How Many Granny Squares to Make a Blanket?

How many granny squares do you need to make a blanket if this is your first time knitting? Here is the answer.

One question many people have when embarking on a project is “How many granny squares to make a blanket?” 88 blocks, each measuring 48 x 66 inches, are needed to make an average-sized blanket.

Having a solid foundation in granny square construction will enable you to create anything from a blanket to a purse. Read this article to discover more information about granny squares.

How Many Granny Squares to Make a Blanket?

The kind of Granny block you’re making and the yarn you’re using will really determine this. Larger squares are produced by more rounds and thicker yarn than by fewer rounds and thin yarn.

For reference, a five-round square made with double knit weight yarn is approximately 10 cm (4 in) square. So let’s use that as our estimate. Read More: How Much Yarn Do You Need for a Blanket?

Baby Blanket

Let’s say you want to crochet a baby blanket and are wondering how many Grannies it will take to get a sizeable blanket.

How big do you want your baby blanket to be? is the first query. My standard dimensions for baby blankets are 80 x 100 cm (31.5 x 39.5 in) and 100 x 120 cm (39.5 x 47.25 in) for larger play blankets. For a small baby blanket, you would need 8 x 10 squares, and for a larger play blanket, you would need 10 x 12 squares. Of course, excluding any edges.

Make fewer squares if you wish. You just need to make each square one more round. As a result, fewer squares will be required to achieve the same size because each square will be larger.

Afghans

Afghans and throws operate on the same principles. The number of granny squares you need to make a big afghan depends on the size of each motif and the final blanket’s finished size. Let’s say you want your afghan to be about 120 x 150 cm (47.45 x 59 in). That means you’ll need 12 x 15 = 180 squares if each of your individual squares is 10 cm square.

Now, if you double the number of rounds for each motif, each Granny would measure 20 cm square, and you only need half that number. Just keep in mind that 150 is not divisible by 20, so you can either make your blanket 140cm (55in) long or add an extra row of motif rows.

Any project type can be used with the aforementioned method. For example, 4 smaller squares each made of 7 rounds can be used to make potholders instead of one large square with 14 rounds. Many Grannies, each of which has one or two rounds, or large ones stacked on top of one another can be used to create scarves. It’s up to you!

How Can I Join My Granny Squares?

Granny Squares are symmetrical on both sides, which is one of their most attractive features. This indicates that the locations of clusters and chains on each square are the same if you place them next to one another. This facilitates understanding of joining.

A join-as-you-go joining is the simplest method. This kind of joining is done as you work on the final round of your square. As in previous rounds, you now make slip stitches in the chain space of the opposing motif rather than chains between clusters. This instantly links your grandmother to the other motif(s).

Alternatively, you can also use joins such as:

• Whipstitch join (as seen in the Little Lily baby blanket!)
• Single crochet join
• Flat zipper join

If desired, you could also reuse additional decorative joins in the blanket border. Although they are a little more sophisticated, the end result is breathtaking.

Why Does My Granny Square Look Crooked?

After some time, a Granny Square (or any pattern worked in the round) may appear off-center. This is due to the natural slant of crochet stitches, which is to the right (or left if you’re lefthanded).

If you keep working rounds without turning your work, this slanting will eventually cause your corners to shift, making your Granny Square appear crooked.

Turning After Each Round

Fortunately, this can be fixed. Turning your Granny Square after every round is the simplest method. Reversible Classical Granny Squares, which can be made using this technique, work perfectly.

Turn your granny square over so the back is facing you after you’ve completed the first round. After that, follow the second round’s pattern instructions. Turn your work over once more after finishing the second round, this time with the front facing you.

The slanting that occurs when you consistently keep the same side facing you can be offset by working in rounds in this manner, and your square will be perfectly straight as a result.

If you make Classical Grannies, this method will work best. This turning technique won’t work if you’re crocheting more complex designs with a pattern that isn’t repetitive, such as those with a flower in the center. You don’t want the reverse of your motif to contain half of your flower!

Blocking Your Grannies

Blocking is a different technique you can use to align your motif. The act of blocking involves soaking your motif and allowing it to dry precisely in place. Smaller motifs without a significant offset work best for this.

My in-depth blocking tutorial, which walks you through the process step-by-step for blocking your Granny Squares and other projects, contains all the information you need to know about blocking.

What Exactly is a Granny Square?

The most basic crochet block is a granny square. The Classic Granny Square is a square motif made out of clusters (groups) of three double crochets. Granny Squares have historically been made in all different sizes and shapes.

Rounds are used to complete this task, and new clusters are added to your motif with each round. The outcome is a square motif with clusters of stitches.

It’s not entirely clear where the name “Granny Squares” originated. According to a common myth, grandmothers used all kinds of leftover fabric to make clothing and blankets for their family in the past when they were unable to assist with manual labor or household tasks.

These patterns were given the nickname “Granny Squares” because Grandma would frequently make them because they lend themselves so well to scraps.

Is a Granny Square Easy for Beginners?

A Granny Square is perfect for beginners, for multiple reasons:

1. The motif is easy. Chains, slip stitches, and double crochets are the basic building blocks of a granny square. A beginner can make all three of these stitches because they are fundamental ones for crochet.
2. The stitch rhythm is repetitive. This makes it easier for you to understand the pattern and how the stitches produce the motif. In turn, this will assist you in getting ready for crochet motifs that are more complex.
3. A granny is easy to adjust in size. You can create countless variations because a square can be grown to any desired size. Granny blanket with one square? Joined square shopping bag, go ahead. You choose whether to use two-round or ten-round squares. You decide entirely!

Conclusion: Granny Squares to Make a Blanket

49 granny squares are required to make a baby blanket that measures 42 inches all the way around. There are 225 granny square blocks required to make a 90-inch wide king-sized bedspread.

This article should assist you in getting the most out of your motifs. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to respond!

Read More:

• Throw Blanket Size: Which is Right for You?
• How to Fold a Blanket? 4 Methods

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