Giant, Giant Granny Square Blanket
As a child we often travelled to my maternal grandparent’s house for the holidays. I loved my Grandma Cordelia’s old house, especially all of its treasure-filled nooks and crannies and all of the big beds deep with homemade blankets, quilts and coverlets.
Sleeping in the cozy attic bedroom with my teenaged cousins, Marci and Shelly, was always the highlight for me. I loved eavesdropping on them talking about Leif Garrett, Shawn Cassidy and other exciting grown up stuff.
This holiday, in memory of Cordelia’s snug house, I worked up my Giant, Giant Granny Square Blanket that would be equally at home in her house as in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn artist’s loft. I used our new Super Soft Merino in each of its 12 colors for a super soft, super warm and super welcoming blanket, perfect for all of your holiday guests!
Here’s to a house full of cozy guests! –Joelle
Designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson.
Materials
Giant, Giant Granny Square Size
To make the blanket in the same size as above, but all one color, you’ll need 53 skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino.
To make the blanket exactly like the one here, you’ll need 58 skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino in the following colors:
- 28 skeins of Heirloom White
- 1 skein Yellow Yellow
- 1 skein Extra Green
- 2 skeins Desert Blue
- 2 skeins Peacock Blue
- 3 skeins Timeless Navy (only wind two, I only needed a few yards of the third so you may not need it)
- 3 skeins Soft Black
- 3 skeins Toasted Charcoal
- 3 skeins Oyster Gray
- 4 skeins Red Zinnia (only wind three, I only needed a few yards of the fourth so you may not need it)
- 4 skeins Clementine Orange
- 4 skeins Super Pink
Very Large Size
To make the blanket in a Very Large Size, you’ll need…
- 16 skeins Heirloom White
- 1 skein Yellow Yellow
- 1 skein Extra Green
- 1 skein Desert Blue
- 1 skein Peacock Blue
- 2 skeins Timeless Navy
- 2 skeins Soft Black
- 3 skeins Toasted Charcoal (only wind two, you may not need the third)
- 3 skeins Oyster Gray
- 3 skeins Red Zinnia
- 3 skeins Clementine Orange
- 4 skeins Hot Pink (only wind three, you may not need the fourth)
Throw Size
To make the blanket in a Throw Size, you’ll need…
- 12 skeins of Heirloom White
- 1 skein of the first stripe color
- 2 skeins of the second, third and fourth colors
- 3 skeins of the fifth and sixth colors
Baby Size
To make the blanket in a Baby Blanket Size, you’ll need…
- 6 skeins of Heirloom White
- 1 skein of the first stripe color
- 2 skeins of the second and third stripe colors
All Sizes
You will also need…
- A size N crochet hook
Gauge
Approximately 2¾ double crochets = 1 inch
Sizes
Baby, Throw, Very Large, Giant Giant
44 x 44 (68 x 68, 92 x 92, 108 x 108) inches
Note
This blanket is simply an enormous granny square! To learn how to make a basic Granny Square, visit our Tutorial right here. Then…
Patterns
Begin
Begin by making 10 rounds with Heirloom White.
Then work 2 rounds of each of the following colors, with 2 rounds of Heirloom White in between:
Yellow Yellow, Extra Green, Desert Blue, Peacock Blue, Timeless Navy, Soft Black, Toasted Charcoal, Oyster Gray, Red Zinnia, Clementine Orange, and Super Pink. Finish with two rounds of Heirloom White.
Variation 1: Very Large Blanket
The original blanket ended up being truly giant! If you want a very large blanket but not a giant blanket we promise that the version below is quite enough! Finished measurements: approximately 92 x 92 inches.
For a blanket in the same colors as above, begin by doing only 2 rounds of Heirloom White in the center instead of 10.
Variation 2: Throw Blanket
For a throw size blanket, use your 6 favorite stripe colors from the pattern above:
Begin with 10 rounds of Heirloom White, then alternate 2 rows of color with 2 rounds of Heirloom White, ending with 2 rounds of Heirloom White.
Variation 3: Baby Blanket
For a baby size blanket, use your 3 favorite stripe colors from the pattern above:
Begin with 10 rounds of Heirloom White, then alternate 2 rows of color with 2 rounds of Heirloom White, ending with 2 rounds of Heirloom White.
