Classic Elite Yarns Crochet Granny Square Blanket Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Crochet Granny Square Blanket

Project Overview

The Classic Elite Yarns Crochet Granny Square Blanket is a timeless blanket design originally published in Fall 2012 in the Liberty Wool Baby collection. This project features the traditional granny square motif worked in crochet, making it an ideal choice for crafters seeking a classic, versatile throw or baby blanket. The design combines multiple granny squares into a cohesive blanket using color changes and strategic joining techniques.

Techniques Used

This blanket employs several key crochet techniques to create its finished structure:

• Worked in the Round: The granny squares are constructed by working in circular rounds, starting from a center ring and expanding outward with each subsequent round.
• Seamless Construction: The blanket utilizes seamless joining methods, allowing new colors to be incorporated smoothly without visible seams between color transitions.
• Stripes: Color changes are integrated throughout the design, creating visual interest and allowing crafters to work with a wide range of printed colors without requiring multiple yarn colors for individual squares.
• Color Joining: The pattern includes a specific technique for joining new yarn colors by working the final slip stitch of a round in both the new and old color together before breaking and dropping the old color.

Stitches Used

The Classic Elite Yarns Crochet Granny Square Blanket utilizes fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch created by wrapping yarn around the crochet hook and drawing it through the loop on the hook, repeated to form the required number of chains.
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch created by yarning over the hook, inserting into the indicated stitch, pulling up a loop, then drawing yarn through two loops on the hook twice in succession.
• Single Crochet (sc): A short, tight stitch created by inserting the hook into the indicated stitch, pulling up a loop, and drawing yarn through both loops on the hook.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): A joining stitch used to connect rounds and join new colors, created by inserting the hook into the indicated stitch and drawing yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook in one motion.

Granny Square Construction

The blanket begins with individual granny squares worked from the center outward. Each square starts with a chain foundation that is joined into a ring using a slip stitch. The first round establishes the basic granny square structure with double crochet clusters separated by chain spaces at each corner. Subsequent rounds expand the square by adding additional double crochet clusters and chain spaces, creating the characteristic open, lacy appearance of traditional granny squares. The corner spaces receive special attention with increased stitch counts to maintain the square shape as the design grows.

Materials

This project is worked using Liberty Wool yarn from Classic Elite Yarns, a wool-based yarn suitable for blankets and throws. The pattern is designed to work with a smaller crochet hook for the granny squares, though the specific hook size and yarn weight details are referenced in the complete pattern instructions. The gauge for this project is noted as not crucial to success, allowing crafters to work at a tension that pleases them and adjust the final blanket size by working the border when the blanket reaches the desired dimensions. Crafters working with a looser gauge than stated may require additional yardage to complete the blanket as shown.

Skill Level

Designed by Susan Mills, this blanket is rated as an Easy skill level project, making it accessible to beginning and intermediate crocheters. The straightforward granny square construction and basic stitch requirements provide an excellent foundation for learning classic crochet techniques while creating a beautiful, functional finished piece.