Every crocheter knows of the classic ‘Granny Squares’ – whether you made them or not. Well, before you start working in granny squares, consider using its simplest repeat stitch to make a a blanket in granny rows – free crochet pattern.
Granny Rows Crochet Blanket Pattern
You cannot get a simpler way to make a crochet blanket till your yarn runs out: just crochet this repeat stitch in stripes or color blocks. Granny rows are also often used to create borders around blankets made of granny blocks.
Now let’s translate those 4 sides of the granny square, into a granny rows.
Stitch Legend
CH – chain
DC – double crochet
SP – space
ST – stitch
SK – skip
TOW – turn over work.
Crochet Pattern
How many chains do you need for a granny stripe blanket? It should always be multiples of 3.
Pick a blanket width that suits you, although blankets do come in particular sizes. Gauge is not important. Just use a crochet hook that matches the thickness of your yar n. So, in your chosen yarn, and on your chosen hook, make a chain of say 20-30 stitches, and measure your work. Determine how much wider you’d like your blanket to be. Now, translate that into your desired width by prorating the number of stitches accordingly.
How do you crochet a granny stitch in a row?
So easy!
To get started, CH 3, e.g. 50x 3. + CH 3 more, which will be your first stitch on your next row. TOW.
ROW 1: 2DC in 3rd st from hook, * (sk next 2 st, 3DC in next st). Repeat from * till end of row. + CH 3 more, which will be a short chain-section for your next row. TOW.
ROW 2: (sk first 3DC and make 3DC in each of the sp between DC- clusters throughout the row. End with DC in the last DC. + CH 3. TOW
ROW 3: add 2DC in the first st. to make your first cluster of 3DC. Then, * work 3DC in sp between DC clusters, rep fr * ; end with 3DC in the last DC. + CH 3. TOW
Alternate rows 2 and 3.
Design Your Granny Row Blanket with Color
Your colors, and how you are alternating/layering them, will have a HUGE impact on how ‘amazing’ your blanket will look. If you are going to make a striped blanket, either stick to a simple alternating color pattern, or pre-design your color swaps so that there’s no disappointment later on and the project will look ‘even’. Here are some Illustrations on color effects ,and how to get it right.
1 Color for Zen-like Simplicity
To create a calm, soothing blanket, consider making your granny stitch rows all in a single color. Making this will bring you into a zen state, no doubt! It’s an easy repeat. And it will be the least amount of fuss when it comes to color management, making this a very fast project – no matter what you’re making.
Now, before you delve into the color patterns below, consider making it all wheat color as above with just a few rows in the form of ‘a grain sack stripe‘… Just a thought..
2:1 White:Color Granny Rows
In this vintage blanket, all the colors of the rainbow are used. And each colored row is alternated with two rows of off-white. Stunning results, if you as me. Be sure to line up your colors before you begin! Also, note the ‘polka dot’ effect by having 2 white rows around each color row.
1:1 Whimsy
A different color in every row can look really fun, particularly for smaller items. Great way to use up remnants but again, be sure to plan your colors ahead of time, otherwise a hat like this looks a mess. I can easily see this hat in ‘ombre’ color blocks, or all black with 1 row of gray..
2:2 Color ripples aka mini chevrons
Here is yet another look! This mini ‘chevron’ effect is created by doing 2 rows of each color.
Ppick colors that work well together, like aqua, red and cream, and you get a marvellous piece with little effort.
Bulk it up!
This super bulky scarf made with granny rows in a 3 color repeat, It is a great example on how to pick the right colors, and then do something unique: like bulking it up. A scarf like this does not really need a pattern, but you will need to work with 2-3 strands together. Or opt for rather bulky yarn.
Mixed Success!
Here the granny rows use for the edges feature the same ultra bright-colors as the granny squares in the blanket. And then several rows of white are used to let the colors pop even more. A happy hippy look results.
I hope you’re inspired!