Granny Square Blanket in Gentle Giant
Our Granny Square Blanket in Gentle Giant takes something totally classic and boosts its proportions into something totally modern. We love how this blanket makes us rub our eyes to make sure we’re seeing correctly, such a familiar pattern at such an unfamiliar scale!
And using our jumbo Gentle Giant means that this Granny Square Blanket is also a lot quicker to finish than we’re used to. Each 10-inch square is accomplished in just three rounds, and the entire blanket is only twelve squares… You do the math!
Our incredibly soft and cozy Gentle Giant merino comes in a palette of colors that hits nature’s prettiest notes, from Winter Bark to Cowrie Pink. Hook up this 12-color version of the blanket with our Gentle Giant Blanket Bundle in a Dozen Colors, or choose a more limited palette with our 9-skein Bundles that make an equal-size blanket. Either way, your Granny Square Blanket in Gentle Giant will definitely make a giant statement!
Update: Not A Crocheter?
December 2017
Check out our Colorful Corner Blanket… It uses the same Gentle Giant Blanket Bundles!
Update: New Colors
November 2017
Sometimes the gray days of winter beg for a playful touch! This season’s Granny Square Blanket in Gentle Giant and Colorful Corner Blanket combine bright bursts of neon with warm outlier shades. Together, they bring out the best in each other, a bouquet of total happy!
Materials
We used a Gentle Giant Blanket Bundle in a Dozen Colors. It includes…
- 18 skeins of Purl Soho’s Gentle Giant, 100% merino wool. Each skein is 48 yards/ 125 grams.
- Contrast Colors (CC): 12 skeins of Gentle Giant; approximately 10 yards required per color.
- Top Row: Clay Pot, Orange Koi, Cowrie Pink, Calico Pink, Wolf Brown, and Winter Bark
- Middle Row: Silver Mauve, Purple Lupine, Elephant Gray, Pigeon Gray, Iceberg Blue, and Mint Ice
- Main Color (MC): 6 skeins of Gentle Giant in Heirloom White; approximately 270 yards required.
- Contrast Colors (CC): 12 skeins of Gentle Giant; approximately 10 yards required per color.
You’ll also need…
- A size Q (15 mm) crochet hook
SWEET POTATO
Contrast Colors: Orange Koi, Clay Pot, and White Peppercorn
FOX DEN
Contrast Colors: Clay Pot, Cowrie Pink, and Winter Bark
WILD HEATHER
Contrast Colors: Cowrie Pink, Calico Pink, and Silver Mauve
SEA URCHIN
Contrast Colors: Purple Lupine, Silver Mauve, and Winter Bark
MINT JULEP
Contrast Colors: Pigeon Gray, Iceberg Blue, and Mint Ice
BARN OWL
Contrast Colors: Graphite Gray, Wolf Brown, and Winter Bark
Size
Finished Dimensions of Each Square: 10 x 10 inches
Finished Dimensions of the Blanket: 30 x 40 inches
Gauge
Each finished Granny Square should measure 10 x 10 inches. If yours is smaller, try a bigger hook; and if yours is bigger, try a smaller one!
Pattern
The Granny Square
NOTE: Here we write out how to make a granny square, but if you’re a fist-time crocheter and would like to see every step thoroughly explained and illustrated, our Learn to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket Pattern is a great teacher!
Foundation Ring
With a Contrast Color (CC), ch (chain) 6 and join into a ring with a slip stitch.
Round 1
Still with the CC, ch 3, make 2 dc (double crochet) into the ring, ch 2 (this ch 2, and every ch 2 that follows, forms a “corner space”), [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] 3 times, slip stitch into third chain of the ch 3.
Cut the CC, leaving a 4 or 5-inch tail, and pull the tail through the remaining loop on the hook.
Round 2
Leaving a 4 or 5-inch tail, join the Main Color (MC) to any corner space with a slip stitch.
