How to Make a Modern Granny Square Crochet Blanket

Today is the day! The Granny Pop Afghan is finally here! I have a little obsession with the classic crochet granny square, biting my tongue until the time comes to share the “why” behind this obsession.

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About the Afghan

The project is a beautiful blanket with a modern twist on the classic crochet granny square design. The afghan is constructed using 4×4 granny squares in three vibrant colors and joint together with black to make the colors pop! It is a beginner friendly project which makes it the perfect family heirloom YOU can make with this free pattern.

Why heirloom you ask? Crochet blankets have been heirlooms for quite some time! Passed down through generations by the hands that make the blanket they hold so much history and stories of a family. Here, the afghan was made using an anti-pilling yarn which is made to last the test of time!

The Granny Pop Afghan Pattern

Get the crochet kit on the Lion Brand Yarn website for all the yarn and the free pattern here

You can get the ad-free PDF pattern here.

For this pattern you will need the following:

• 4.0 mm crochet hook
• weight 4 (medium) yarn
• scissors
• tapestry needle to seam squares and weave in the ends

Get the crochet kit here for all the yarn and a copy of the pattern.

The pattern is written for three sizes: Baby (39×61 in), throw (49×61 in), and a lapghan (34×46 in). While reading the pattern, the stitches are written in the order of sizes respectively.

The sizes differ a little from conventional afghan sizes because of the nature of the design and motif.

For the pattern one completed square is 5×5. I highly suggest you make the a square and measure it to figure out the right tension. All squares in the project should be measured equally to one another, if not, they will not seam evenly when you construct the afghan.

I personally feel like granny square blankets are the easiest kind of blankets! Time just flies by when you are collecting squares. Plus, when they start stacking up there is a satisfying feeling.

For great tips to optimize your time and save tons of time crochet check out this post Five Habits to Save Time Crocheting

Squares

To begin the square you are going to need to chain (ch) 4, slip stitch (slst) into first chain to create magic loop

Round 1

Ch 2, 2 double crochet (dc) into magic loop, ch 2, 3 dc into magic loop, ch 2, 3 dc into magic loop, ch 2, 3 dc into magic loop, ch 2, slst into the top ch at the beginning of the round. (4 clusters)

Round 2

slst into next stitch, slst into corner space, ch 2, 2 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, slst into top ch at the beginning of the round. (8 clusters)

Round 3

slst into next stitch, slst into corner space, ch 2, 2 dc into space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space.  Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, slst into top ch at the beginning of the round. (12 clusters)

Round 4

slst into next stitch, slst into corner space, ch 2, 2 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into space. Ch 1, 3 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into corner space. Ch 1, slst into top ch at the beginning of the round. (16 clusters)

Round 5

Attach black Yarn

ch 1. Sc into each stitch. Note: 2 sc into corner spaces, one sc into spaces between clusters. (67 sts)

Assembly

1. Seam squares together by sewing through side stitches of squares facing right side up using a whip stitch.

According to the size of your afghan, complete joining squares in a row, then join entire rows together lengthwise.

2. After seaming all squares and rows together, sc all around afghan for three rows to create border with 2 sc in corner sts.

3. Add fringe to sides as desired.

And there you have it!

For the ad-free pattern with detailed diagrams on construction and all the photos click here.

I would love to hear about the colors you chose for your own granny pop afghan. Share them in the comments below! Remember to tag KKAME on IG @knitsandknotsbyame.

You may also be interested in this awesome pattern:

The Shu Poncho

Til next time friends!

xoxo,

Abigail