This blanket is 18″ by 24″, which is a specific size that my local cat rescue center requested. They like this size because it can be used both as a comfy, cozy blanket or folded in half to be a 18″ by 12″ comfort pad. I do have a tutorial for a comfort pad pattern here, because those are often requested as well. If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series here.

I don’t have a written pattern for this project, as my cognitive health is still challenged, and writing patterns is very difficult. But this is an easy and straight forward pattern using a double crochet stitch. I do have a couple of little tricks that help to make this a very nice blanket. The step-by-step video tutorial is at the bottom of this page.

I don’t have a supply list because it will depend on what size blanket your local shelters request. This pattern is easy to adjust to any size you like and you can use any yarn you like as well. You can see above, I did one using scrap yarn, and another with light and dark purple. If you want to use scrap yarn, I have a tutorial on how to do a magic knot here, which is a great way to join all your pieces of yarn together.

This Crocheted Comfort Blanket for Pet Rescue Centers is an enjoyable project. I like to make them because I find this hobby very relaxing and sometimes want to do “mindless” crocheting. I like simple patterns, random colors and I like using up bits and bobs of yarn. In my last tutorial for comfort pads, some people commented that cats might get their claws caught in the material. I can assure you this is not an issue! Check out the video below for a very inspiring story that debunks that idea.

Most of all, I love making these cozy comfort blankets and pads to give a little bit of love to animals who might be feeling stressed or lonely as they wait for adoption. So, get out your crochet hooks and yarn and spread a little love!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial on Crocheted Comfort Blanket for Pet Rescue Centers.

If you are interested in crocheting comfort mats, you can check out my video tutorial below!

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The tutorial is divided into two parts, and in part one, I will show you how to construct the actual bag. In part two we will create the lining and attach the handles.

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

The supplies you will need for this project are:

• Assorted colors of number 4, worsted weight yarn (I used 9 colors), plus one accent color
• 3.5mm (E-4 US) crochet hook
• 1/2 a meter or yard of fabric for lining
• 1 and 1/2 meters or yards of strapping for the handles (about 1″ or 2.5cm wide)
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• You can get the hooks, stitch markers, and darning needles all together in this nice kit.

You will need a total of 27 granny squares made with 3 rounds. I have a video tutorial here if you are new to crochet. I recommend using a ‘chain 2’ in each corner of the squares, rather than a ‘chain 3’ which is commonly used.

I have revised my granny square pattern, so the written pattern is slightly different from the video tutorial. Either method of making granny squares is fine, and you can also use any other granny square pattern you like in place of the traditional granny square.

Traditional Granny Square Pattern

Round one: ch 5, sl st into the first ch to create a ring. Ch 2 (counts as middle dc), 1 dc into the ring, ch 2, *[3 dc, ch 2] into the ring. Repeat from * 2 times. 1 dc into the ring (this completes the first 3dc cluster for a total of four 3dc clusters). Sk 2 ch’s, join with a sl st into the top of the first dc and fasten off.

Round two: Join new color into a ch2 sp with a sl st, [ch 2, 1 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp, *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp. Repeat from * 2 times, 1 dc into the beg ch2 sp. Sk 2 ch’s, join with a sl st into the top of the first dc, and fasten off.

Round three: Join new color into a ch2 sp with a sl st, [ch 2, 1 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp, 3 dc, ch 1 in next ch1 sp. *[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1] into the ch2 sp, 3 dc, ch 1 in next ch1 sp. Repeat from * 2 times, 1 dc into the beg ch2 sp. Sk 2 ch’s, join with a sl st into the top of the first dc and fasten off. Fasten off this last round with an invisible stitch as shown in the above video tutorial at 17:23.

The images above and below show you how to lay out the granny squares. You will need 2 panels with 9 squares in each panel, and then a long strip of 9 squares. I used 9 different colors so I wouldn’t have any 2 colors beside each other in the design. You could do any combination you like.

While this is an easy project to do, the instructions are quite involved, so rather than writing out all the details, I’ve created a video tutorial. It will be much easier to follow than written directions. You can check it out below!