Ch 3, make 2 dc into that same corner space, [ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into next corner space] 3 times, ch 1, 3 dc into beginning corner space, ch 2, slip stitch into third chain of beginning ch 3.
Round 3
Still with the MC, ch 3, 2 dc into that same corner space, [ch 1, 3 dc into next ch 1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into next corner space] 3 times, ch 1, 3 dc into next ch 1 space, ch 1, 3 dc into beginning corner space, ch 2, slip stitch into third chain of ch 3.
Cut the MC, leaving a 4 or 5-inch tail, and pull the tail through the remaining loop on the hook.
NOTE: Each skein of MC makes two squares. Cut the tail as described when you’re finishing the first square, but when you finish the second square, leave the remaining length of MC attached so that you can use it later to sew together your blanket!
Continue
Make 11 more squares like this one. If you’re using the Dozen Colors Bundle, start with a different CC for each square; or if you’re using a 9-skein Bundle, make four squares with each CC.
Finish
Arrange
Once you have 12 squares, arrange them in a way that pleases you. Here is how we arranged our 12 colors…
Sew Together
Use the long tails of MC to sew together your squares. We prefer to sew ours with a whipstitch, and our Sewing Crocheted Squares Together Tutorial has a video that explains exactly how to do it!
Weave in the Ends
Weave in all the remaining ends and you’re done!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our crochet patterns and crochet tutorials, buy one of our many kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next crochet or knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Is there a non-wool yarn to use? I’m very allergic to wool.
Hi L. Friedman,
Thanks for writing in! I am so sorry about the wool allergy. Unfortunately, we do not carry a non-wool yarn in a similar thickness to Gentle Giant. You could strand a non-wool yarn. Based on gauge, I think that roughly 3 strands of Blue Sky Worsted Cotton crocheted together should give you a similar gauge.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Beautiful can’t wait to make
Hi there! I would love to make a striped blanket using all the colors in this kit (the large kit) and was wondering if there is a pattern that might fit the bill for this project!! Thanks so much!
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for writing us! I think it’s a great idea to do a striped blanket. We don’t currently have a crochet striped blanket in this weight of yarn, so you’ll want to make a gauge swatch in the crochet stitch you choose. You’ll want to multiply your stitches per inch by your desired width in inches. This will give you a rough cast on number. From there you can stripe away! Best of luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Hi Adam, Sorry I should have been more clear….I want to KNIT this blanket, not crochet. So again, wondering if there is a pattern that would work for me???
Thanks,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Sorry for the delayed response! Unfortunately, the Granny Square pattern is a crochet pattern, however, we do have some great knit blanket patterns in our Knitting Gallery. Have you checked any of those out? The Flying Geese Knit Baby Blanket and the Mosaic Blanket are among my favorites! Please let us know what you think!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Poderá fazer por partes menores e depois faça a emenda. Costure todas. Fica lindo se fizer cada parte com uma cor diferente.
Hello Marne,
Thank you for writing us, and sharing your idea!
Happy crafting,
Marilla
I love working with wool; how do you recommend washing an afghan though? Thanks!
Hi Gail,
Thanks for writing us! You can hand wash this blanket or dry clean it. It cannot be put through a washing machine, as it will felt. In general, it always depends on what kind of yarn you choose for the afghan. If you choose a washable wool then you can wash it in the machine but not dry it. Otherwise, your best bet is to always hand wash. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hello, looks beautiful and cozy!
I’m planning on making this blanket with just two colors–“Heirloom White” as the center contrast and “Pigeon Gray” for all the rounds after that. Based on the other bundles, I’m guessing I’ll need 6 skeins of Pigeon Gray. How many skeins of White would I need for the center contrast?
Also, if I wanted to add a simple border (maybe just 1-2 rounds), how much additional yarn do you think that would require?
Thank you!
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for writing in and for the wonderful comment! I don’t have an exact amount as to how much the center accent takes but I do think that three or four skeins will be very safe. If you don’t wind them, you can exchange the unused skeins for store credit. Better to be on the safe side!