I've made these as well. If you want to make it rectangular just make two equal sized squares, join them at one end and then start going around and around….one beautiful rectangle to fit the bed…..cg
wouldnt a size p hook makee it dont ho;d shape good
Hello Jackie!
We used the P sized hook in order to make sure the dense crochet stitches have enough space to breathe and be a lovely drapey blanket! Happy stitching! -Alyson
Great idea!
Hi,
I love everything about u!!!!
I would like to know if i can do this project for a baby blanket?
How many skeins?
Thank you so much for bringing beauty and a breath of fresh air every week into my life!
Maria Angela
Hi Maria-
Thank you so much for your nice comment! Joelle recommends that you get 1/4 of the yarn for a baby blanket.
Thank you!
Molly
Wow. Love the colors! If I didn´t have too many project going on and not on a yarn diets then this project would be on my list! How fun.
http://www.knittingwitholof.com
Wow what a beautiful blanket – and so very neat! I love that you have used each of the colours, it makes a great focal point for any room. I love the way that you talk about your childhood memories, I'm hand stitching an heirloom quilt which will take me many years to complete – inspired by my Mum.
Georgina x
Do you join a new strand of yarn for every row as the tutorial shows? If not, how to start the next round with the same strand?
I love this blanket!! I started making it this morning using a size “N” hook as the craft store I was at was out of “P”. My work is looking very loose and sloppy compared to the picture. Any advice??
Hi Kristie-
Tension and gauge is specific to each individual so you might need to use a smaller hook.
Let us know if that helps!
Thank you!
Molly
I love love LOVE this!! So simple, but so effective. Also love the nightstand in the final picture – could you share with me where it's from please? Thanks!!
Thank you for this pattern! It looks perfect for my son's room! : )
Hey I love this pattern and i'm making a baby blanket for my twin cousins on the way and what are the measurements for a baby blanket?
Hi Victoria-
There is no standard measurement for a baby blanket but anywhere from 28 to 32 inches square seems about right.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Hi Bex-
The night stand is from Ikea but we don't believe it's available any longer. Sorry!
Thank you!
Molly
♥♥♥ Amazing work . I imagine the time to make that :). I make with the same type of granny stripe a baby blanket. And it's so long to make hahaha
absolutely stunning!
Thank you for posting this. I'm definitely making one of those this year 🙂
I am thinking of making this blanket in the Very Large size out of Cascade Superwash 128. How many skeins would be necessary to do it in white with only two different stripe colors? Thanks!
Hi Anna-
Joelle suggests approximately 12 skeins of the natural color, and approximately 6 or 7 skeins of each of the two stripe colors (if colors are used evenly). She also suggests buying a couple of extra skeins in each color in case you run out mid blanket. You can always return them for store credit if they aren't wound into balls.
Thanks so much for the great question!
Molly
Lovely blanket! Your Giant, Giant Granny Square Blanket looks so straight. How do you keep the center from tilting to the side?
Hi Lori-
It shouldn't tilt to the side if you're making a standard granny square. If yours is tilting it sounds like there might be something wrong with not making a chain stitch between groups of 3 dc or maybe something funny is going on at the corner. Here is a link to our granny square tutorial:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/granny-square-project/
Hopefully it can help you figure it out!
Thanks for writing in!
Molly
Oi amiga, adorei todas as novidades do teu blog, fazia algum tempo que não passava por aqui, gostei de tudo mesmo,passe no meu blog sobre artesanato em geral e deixe um comentário se gostar do que encontrar, beijokas
http://www.titacarre.com
Hi there, thank you so much for inspireing me, just finished and gave away a blanket for our friens newborn son.
I shared a foto and a link to your tutorial.
Greetings from vienna, Claudia
I must say….I just love this site! So many wonderful ideas and I just learned how to crochet so I ordered all the yarn needed to make the "large" blanket (not the really large one) and wondered if I could use a smaller hook than "P" and still make it look as nice as yours.
Hi Kristen-
A hook or needle size is just a suggestion. You should use whatever hook size you need to get the correct gauge, which in this case is approximately 2 3/4 double crochets = 1 inch.
