Here's how "grandma" made a quick and easy crochet blanket. Even beginners can learn how to do it in an instant, the technique is always the same. Starting with the squares, you can crochet a blanket without having to carry all the work with you. Make one square at a time and then sew them together.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting the Best Tools
Step 1. Choose a color scheme
The yarn, of course, is available in many colors and the ones you choose will greatly change the final result of the blanket, pillow or any creation you are about to make. Buy yarn colors carefully to get the desired effect.
- If you combine red with dark purple, pink, yellow, blue and bright green, you will get a "gypsy" look.
- If you want a "traditional" style, sew light colored squares and join them with a black border.
- If you like an "old America" style, combine squares of pastel red, white, blue and yellow.
- If you don't want a blanket that looks like your grandmother's, but you like the method because it allows you to sew it quickly, use only two colors (white and blue for example), for a more discreet look.
Step 2. Buy the yarn of your choice
Now that you know which colors to make your blanket in, you need to purchase good quality yarn and the right material for your project. If you are making a blanket for a newborn, choose the softest yarn possible. If you need something more durable (like a dog blanket), go for acrylic.
Step 3. Purchase the right size needle
It should be indicated in the pattern you have chosen to follow, or on the label of the yarn you bought based on its weight.
If you are unsure, make a test square with a few double crochet rows
Part 2 of 4: Making the Central Circle
Step 1. Chain six stitches
Form a slip knot around the hook, wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through the loop of the knot - this is the chain stitch. Thread another loop through the yarn you pulled and is now wrapped around the hook - you've made the second chain stitch. Make sure you leave at least 10 cm of thread at the beginning of the chain, in case you need it later.
Step 2. Slip the stitch into the first chain stitch
This way you have formed a circle. Pull a new loop through the one you already have on the needle hook and, at the same time, through the one on the chain stitch.
Step 3. Make three chain stitches
This process is the same as when doing double crochet rows.
Step 4. Make two double crochet stitches in the center of the circle
Step 5. Repeat the steps
You need to make two chain stitches and three double crochet stitches inside the circle. Repeat this three times for a total of 4 groups of three double crochets.
Step 6. Make a slip stitch to finish
Make this stitch over the three chain stitches to finish the round.
Part 3 of 4: Making the Middle Row
Step 1. Start with a new color if you like
Simply start with the new yarn in the space between the chain stitches and the double crochet stitches.
Step 2. Make three more chain stitches
Again you have to do them as if they were double crochet stitches.
Step 3. In the space described above, make three double crochet stitches (but don't forget the first set of stitches which is the chain of three stitches you already made)
Step 4. Move to the next space
Make two chain stitches over the double crochet stitches and then make three more double crochet stitches in the next space. This will start shaping the square.
Step 5. Form the corner
Make three chain stitches from the corner of the square and then three double crochet stitches within the same space.
If you want a more rounded, taut corner like the one in the image, alternate the stitches with a chain stitch
Step 6. Continue until the row is complete
Work all 4 corners the same way and then slip a stitch over the three chain stitches of the first corner to finish the round. Each corner should have two sets of three double crochet stitches, each separated by three chain stitches.
Part 4 of 4: Complete the Square
Step 1. Start the next row
Change yarn color if you like.
Step 2. Continue in a similar way to the previous row
Make two sets of three double crochet stitches (separated by three chain stitches) in each corner. Make only ONE set of three double crochet stitches in each "flat side" of the space between the chain stitches with two chain stitches between the corner and center sets.
Step 3. Do as many lines as you like
The number of side spaces will continue to grow.
- You can also make a pot holder by lining the square with a strong fabric, make a decorative doily using very fine yarn, or even a baby blanket using very soft yarn of suitable colors. You can sew an afghan blanket by making a large square or by joining several smaller ones.
- The squares are sewn together or joined with crochet using slip stitches or single crochet.
Step 4. Finished
Advice
- If you're making a pot holder, be sure to use cotton or wool thread, not acrylic. Acrylic melts with heat.
- When making a blanket with granny squares, make sure the yarn is stretched equally in all squares of the blanket.
- When you start with one color and finish with another, make sure always that the closures are secure, tucked up and hidden. You can do this easily by crocheting them into the square, or by threading them into the sweater with a wool needle (round tip). Be careful while sewing and make sure you leave enough length in the ends, as there is nothing worse than finishing a blanket and then seeing it come apart because the ends weren't closed tightly in the center. But don't make knots that turn out to be rough and uneven in your work.
- Dark thread makes stitch counting more difficult. Try a clear thread for the first time.
- Use a larger needle or crochet hook to make a large project quickly.
- Granny squares can also make beautiful scarves when sewn in a row, it's a project that requires fewer squares than a blanket.
- Go slowly to avoid mistakes. When you've made a few stitches, check your work to make sure it's straight.
- Try to alternate different colors, change them every one or two lines.
