Strawberry Granny Square Blanket

Creating a cozy Strawberry Granny Square Blanket is a delightful crochet project that combines the charm of granny squares with the whimsical look of strawberries. This vibrant design is perfect for adding a pop of color to your home or gifting to a loved one. The pattern features a total of 30 squares arranged in a 5 x 6 layout, making it an enjoyable and manageable project for crocheters. If you’re interested in similar projects, you might want to explore the technique of using granny squares in various accessories. For instance, check out this mini granny square bag charm pattern for an exciting twist on this classic motif.

Skill Level

Intermediate

This project is classified as intermediate due to the combination of granny square construction and the strawberry motif, requiring familiarity with a few advanced stitches.

Materials

• Worsted #4 yarn:
  • Cream (for squares and joining)
  • Strawberry red
  • Sage green
  • A small amount of pale cream or yellow (for seed stitches)
• 5 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations — US Terms

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• tr – treble crochet
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sp – space
• ch-sp – chain space
• BLO – back loop only

Special Stitches

Treble Crochet (tr)

Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through (4 loops), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops left), yarn over again, and pull through the last 3 loops.

Gauge

Gauge is not essential for this project, but maintaining a consistent tension throughout will help in shaping the squares uniformly.

Finished Size

The finished blanket will be approximately 30 x 36 inches before adding a border, with each individual square measuring about 6 inches.

Pattern Notes

• The project consists of granny squares joined together to form the blanket.
• Each square is worked in rounds.
• The strawberry motif is sewn onto the cream squares after they are completed.
• A slip stitch method will be used for joining the squares together.

Crochet Instructions

Part 1 – Cream Granny Squares

Round 1

1. Begin with a magic ring.
2. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
3. Work 2 double crochets into the ring.
4. Chain 2 and then work 3 double crochets, chain 2 (repeat this sequence two more times).
5. Join with a slip stitch to close the round.
   • Total: 12 dc and 3 ch-2 spaces.

Round 2

1. Slip stitch into the corner.
2. In each corner, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
3. Chain 1 between corners.
4. Join with a slip stitch to close the round.
   • Total: 24 dc and 4 ch-2 spaces.

Round 3

1. In each corner, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
2. In each chain-1 side space, work 3 double crochets (dc).
3. Chain 1 between groups.
4. Join with a slip stitch to close the round.
   • Total: 36 dc and 4 ch-2 spaces.

Round 4

1. Repeat the same process as Round 3.
2. In each corner, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), and work 3 dc in each side space.
3. Join with a slip stitch to close the round.
   • Total: 48 dc and 4 ch-2 spaces.
4. Fasten off and block the squares to 6 inches.

Part 2 – Strawberry Motif

Round 1

1. Start with a magic ring using strawberry red yarn.
2. Chain 3, then work 3 treble crochets (tr).
3. Work 3 double crochets (dc).
4. Chain 1, do 1 treble, chain 1, then make 3 double crochets (dc), followed by 3 treble crochets (tr).
5. Chain 3 and join with a slip stitch in the ring, tightening to form a heart shape.
   • Total: 12 stitches.

Green Cap

1. Chain 7 using sage green.
2. Slip stitch into the 2nd chain from the hook.
3. Work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in the chain.
4. Fasten off.
5. Make two smaller leaves by chaining 5 and working sl st, sc, hdc, sc back to the 1st chain.

Assembly

1. Sew the green cap to the top of the strawberry.
2. Add 5 small seed stitches using the pale yarn on the berry.
3. Position one strawberry at the center of each cream square.

Part 3 – Joining Squares

1. Secure the cream yarn and lay out your squares in a 5 x 6 layout.
2. Use a slip stitch through the back loops to join the squares together.

Part 4 – Border

1. Work 1 round of single crochets (sc) around the entire blanket.
2. Follow with 1 round of half double crochets (hdc), ensuring you place 3 stitches in each corner.
3. Weave in all ends and block the final piece lightly.

This blanket not only serves as a warm, cozy cover but also showcases a cute strawberry motif, embodying a playful floral theme. If you enjoyed creating this blanket, consider adding a matching coin pouch to complete your crochet collection. Check out this mini granny square coin pouch for more inspiration!

Care

To maintain the quality of your crochet blanket, it is recommended to check the yarn label for specific care instructions. Generally, a gentle wash and air drying will be best for preserving the structure and colors of your finished piece.