Best of luck,
Adam
Hi, I was planning to double the size of this blanket, but wonder how this affects the number of skeins I’d need, especially as it relates to options for CC combinations (I want to keep leftover yarn to a minimum). What’s the yardage used for MC and CC for a single granny square? In other words, how many granny squares can I get out of a single skein of CC – 4, or more than that (and similar question for a skein of MC)?
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! You can get three center accents out of one ball of Gentle Giant and two outer squares from one ball of the main color. This includes yarn for seaming the squares. I suggest you get 12 skeins of the MC and eight of the MC to double the blanket. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi! Thanks for the reply – sorry, but my math does not seem to add up for the Contrast Colors. Your bundles show that I’d only need to buy 3 skeins to complete the blanket in it’s pattern size (4 squares of accent CC per skein), implying I’d only need 6 skeins to double it, not 8?
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for writing back. I’m so sorry for the miscommunication! I think that you’ll be able to get away with six skeins for the center if you use one color only. I’d go for seven skeins if you want to switch up the CC colors. Best of luck!
-Adam
Such a great update on a classic blanket! Do you think mixing Gentle Giant (for the MC) and Cascade Magnum (for the CCs) would work? I have specific colors in mind for the center accents, and they’re available in Magnum but not Gentle Giant. Thanks!
Hi AJ,
Thanks for writing in! While Gentle Giant and Magnum have slightly different gauges, I think that the difference is small enough that they would work well together in a project. Let us know how it turns out!
Happy crocheting!
Cassy
Does this come in a knitting pattern
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern only comes in a crocheted version. Thank you for your interest and we will take your suggestion under advisement!
Best,
Cassy
Would Lion Brand’s wool ease yarn be thick enough?
Hi Coletta,
Thanks for writing in! I am not really familiar with Wool Ease but looking at Lion Brands selections, Wool Ease comes in a variety of weights. Our Gentle Giant yields 1.5-2 stitches per inch and the thickest Wool Ease (Thick and Quick) yields 2.25 stitches per inch. For this yarn, you will want to go down to and M or an N hook. This will also yield a bit smaller of a blanket. You could try crocheting an extra round around each square to make it the correct size.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thanks for the advice, Cassy. Would it make too big of a difference if I used the Q hook?
Hi Coletta,
Thanks for writing back! You can definitely use the Q hook. Just note that your fabric will be lacier than if you used an M or N hook. I would swatch with the Q hook and make sure that you like the fabric. The lacier the fabric, the less warm the final blanket!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi! I’m learning to crochet and thought this pattern might be good for a beginner being chunky and quick…what do you think?
I’m in Australia – is there a local supplier of this yarn, or what is the shipping cost to Australia?
Thanks, Melanie.
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for writing in! I think that granny squares are a great start for new crocheters. Sometimes a large hook can be a little stressful on the wrists but just be sure to take frequent breaks and you should be great!
Our yarns are only available from our store or through our website. Happily, we do ship internationally and all of the details regarding shipping abroad can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/shipping/
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Why are we leaving the MC attached to the square? The instructions are unclear how to whip stich the squares together while the yarn is still attached.
Hello,
The reason you are leaving the main color tail attached is because you are going to use it to sew together the blanket.
Enjoy,
Melissa
What hook do you recommend for this blanket? The instructions say Q, but that chat seems to indicate that an M or N is recommended… what size hook was the example in the photo made with? Thanks!
Hi Kate,
You would want to use a size Q crochet hook for the blanket.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Thanks, Melissa! I am going to get cracking on this beautiful blanket now.
v/r,
Kate
Hi!
I’m about to stitch the squares together using the long ends (4-5” on each square) and I’m wondering how exactly to do this. Each side is 10” which is twice the length of the long ends. How is it done?
