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Magic Pink Granny Square Blanket

f you’re looking for a free granny square blanket pattern, this colourful crochet blanket is a wonderful project for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Made from 25 traditional granny squares joined using the join-as-you-go method, it comes together surprisingly quickly and finishes with a classic granny stitch border. The finished blanket measures approximately 102 × 102 cm, making it ideal as a lap blanket, baby blanket or cosy throw.

Whether you use my colour palette or choose your own favourite shades, this is a timeless blanket you’ll enjoy making. If you’re choosing your own colours, my Crochet Colour Palette Library has plenty of inspiration.

Why You’ll Love this Project

  • Uses classic granny squares
  • Join-as-you-go means minimal sewing
  • Easy to customise in any size
  • Great stash-busting project
  • Suitable for any colour palette

Crochet Level

This pattern is suitable for confident beginners and beyond. You’ll need to be comfortable crocheting in the round, changing colours and working traditional granny squares. The blanket is joined using the join-as-you-go method, although you can sew the squares together instead if you prefer.

Materials

Yarn – You will need approximately 9 balls of DK yarn (approximately 900g or 9 x 295m). I used Stylecraft Special DK (100% Acrylic) in the following colours.

  • 2 x 100g Bright Pink
  • 2 x 100g White
  • 2 x 100g Grey
  • 1 x 100g Clematis
  • 1 x 100g Wisteria
  • 1 x 100g Sherbet

Hook – 4 mm or hook size to achieve gauge (I used a 3.5mm hook as my tension is loose).

Scissors

Yarn needle to weave in the ends

Finished Size

Approximately 102cm x 102cm.

You can easily make this blanket larger or smaller by adding or removing granny squares. Adjust the yarn quantities accordingly.

Gauge

5 rounds in pattern = 10cm x 10cm, adjust hook size as necessary

Abbreviations/Crochet terminology

UK crochet terms are used throughout. If you’re more familiar with US terminology, see my UK vs US Crochet Terms conversion guide. If you’re new to crochet, my Crochet Terms & Abbreviations guide explains all of the stitches used in this pattern.

  • Ss        slip stitch
  • Tr         treble crochet
  • Ch        chain
  • * *       Instructions between asterisks will be repeated as specified in the instructions

Before You Begin

  • UK crochet terminology is used throughout.
  • Turn after every round to keep the square even.
  • Weave in ends as you go.
  • Read all notes before starting.

Notes on the Granny Square

The blanket is made using traditional granny squares worked in rounds of treble crochet clusters. Each cluster is worked into the space between the clusters from the previous round, while the corners are worked into the chain-1 corner spaces. This creates the classic granny square design and soon becomes easy to memorise.

The pattern uses one chain in each corner, although you can use two chains if you prefer a slightly more open corner. I also recommend turning your work after every round and starting each new round in a different corner to help keep your squares even and reversible.

Instructions

This blanket is made from 25 granny squares arranged in a 5 × 5 layout. There are six different colour combinations (Squares A–F). Make:

  • Square A × 5
  • Square B × 4
  • Square C × 4
  • Square D × 4
  • Square E × 4
  • Square F × 4

The pattern is based on the traditional Granny Square.

Round 1 (Yarn colours are for Square A): 

  • Using Bright Pink yarn Chain 4, ss into the first chain to form a ring (or make a magic circle).
  • Chain 3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr into the ring, ch1, 3tr, ch1, 3tr, ch1, 3tr, ch1.
  • ss into the top of the starting chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off yarn. Weave in ends.

Round 2:

  • Turn work over. Using Sherbet colour yarn. Pull up a loop in any chain 1 space (try to start each round in a different corner).
  • Ch3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr into same space.
  • *3tr in next chain 1 space, ch1, 3 tr into same space*
  • Repeat from *to* until you reach the space where you started the round, 3tr into space, ch1, ss into top of starting chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off yarn. Weave in ends.

Round 3:

  • Turn work over. Using White colour yarn. Pull up a loop in any chain 1 space.
  • Ch3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr into same space.
  • *3tr in next space formed by the gap between the two treble clusters from the round below, in the chain 1 corner space work [3tr, ch1, 3 tr]*.
  • Repeat from *to* until you reach the starting space, work 3tr, ch1 and ss into the top of the starting chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off yarn. Weave in ends.

Round 4:

  • Turn work over. Using Wisteria colour yarn. Pull up a loop in any chain 1 space.
  • Ch3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr into same space.
  • *3tr in each space formed by the gap between the treble clusters from the round below, in the chain 1 corner space work [3tr ch1, 3tr]*.
  • Repeat from *to* until you reach the starting space, work 3tr, ch1 and ss into the top of the starting chain 3 to close the round. Fasten off yarn. Weave in ends.

Rounds 5-8:

  • As for round 4 following the colour order (Grey, Clematis, Bright Pink and White for square A).

Colour Order for Squares A–F

Colour order chart showing the six granny square colour combinations used in the blanket.

Arrangement of Squares

Arrange the 25 squares as follows:

Layout diagram showing how to arrange the 25 granny squares before joining.

Joining the Squares

Join the squares using the join-as-you-go method using the Grey yarn. This means that as you work a 9th round on each of the squares using the Grey yarn, you slip stitch to the adjacent square in the space between the treble clusters.

First, complete the 9th round of the first Granny Square using the Grey yarn. In subsequent squares when you work the 9th round using the Grey yarn, work a slip stitch to the adjacent square in the space between the treble clusters.

Join-as-you-go method showing a granny square being joined to an adjacent square using slip stitches.

When you reach the corner instead of working a chain 1 to form the corner, insert a slip stitch in the chain 1 corner space of the adjacent square. Then switch back to work a treble cluster back in the corner square of the square you are working on.

