it'll be a full days work to upload and make the writing. I will try very soon, I know so many of you are waiting. x

Edit to add :: one more picture.....

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Comments

[Linda]

What size needle will I need?

[Julie Capel]

I love this blanket and it has given me inspiration to start a blanket for Project Linus from my evergrowing stash/leftovers! Love that elephant too. X

[Melissa Mendoza]

What size hook was used for this pattern please?

[Geena johnson]

If you all have any scrap yarn to give away send to me at 274 Rey street San Francisco California 94134

[Geena johnson]

Attic24 beautiful and bright I love it all

[Ronel Elliott]

Made this previously and gave to a friend for her birthday. I love it, think I'm going to make another one during our lockdown period. Love your site.

[Catherine McClarey]

I have mostly Aran/worsted-weight yarn in my stash, so I expect I'd probably end up with a larger blanket (or need fewer squares to have enough for a similar-size blanket) using that and an appropriate-size hook (maybe a 6mm/J hook?). I'm guessing you probably used a 4mm hook with the Stylecraft Special DK. Lovely wide border! I usually go for a "granny round" or two, or at most 4 rounds of half double crochet (UK half treble crochet), but that's mostly because I'm usually tired and impatient to be done by the time I get to joining squares and adding a border.

[Zoe Gallagher]

I made it!!! Chose 9 bright colours of same wool type. It looks fabulous. I love your instructions. Sometimes I understand the step-by-step pictures, sometimes I suddenly get it from the written out pattern. Your detail is so so helpful.
I red a rest before I move onto the border now.
Thanks

[vanessa webster]

can you tell me how many sts do i put on for 6inch square please

[Danielle]

Love your amazing patterns 💓.Are your stitch term UK or US ? I never made a granny square blanket you inspired me to make one.🌞

[Joan Musgjerd]

I was wondering what size crochet needle you need

[Caroline E. Gillott]

where is the "spot on edging" pattern?

[Rachel]

I am looking to start an ‘Elmer’ style blanket project for my Elmer obsessed 2 year old and stumbled across your post. Absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for the inspiration 💕

[Paulene]

I just came across this today after a failed attempt at making a gift for a dear friend who is going to have to get an IOU for Christmas. This I know I could do. What weight was the weight of the yarn you made this with?

[Sarah darcy]

Please can you do a tutorial on this granny square pattern. I have been having a go but am dyslexic which is why your visual tutorials are fab but can’t figure out this pattern but would love to make this blanket as my first blanket ever. Thanks in hopeful advance

[Victoria Mier]

I love these granny squares, better than the usual ones - thank you for the pattern! I think I'm going to make an Elmer blanket when I've finished the Moorland CAL. (Six colours and the border to go!) Maybe using the cosy stripe yarn pack, I love those colours.

[Carol D]

You can learn to crochet - from tutorials right here on Lucy's site. There are many others, too.
One is Dedri Uys (www.lookatwhatimade.net) and video tutorials on Moogly and other sites as well. Just type Learn Crochet in Google search and you'll find more than you need.
I learned so much from Lucy. In fact, I hadn't picked up a hook for more than 25 years and suddenly wanted to do it again. I found Lucy's site first - and my first project here was Lucy's Blooming Pillow. (you'll find it listed in sidebar) - following Lucy, I had no problem - and I STILL LOVE my Blooming Pillow!
Thank you, thank you, Lucy! I love you. If I ever get back to England, I'm going to make it a point to visit the Attic 24 Studio!

[Karol Jelbert]

I want to start a new granny blanket and like the autumn brown, red, yellow, orange colours but can't find a pattern or chart to say how many balls I need. I like the one by the fire on the sofa in your sitting room.
Love your work.
Karol Jelbert

[Veronica Rogers]

Hi Lucy,
Have you written a pattern for this blanket? I would love to have a go at it and could probably take a guess at most of the colours but I can't see the dark colours properly. (Midnight and emperor). I would love a bit of help if you are fee to do so.
Many thanks.

[Kathleen Johnson]

do you sell any of your creations or do you custom make any?

ps love your work, great colors.

[Maggie Berry]

I'm sure I saw a lovely cream and light brown or fawn, crochet rug on one of your pages, have not been able to find it since. I think it was on display in a room. I would like to at some stage crochet a cream rug with just a touch of beige or fawn. Love your site, lots of great ideas.

[Beverly Lemoine]

So, I think I understand, but do I "join as you go" in round 5 of the squares?

[Granny Square]

Hello!

Is there a bundle pack available in your shop for this pattern? I would love to be able to get the right yarn/colours!

[Pam]

Hi Lucy
Have just completed blanket and added bobble edging only crocheted edging before. Thanks for inspiration. Working with colours brightened up winter. Started out as stash busting but then bought more colours!
Next project CAL

[Susanna Finch]

Dear Lucy

When you have a moment I would prefer to do the border fir this blanket on the stripes blanket. Only got to colour no. 7 so no rush. When you have a moment perhaps you could send to me. Many thanks.