Thanks so much!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for writing in! For this pattern, each skein of MC makes two squares. Cut the tail as described when you’re finishing the first square, but when you finish the second square, leave the remaining length of MC attached so that you can use it later to sew together your blanket! That is to say that every second square should have a longer tail than 4-5″. As we sew the squares together two at a time, one length should sew two squares together. We also have a very handy tutorial for sewing together granny squares that can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/sewing-crocheted-squares-together/
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi, What size needle do I need to sew this together?
Thanks!
T
Hi Tess,
Thanks for writing in! You should be able to fit Gentle Giant through the eye of a large tapestry or darning needle meant for sewing with yarn, such as the Clover Jumbo Bent Tip Tapestry Needles.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I bought the gentle giant yarn for the granny square blanket but I would like to make something else with the yarn. Can you suggest something else that I could crochet or knit (simple) with it. I’m a beginner at knitting. Thanks.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for reaching out! We have tons of great projects using Gentle Giant! Since you already have enough for a blanket, our Colorful Corners Blanket could be a good option – it is very beginner friendly, and you could modify the color placement to use up the colors you have.
If you are looking for smaller projects, you could also try our Mistake Rib Cowl in Gentle Giant, or whip up a bunch of Two-Color Homestretch Hats to get a head start on your holiday knitting! Good luck with whatever you choose!
Best,
Julianna
I’m not sure what url is but I’m on Facebook right now or can you email my request
Can you make video how to make first square?
Thanh You
Hi Rose,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this. We will keep your request in mind though for the future! Thanks!
Best,
Julianna
Looking for a crochet pattern for the striped blanket please.
Thank you,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for reaching out! We have several blankets that might fit the bill! I would suggest taking a look at our Granny Stripe Blanket and Crochet Super Easy Baby Blanket for some simple crocheted, striped blankets.
Best of luck and happy crocheting!
Julianna
They are beautiful.
Hello! I love looking at your beautiful website and planning some creative projects to make!! Thank you. 🙂
I’m planning to order a Purl Soho Canvas Bucket Bag. Would it comfortably hold the 9 skeins of Gentle giant yarn for the 3-color palette Granny Square Blanket in Gentle Giant?
I don’t want my yarn stuffed too tightly in a bag, but would like there to be a bit of room to spare so the yarn does not suffer, and it’s easy to reach in and choose a skein. Would another bag be better? Would this project require 2 Canvas Bucket Bags to hold 9 skeins of Gentle Giant?
Also, I think the 6 Palettes Gentle Giant Blanket Bundles are no longer available as bundle, correct?
However, I see that I can order the colors individually for the lovely SEA URCHIN.
For the blanket: 6 Heirloom White—and is it “one each” of Contrast Colors: Purple Lupine, Silver Mauve, and Winter Bark?
How long do you foresee Gentle Giant being available, is it a limited time yarn?
Thank you!
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for reaching out! We tested it out and 9 skeins of Gentle Giant would fit very comfortably in one of our Canvas Bucket Bags (we made a little video demonstrating if you are interested in seeing that!) We do still offer the 6 color palette and you can find that here! Unfortunately we don’t have the smaller 3 color bundles available anymore but that is correct and you can buy each of the colors individually (6 skeins of Heirloom White and 1 skein of each contrasting color!) Gentle Giant is a permanent part of our Purl Soho family so it wont be going anywhere ant time soon!
Warmly,
Gianna
will the colors in the original gentle giant bundle be restocked?
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! Although I don’t have a current eta on when these bundles will be available, we will certainly have them back in stock! To stay up to date, I recommend adding your email on the Gentle Giant Blanket Bundle product page under the color palette you are interested in. Once it is available again on the site we will send you an email!
I hope this helps!
Gianna
About how long does one of these take to make? I’m thinking of making a few for Christmas gifts this year
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for writing in! I’m afraid that it’s hard to estimate how long a project will take since every crocheter crochets at a different speed. I would recommend making one granny square and timing yourself while you crochet. Then, you can multiply that time by the number of squares total to get a pretty good estimate!
All the best,
Lili