Join-as-you-go method showing a granny square being joined to an adjacent square using slip stitches at the corners

When getting to a junction where more than two squares meet, insert the slip stitch into the chain 1 corner space of the diagonal square (this avoids a hole being left in the middle).

Joining a third square using the join-as-you-go method

Join all of the 25 squares.

More details on the join-as-you-go joining method can be found here.

If you do not wish to use the join-as-you-go method, you can complete round 9 using Grey yarn for all the squares and then sew the squares together.

Border

Once all 25 squares have been joined, you’re ready to add the finishing border. The border is worked in classic granny stitch rounds and neatly frames the blanket.

The border is simply 8 rows of treble clusters worked in the same way as the individual granny squares as follows.

  • Border Round 1: Using Grey yarn, pull up a loop in any of the chain 1 corner spaces. Ch3 (counts as 1tr), work 2tr in same space, work 3tr in each space between the treble clusters formed in the row below. When you reach the point where two squares are joined with a slip stitch, work 3 trebles in the slip stitch (instead of working 3tr in each corner space) and then continue working 3tr in each space along. When you reach the corner, work [3tr, ch1, 3tr]. Continue working around the blanket in the same way – 3tr in each space and [3tr, ch1, 3tr] in the corner spaces. When you reach the starting corner work [3tr, ch1] and then ss into the top of the chain 3 you made at the start of the round. DO NOT FASTEN OFF. Turn work, ss into the ch1 corner space you just made.
  • Border Round 2: Continue with the Grey yarn, ch3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr in same space. Continue around the blanket working 3tr in each space between treble clusters from the row below working [3tr, ch1, 3tr] in each corner. When you reach the starting corner ss into the top of the chain 3 you made at the start of the round. DO NOT FASTEN OFF. Turn work, ss into the ch1 corner space you just made.
  • Border Round 3: Continue with the Grey yarn, ch3 (counts as 1tr), 2tr in same space. Continue around the blanket working 3tr in each space between treble clusters from the row below working [3tr, ch1, 3tr] in each corner. When you reach the starting corner ss into the top of the chain 3 you made at the start of the round. Fasten off.
  • Border Round 4: Turn the work over. Using White yarn pull up a loop in any of the chain 1 corner spaces. Ch3, work 2tr in same space, work 3tr in each space between the treble clusters formed in the row all the way round the whole of the blanket, working [3tr, ch1, 3tr] in each corner. When you reach the starting corner ss into the top of the chain 3 you made at the start of the round. Fasten off.
  • Border Round 5: Repeat round 4 using Sherbet yarn.
  • Border Round 6: Repeat round 4 using Wisteria yarn.
  • Border Round 7: Repeat round 4 using Clematis yarn.
  • Border Round 8: Repeat round 4 using Bright Pink yarn.
  • Weave in ends.
Close-up of the granny stitch border on the finished granny square blanket.

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Still have a question? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making this granny square blanket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners make this granny square blanket?

Yes! This pattern is suitable for confident beginners who are comfortable working basic crochet stitches and crocheting in the round. If you already know how to make a traditional granny square, you’ll find this blanket straightforward to follow. I’ve also included links to my granny square and join-as-you-go tutorials if you need extra guidance.

How long does it take to crochet a granny square blanket?

The time it takes depends on your crochet speed and how much time you have to crochet. Many crocheters complete this blanket over several weeks by making a few squares at a time. Because it’s made from individual granny squares, it’s an easy project to pick up and put down whenever you have a spare moment.

Can I make the blanket larger or smaller?

Absolutely! Simply add or remove granny squares to create your preferred blanket size. Remember that you’ll need to adjust the amount of yarn required if you change the size of the blanket.

Do I have to use the join-as-you-go method?

No. The join-as-you-go method is my preferred way of joining granny squares because it saves sewing the squares together afterwards, but you can complete all of the squares first and then sew or crochet them together using your favourite joining method instead.

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes. Any DK (light worsted/#3) yarn with a similar gauge will work well. Just remember that changing the yarn or hook size may affect the finished size of your blanket, so it’s worth making a gauge swatch before you begin.

What is the finished size of the blanket?

Using the recommended yarn and hook size, the finished blanket measures approximately 102 × 102 cm (40 × 40 inches). This makes it a lovely lap blanket, baby blanket or small throw.

Should I block my granny squares?

Blocking isn’t essential, but it can help your granny squares become more even and make joining them together easier. If your squares are all measuring the correct size and lying flat, you may decide to skip this step.

How much yarn do I need?

You’ll need approximately 900 g of DK yarn (around 2,655 metres / 2,904 yards). The sample blanket uses nine 100 g balls of Stylecraft Special DK in six different colours, but you can easily substitute your own favourite colour palette.

Can I use fewer or more colours?

Yes! This blanket is easy to customise with any colour combination you like. Try using a single colour for a classic look, a limited palette for a modern design, or lots of leftover yarn to create a colourful stash-busting blanket.

Is this pattern written in UK or US crochet terms?

This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology. If you’re used to US terms, you may find my UK vs US Crochet Terms guide helpful before you begin.

Can I make this blanket as a baby blanket?

Yes. The finished blanket already makes a lovely baby blanket, but you can also make a smaller version by crocheting fewer granny squares. Simply adjust the number of squares and yarn quantities to suit your preferred size.

I hope you enjoy making this colourful granny square blanket as much as I enjoyed designing it. Traditional granny squares are one of the most relaxing crochet projects, and because you can mix and match colours, every blanket becomes completely unique.

If you make one, I’d love to see it. Share your finished blanket and tag me on Instagram @thecrochetswirl so I can see your beautiful colour choices.