Thanks so much for writing in and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I'm in love with this idea! I'm moving in a month and feel the itch to revamp my decor. This might be my new project.
Any recommendations for a more economical yarn? I just did the math, and at a minimum of 53 skeins x $20, there's no way I can make something this large. My husband's a student and we have a baby, so there won't be any $1000 granny square blankets in my future. 🙂 I bet it's lucious, though!
Use Red Heart Super Saver. The colors won’t be EXACTLY the same but there is such a wide spectrum of colors offered that you can get a very close match. Amazon.com sells a 1 pound skein for approximately $8.00. This is about 16 ounces as opposed to the 3.5 skiers so adjust accordingly and be prepared for leftover yarn. Keep the color that separates the rows the same and you color make a very attractive and unique bedspread. This is worsted weight yarn, so adjust your crochet hook accordingly.
Hi Hilary-
We totally understand the cost concern. Unfortunately we don't carry any other yarn in this weight so we can't give an exact substitution. However, if you wanted to use a different sized yarn the pattern will still work. You just have to make sure you're using the correct sized hook for your yarn. Here are some suggestions that would make a great blanket:
This would be machine washable! https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6355-Cascade-Yarns-Superwash-128
And this would be even more chunky that the original so it would take less time:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/650-Cascade-Yarns-Magnum
Thanks for writing in!
Molly
I just love this blanket and am going to make the throw size for my grandsons 1st birthday. Do you have any idea what size it will end up and I was wondering if there is a way of making the gaps a little smaller to reduce little fingers and toes poking through – smaller hook? Cheers, Kate
Hi Kate,
The Throw size will end up being about 60 x 60 inches.
And there really isn't a good way to make the holes smaller without changing the pattern. Crocheting at a smaller gauge (i.e. using a smaller hook) may make the holes smaller, but it would also make the fabric denser and stiffer.
Thanks for asking! Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
Hi, I LOVE your giant blanket the colors are so fab. Unfortunately, yarn of that quality in that quantity isn't affordable for me…So, I tried out making a giant granny square blanket with doubled up worsted weight yarn and just five colors. It came out great, very large and very warm. Thanks for the inspirational idea!! Here's a link to my version on flkr http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/31403594@N03/11850082083/ . Because I used Bernat Super Value worsted weight yarn on sale the blanket cost less than $60 to make!
Hi Molly, love this blanket. I have trying to make one for a twin bed for my daughter but
have not been successful at all. I keep on getting the square shape and it doesn't fit the bed at all. How do I make it the size of a twin bed? Any advice I will appreciate it so much.
Thanks,
Dee.
Hi Dee-
This pattern is, by nature, a square but if you'd like to make it a rectangle here are some ideas:
You can sew together two small granny squares at the beginning of the blanket and then keep crocheting around them as if they were one. Or you can simply make two square blankets and sew them together.
I hope this helps!
Thank you!
Molly
This might have already been addressed in a previous comment/thread and if so I do apologise, but how does one keep the center of their work from raising up and get it t lay flat? I have used various size hooks with a worsted weight Red Heart yarn to make the giant blanket and I cannot get it to start right. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi Dee,
Your Giant Granny Square is truly beautiful. I have made two similar squares, although more of the throw size. One was done in just black and white yarns. I just cut and tied the two colors so that they came out in a modern art design. The other was one I made from scrap yarn and is multi-colored. I love doing this kind of work as I am always surprised with the pattern that emerges. I guess I am easily bored with too much of the same color. LOL
Thank you for sharing your lovely bed-topper.
Hi crotcheter-
I'm sorry to hear you've been having this problem. Would you mind sending me a photo so we can try to figure out what's going on? Here's my direct email:
molly AT purlsoho DOT com
Thank you!
Molly
I tried to upload a photograph but they are all too large, here is the short version of my issue. I start my granny squares with a ch 4 and go round making large squares but for some reason after i get say maybe 10-12 rows out, when i try to fold it up and make it match sides the middle puffs out making it come to a slight point or triangle shape, almost like a house with a roof top shape.
I am working on getting pictures smaller so you can have a visual 🙂
Thank you again!
Hi Tiffany-
It sounds like you aren't increasing properly, probably around the corners. We would suggest re-reading our granny square tutorial and paying special attention to the corner. Perhaps you might try doing it on some scrap yarn first to make sure you have it down before you begin this project again.
