Rectangle Granny Square Blanket

This blanket pattern uses the traditional granny square stitch, but it is worked in the shape of a rectangle, rather than a square. Creating a blanket in a rectangle shape is perfect for a crib blanket, a baby blanket or any other blanket you like. This project is suited for beginners, and I do have a video tutorial at the bottom of the post if you prefer that.

The supplies you will need for this project are:

2 balls of ‘Shawl in a Cake’ yarn by Lion Brand-Jade Pool (or yarn of your choice)
3mm crochet hook (the closet US version is D-3 or 3.25mm)
Scissors
Darning needle

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The stitches and abbreviations for this project are:

Chain Stitch- ch
Single Crochet- sc
Double Crochet- dc
Slip Stitch- sl st
Skip- sk
Stitch- st
Space- sp

While this pattern is suited for beginners, if you have no crochet experience at all, I do recommend my Beginner Crochet Series. In these tutorials, you will learn everything you need to know to make this blanket. I am using a bulkier yarn to demonstrate the first row of this pattern, so it is easier to see.

I will carry on with the actual yarn I’m using for this project at the end of row one. The Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake is called a number 4 medium weight yarn, however, I find it is quite fine and is actually more like a number 3 medium weight yarn. I have a review of this yarn here if you want to know more.

If you are using a different yarn and want the same size and gauge as this project, then I would look for a number 3 weight yarn.

To begin, chain 28.

Row 1: 2dc in back bump of 4th chain from the hook. This is not the top of the ‘V’ in the chain, but the bump behind the ‘V’ shape, ch1.

*sk 2 sts, 3dc in back bump of next st, ch1. Repeat from * 6 more times. There should be 3 chains left.

Work 3dc into the back bump of the last chain, ch2, 3dc into the same space, ch2, 3dc into the same space, ch1. *3dc into space opposite 3dc, ch1. Repeat from * to the end of the straight edge.

Now I’ve gone back to the actual piece with the Shawl in a Cake yarn. Working into the same space of the beginning dc cluster, work 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2. Join this row with a sl st in the 3rd chain of the beginning ch 3.

Row 2: Sl st into the next 2 sts, and into the next ch 1 sp. Ch3 (counts as first dc). 2dc in the same sp, ch1.

*3dc, ch1 in next ch 1 sp. Repeat from * to the next corner (ch 2 sp).

Working into the ch 2 sp corner, *[3dc, ch2, 3dc] (corner complete). Ch1, [3dc, ch2, 3dc] into the next ch 2 sp, ch1, 3dc, ch1 in next ch 1 sp, repeat to next ch 2 sp corner. Repeat from * to complete row.

Coming out of the last corner, ch1 and join row with a sl st in the 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.

Row 3: Sl st over to next ch 1 sp. Ch3 (counts as first dc), 2dc in same ch 1 sp, ch1. *3dc, ch1 in next ch 1 sp, repeat to next corner (ch 2 sp). [3dc, ch2, 3dc] in ch 2 sp, ch1, 3dc, ch1 in next ch 1 sp to next corner (ch 2 sp), [3dc, ch2, 3dc] in ch 2 sp, ch1, 3dc, ch1 in each ch 1 sp. Repeat from * to complete row. Join with a sl st to beginning ch 3.

Rows 4 to 29: Repeat row 3, increasing 3dc clusters in each ch 1 sp as you go. Join row 29 with a sl st.

Once you have used up one ball of yarn, you can join the second ball by using a magic knot. I have a video tutorial for that here.

I’ve calculated that there is enough yarn to complete row 30 with a dc border and row 31 with a sc border. If you are using a different yarn and are not sure how much you need, crochet 4″ of dc and measure how much yarn you used in that 4″ (I used 64″). Then measure the circumference of your blanket (mine was 140″). Divide 140″ by 4″ to find the number of repeats (35). Multiply 35 by 64″ to equal the total amount of yarn needed to do a dc border around the blanket.

Mine worked out to 2240″ or 62 yards (57 meters). Add a couple of yards for good measure. You can repeat this equation for any stitch you like. I know I need at least 98 yards to complete rows 30 and 31.

Row 30: Sl st over to ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), *1dc in top of each st to corner. 3dc in ch 2 sp, 1dc in next st. Repeat from * to the end of the row. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3 to join row.

If you don’t have enough yarn, you can always use another yarn in a complementary color to crochet your border as shown in the sample above.

Row 31: Ch1 (counts as first sc) 1sc in next st, 1sc in each st to the corner. *2sc in next 3 sts, 1sc in each st to next corner. Repeat from * to complete round. Join with sl st and ch1 to fasten off!

Darn in your ends and block the blanket. You can do this by washing the blanket according to the yarn specifications, or in cold water on a gentle cycle. Lay the blanket on a flat surface, like a couple of towels, and hand press into a nice shape and let dry. If you have a proper blocking board, you can use that.

I really love working on crochet projects like this one because the simplicity of the pattern is very relaxing and enjoyable to do. I find it can be quite meditative. I hope you enjoyed this project and don’t hesitate to leave a comment or question below. And if you prefer, I have created a video tutorial as well!

If you liked this project, you may also like:

Update!

I have noticed a common problem with granny square blankets that are worked in continuous rounds, which is that the blanket sometimes becomes warped and wonky. This question comes up often in some of the crochet Facebook groups I’m in, and also from some of my followers. The problem, if this happens, is caused by tight tension. This can be caused by technique, by the type of yarn used, or by both! I created a video tutorial that explains this a bit more and offers an easy solution.