Easy granny square afghan. Free directions on how to make one of your own. This one was made in memory of my sister’s mother-in-law. This is her yarn color
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Easy Crochet Granny Square Afghan
Making a Granny Square Afghan can be addicting. After researching a few patterns, I tried my hand at making one myself. Addicted is all I can say after making my first one. This one, I gave to my sister and her family
Make the afghan the size you want it.
You can make this afghan any size. Just keep going until you reach the desired size, or run out of yarn.
In Memory of Florence
This afghan was made in memory of a loved one. My bother-in-law of many years recently lost his mom. My sister was helping clean out the house when she found a bag of yarn, a started project, and a crochet hook. She gave it to me, but I decided to make something to give back to them as a last gift from her.
Out of the yarn she gave me, I was able to make a blanket for my sister and brother-in-law. Additionally, I also made a table cloth for each daughter and son; they loved their crochet item in memory of their grandmother.
It makes me so Happy that they loved the results and it was meaningful for all of them.
Great Colors
Truly, I was at a loss on what to do with the yarn. I loved the color combination, but was struggling with what to make. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to use the yarn and her crochet hook to make something to give to the family.
After thinking for a few weeks, I decided to try making a granny square afghan. There are many great patterns available and examples. However, I learned from the very clear and detailed tutorial on this site The Humble Granny Square.
I am Hooked!
Since learning how to do this type of project, I have been finding all kinds of creative projects. One is the granny square tablecloths that I made for my nieces and nephew from this yarn, that pattern is available here Granny Square Tablecloth Pattern.
The granny square is worked from the center to the outer edge in rounds. Therefore, as you complete each round the blanket continues to grow.
Directions: Granny Square Afghan
Gauge
Approximately 12 DC per 4 inches. I used a larger crochet hook than what the yarn called for; therefore, I had less stitches per inch for my gauge.
Size
My blanket measured approximately 44 X 44 inches square.
Materials:
Size K Boye crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
less than 1.5 skeins of each color of yarn
Claret color Red Heart approximately 550 yards
Buff color Red Heart approximately 550 yards
Coffee color Red Heart approximately 550 yards
Medium Thyme color Red Heart approximately 550 yards
Abbreviations:
CH = Chain
DC = Double Crochet
SC = Single Crochet
SL ST = Slip Stitch
SP = Space
ST = Stitch
STs = Stitches
Directions: Granny Square Afghan
Begin by making 5 chains (ch), join with a slip stitch to the 5th chain from hook to form a ring.
Round 1:
For this round, you will be working inside the ring. chain 3 and count this chain 3 as your first DC of this round and throughout the entire pattern. continuing working in the ring, work 2 DC. Then chain 3. 3 DC, CH 3, 3DC, CH3, 3DC, CH3 and join into the top of the beginning chain. This join completes the first shell of the first round. (note, you should have 4 clusters of 3 DC with 4 areas of CH 3 between)
Round 2:
CH 4 (This will count as your first DC plus a 1 CH). Then in the first CH 3 SP, [3 DC, 3 CH, 3 DC and CH 1]. Continue the stitch pattern between the [ ] until the last CH 3 SP. In the last CH 3 SP, work the 3 DC, 3 CH, then work only 2 DC and join with a SL into the 3rd chain of the beginning CH STs. This join will complete the round. (You should have 8 shells, 4 chain 3 spaces, and 4 CH 1 spaces).
Round 3:
CH 3 (Counts as a DC), Insert the hook into the CH 1 SP from the previous row, (Should be right where the previous row ended). YO and work a DC, Insert hook again, YO and DC. (This completes your first 3 DC in the round). CH 1. [In the corner CH 3 SP work (3 DC, 3 CH, 3 DC. and CH 1)]. In the next CH 1 SP work 3 DC and 1 CH]. Repeat between [ ] 3 more times until all 4 sides are complete. After the last DC in the CH 3 space CH 1 and SL ST into the top ST of the first DC of this round. (You should have 12 shells and 12 spaces after the completion of this round).
Continue working round 2 and 3 until your project is the desired size that you wish.
Finishing Off
Finish off with two rounds of double crochet Claret. In the corners, I did three double crochet to reduce any chance of bunching. This helps it lay flat.
Color Rows for Pattern
Starting in the middle, two rounds of Claret. Change colors.
- Two rounds of medium Thyme. Change colors.
- Two rounds of Coffee. Change colors.
- Two rounds of Buff. Change colors.
- Claret-Three rounds. Change colors.
- Three rounds of medium Thyme. Change colors.
- Coffee-Three rounds. Change colors.
- Three rounds of Buff. Change colors.
- Claret-Three rounds. Change colors.
- Three rounds of medium Thyme.
- Change colors. Coffee-Three rounds. Change colors.
- Three rounds of Buff. Change colors.
- Claret-Three rounds.
Finishing
Weave in yarn ends and cut off the extra yarn.
Truly a Joy to Crochet This Blanket
When I gave the afghan to my sister and brother-in-law, it was a wonderful and special moment.
Even my brother-in-law recognized his mother’s crochet hook!
He said that he would always see her using just that one. (I gave back the hook with the afghan as I thought it would be a special memory when given back together).
Then I had made smaller granny square table cloths from my nephew and nieces. They too were teary eyed when they received their special gift.
I truly feel blessed to have the gift of crochet. What a wonderful memory and I hope, a long, lasting memory for my family. We miss you and love you Florence.
Two Videos on Granny Square Basics
Here is a video tutorial on making a granny square.
Here is video tutorial on changing colors when making a granny square
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