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-tutorials/granny-squares.html
I hope this helps! Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Thank you so much for the link!
I was taught to increase corners a different way and now I think this has solved the problem. Of course I would notice something when I have so much work done it would be horrible to start all over, but…..if it does not lay right on the bed I will rip it all up and start over from scratch 🙂
Thanks again!
Tiffany
I make one of these with any yarn left over from my projects. No matter how much I just keep adding until it is as big as I want it to be. My kids call it my afghan of many colors.
I am a knitter who has always loved making projects from the purl bee.. the colors and yarns are always so gorgeous and unique. I would like my first crochet project to be this blanket in the throw size as a gift for next christmas. Can Joelle recommend six colors (along with the heirloom white) of Purl Soho’s super soft merino that she thinks would look great together… Her color combinations are always so beautiful.. Thanks so much….
Hi Jenner,
I discussed your question with Joelle, and we realized that a great resource for you would be to browse the yarn bundles that she and Page put together for our Super Easy Crib Blankets in Super Soft Merino. Each bundle includes seven colors, one of which is often Heirloom White, and there are fifteen different combinations to choose from.
All the bundles are here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9234-Purl-Soho-Yarn-for-Super-Easy-Crib-Blanket-in-Super-Soft-Merino-
Also, you can see how they work up together right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/10/25/super-easy-crib-blanket-in-super-soft-merinos-newest-colors/
I hope this gives you some inspiring direction! If not, please let us know if there’s a color story you have in mind, and we’ll see what else we can put together!
Thanks so much for your question!
Whitney
Thanks Whitney. The room I am making the throw for has been described to me as having a ” cranberry red oriental rug, brown leather furniture and lots of wood” . I would like to make the “throw ” size of the granny square blanket so I need six colors besides the heirloom white between each color. I really like the idea of using the red zinnia (if you think this would work with a cranberry oriental rug) and five other available colors in an order that you think would be great. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks so much….
p.s. I loved the colors in “Lollipop” baby blanket… is the dark green in that blanket still available?
Hello Jenner!
We’re so glad you liked the Lollipop colorway! We did discontinue the color Terra Brown, but all of the colors in that colorway are available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino
As for the cranberry themed blanket, Red Zinnia is a very bright fire engine red, which I feel like may detract from the rich tones of the cranberry rug. I would recommend using Dark Loam, Paprika Red, Pink Grapefruit, Sea Salt and Pale Stone. This colorway will touch on the darkness of the leather and wood while giving a bright warm punch with the red tones.
Let us know how it turns out! Thanks! -Alyson
Alyson,
I LOVE the colors you suggested that I use to make the Granny Square throw to coordinate with a cranberry colored rug. Thank you!! The pattern calls for six colors besides the heirloom white. Is there another color you would suggest or how do I adjust the number of skeins if I use five colors besides the heirloom white. Also, I wanted to confirm that I would start with the pale stone and then dark loam would be my last color. Thanks again. As I am not able to visit purl soho in person (that would be awesome!!) your insight is greatly appreciated!
Hello again!
I’m so glad you like the colors! I would blend in Oyster Gray to continue the balance of darker colors with neutrals that we have going on. I would put them in order from dark to light to create a pleasing ombre effect.
Happy crocheting! -Alyson
Thanks Alyson…
About to place my order.. just want to confirm that for the Throw size granny square blanket I would crochet the following colors from dark to light alternating with Heirloom white….
Dark loam, paprika red, pink grapefruit, Sea salt, oyster grey, and finish with pale stone.(was not quite sure the order of the last three colors.)
Thanks,
Jenner
Hello!
I would recommend doing Sea Salt, Pale Stone and then Oyster Gray just to transition the colors more gradually. Then instead of starting in your sequence from Dark Loam again, I would go back across your sequence the other way. Repeat Oyster Gray, then Pale Stone, then Sea Salt, etc.