And when you are done, your bag will look something like this! (I’ve just pinned the handles on the bag for now). So in part two, we will make the lining and attach the handles. See you there!

If you like this tutorial, you may also like:

• How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket
• How to Crochet a Bohemian Scarf
• How to Crochet a Bohemian Hat

Here is a granny square bag made by one of my lovely, creative followers. I love the color combination she used and the lining is such a perfect color match too!

Thank you Jamie for sharing this!

The post Granny Square Tote Bag: Part One appeared first on Create and Crochet.

Join me for this easy and fun crochet project to learn how to crochet a granny square blanket. This tutorial is suited for beginners as the blanket is simply one big granny square, made from a single cake of yarn. It measures 27″ by 27″ (69 cm by 69cm), although you could carry on with another cake of yarn and make the blanket even bigger. This size is perfect for a baby blanket or a lap blanket.

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

For this project, I am using Caron Cotton Cakes ‘Sunset Dreams’ yarn, but it is no longer available. Here is a different option… Caron Jumbo Ombre Yarn in Baby Rainbow. There is the equivalent of 2 balls of yarn here with a total of 595 yards or 544 meters. This ball is larger than the Cotton Cakes, so the blanket should crochet up a bit larger than the one I show here.

The Cotton Cakes is a number 4 medium worsted weight yarn, 60% cotton, and 40% acrylic. The recommended hook size is US H/8 or 5mm, but I’m using a US 7 or 4.5mm hook because I tend to crochet with very loose tension. The Caron Jumbo Ombre is also a number 4 medium weight yarn, but it is 100% acrylic. The same recommendations for the hook size apply to this yarn too.

If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series Blog that has 2 video tutorials to show you everything you need to know to make this pretty blanket! I’ve also created a step by step video tutorial for this pattern, so you can follow along with that if you like! You will find it at the bottom of this post.

To begin, ch 5, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.
1st rnd: Ch 6, *3 dc in ring, ch3, rep from * 2 times in ring, 2 dc in ring, join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch 6. (Four groups of 3 dc, ch-3 sps in total).

2nd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 6, 3 dc in same ch-3 sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more, ch 1, 2 dc in first ch-3 sp, join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch 6.

3rd rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 6, 3 dc in same ch-3 sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more. Ch 1, 2 dc in first ch-3 sp, join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch 6.

4th rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 6, 3 dc in same ch-3 sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * twice more. Ch 1, 2 dc in first ch-3 sp, join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch 6.

Continue with this same pattern, adding one more dc cluster (3 dc, ch 1) to each side of each consecutive round until all the yarn is used. You could also create a border for the last round by doing a row of double crochet. (see below)

I completed 24 rounds altogether and had enough yarn left to do either one more round with the granny square pattern or do a border with double crochet. I chose to finish my blanket with the double crochet.

Final rnd: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch-3 sp, *1 dc in top of next dc. Rep from * to next ch3 sp. *3 dc in ch3 sp, 1 dc in top of next dc’s to next ch3 space. Repeat from * all around, fasten off.

As I came into the second corner, I had completed two sides of the blanket with yellow. I had enough yellow to go about halfway around the third side, but I decided to cut the yarn and join the pink with a magic knot so I would end up with two sides in yellow and two sides in pink. This is totally up to you, but I show you how to do a magic knot in the video tutorial.

Once you have finished making your blanket, darn in the ends. You can “block” the blanket by washing it in a gentle cycle (follow the manufacturer’s recommendations), and then lay it out flat on a towel to dry. Gently shape the blanket with your hands into a nice square shape.

Enjoy your new creation or give it as a gift! Check out the video tutorial below if you want to follow along step by step. And please share this post with your friends!

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.

If you like this tutorial, then you may also like:

• Rectangle Granny Square Blanket
• Ferris Wheel Scarf: Part One (the granny square)
• Ferris Wheel Scarf: Part Two (the scarf assembly)

The post How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket appeared first on Create and Crochet.