Best of luck! -Alyson
Hi Alyson,
I was a little confused when you talked about starting the sequence again. The pattern that I see on the web site for the throw size giant granny square says the following…
Begin with 10 rounds of heirloom white, then alternate two rows of color with 2 rounds of Heirloom White, ending with 2 rounds of Heirloom White. –
So I read that as starting with 10 rounds of Heirloom white (HW), 2 rounds of Dark Loam, 2 rds HW, 2 rounds paprika red, 2 rds HW, 2 rds pink grapefruit, 2rds HW. 2 rds Sea Salt, 2 rds HW, Pale Stone, 2 rds HW, 2 rds Oyster grey and finishing with 2 rds heirloom white.
What did you mean by “starting the sequence again”.
I apologize for all of the questions but since this is an investment yarn wise, I want to be sure to order the right amount.
Thank you for your help,
Jenner
Hello Jenner!
Totally my mistake! I forgot you were making the Throw and not the full size. You’re completely right on the color order! Thanks for all your questions and interest in the pattern! -Alyson
I’m having a hard time determining how much yarn I needed for the super giant blanket. I was looking to do it in either all one color, or two colors at the max. How much would you advise I use?
I know many balls of yarn come in different ounces, and I want site how many yards it would be. I’m new to crocheting, but I made a small version of the blanket as a practice run.
Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Hi Gina-
For the largest size here you need a total of 58 skeins, each of which is 87 yards. That’s a total of 5048 yards. Make sure that you are using a yarn with a similar weight because if you go bigger or smaller you will need a different amount.
Please let us know if you have any more questions and happy crocheting!
Molly
I made these for my 4 teen grandchildren in their favorite colors this past Christmas. Then I made the parents one in all of the kids favorite colors, the parents afghan turned out so colorful, the parents say they loved it because of all the different colors no it reminded them of all the craziness in their home.
love the blanket, what size hook would you need in mm please
Hi Carol-
A P hook, which is what is called for here, is 10mm.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi, so I want to do this for a baby blanket and I just want want to make sure that I’m adding the rows how u describe in the above pattern, so it will be 22 rows right!?!?
Hi Danika!
I counted 22 rows as well: 10 rows white, 2 CC1, 2 White, 2 CC2, 2 White, 2 CC3, and then 2 White.
Happy Crocheting!
Thomas
Ok. I know how many skeins you say to use but when I went to reference how many yards of yarn are in that brand it won’t open the page. So my question is, what size skein or how many yards are in each skein?
Thanks so much!
Hi Dawnetta-
Sorry about that. Our webstore, purlsoho.com, was down yesterday so that’s why the link wasn’t working. It should be working fine now:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino
Our Super Soft Merino is a bulky weight yarn and contains approximately 87 yards per skein.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
You are so precise in your directions and I really appreciate that. Saves a lot of time trying to figure out what some people mean!
I need a pattern
Hi Lou-
The free pattern for this is here in the post above. You can print or save this pattern by using our print feature. Here’s how…
If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
where is the written pattern its easier for me then video’s please and thank you
Hi Debbie-
The granny square pattern is linked in the story above and can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2007/03/30/granny-squares/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
I love the large Blanket , how could i make a rectangler 800×400
so i dont have to sew granny squares.
maggie
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for the comment! Unfortunately crocheting a granny square can only make things into a square shape. If you don’t want to sew 2 squares together you will need another type of crochet pattern. Here are 2 other crochet patterns that we have that you could more easily alter to make in your desired dimensions.
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/11/07/crocheted-super-easy-baby-blanket/
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/crochet/projects-crochet/
I hope this helps. Feel free to respond if you have anymore questions!
Happy Crafting!
Jake
I ran out of my yarn before I made it all the way back around the blanket and I really don’t want to unwind it to start back at the beginning. Any suggestions will be very helpful! Thank you 🙂
Hello Sarah,
As you get to the end of the blanket its so hard to estimate how much you will need exactly for each round!
I would improvise and just create that last round with whatever scraps of other colors you have so that it looks like a purposeful border around the entire piece. Do you have any yarn left from the other colors in the blanket?
Let us know! -Alyson
How Do You Change Colors WHEN DOING JUST ONE Big GRANNY Square
Hi Nancy-
I’m not sure I understand your question because this pattern is for making just one big granny square. To change colors simply start with a new color at the beginning of a round leaving a tail of both the old and new color. You can weave in the tails after you are done with the blanket.
I hope this helps, please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly