This fresh and modern blanket is made from half and half granny squares, split corner to corner. One half is worked in solid denim blue granny clusters, and the other half is striped in light blue and white. A denim border frames each square, and when the squares are turned and joined, the halves line up into bold diamonds and zigzags across the whole bed. It is perfect for a coastal bedroom, a farmhouse style home, or anyone who loves classic blue and white.
The blanket is made in three parts. First you crochet the half and half squares from corner to corner. Next you add the denim border and join the squares. Finally you work the edging around the whole blanket.
Materials
Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in denim blue, about 1,600 g
Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in light blue, about 700 g
Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in white, about 500 g
Crochet hook 5.0 mm
Tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers
Finished Size
Each square is about 20 cm (8 inches). The blanket is about 180 by 220 cm (71 by 87 inches) with 9 by 11 squares plus the edging, which fits a full or queen bed as a coverlet.
Stitches Used (US Terms)
ch chain
sl st slip stitch
sc single crochet
hdc half double crochet
dc double crochet
cluster 3 double crochet worked into the same space
BLO back loop only
Part 1: The Striped Half (light blue and white)
The square is worked in rows from one corner across to the opposite corner. The first half grows wider with each row.
Row 1: With light blue, chain 4. Work 2 double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. This makes the first corner cluster. Turn.
Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet) and work 2 double crochet in the first stitch. Chain 1 and work a cluster in the chain 3 space at the end of the row. Turn. You have 2 clusters.
Row 3: Chain 3 and work 2 double crochet in the first stitch. Chain 1 and work a cluster in each chain 1 space across, with chain 1 between. Work a cluster in the chain 3 space at the end. Turn. You have 3 clusters.
Rows 4 to 9: Repeat Row 3, adding 1 cluster in each row. Change colors at the end of each row in this order: white, light blue, light blue, white, light blue, light blue. This makes the light blue and white stripes shown in the photo. You have 9 clusters at the end of Row 9.
Row 9 is the diagonal across the center of the square.
Part 2: The Solid Half (denim blue)
The second half gets narrower with each row until you reach the opposite corner.
Row 10: Change to denim blue. Chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain 1 space. Work a cluster in each chain 1 space across, with chain 1 between, ending in the last chain 1 space. Do not work into the chain 3 space at the end. Turn. You have 8 clusters.
Rows 11 to 17: Repeat Row 10, working 1 fewer cluster in each row. You have 1 cluster at the end of Row 17.
Fasten off.
The square should now have a light blue and white striped triangle on one side and a denim triangle on the other.
Part 3: The Denim Border
Round 1: Join denim blue in any corner. Chain 3 and work 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet in the corner. Along each side, work a cluster in each space between the row ends, with chain 1 between. In each corner, work 3 double crochet, chain 2, and 3 double crochet. Join.
Round 2: Chain 1 and single crochet in each stitch and space around, with 3 single crochet in each corner space. Join.
Round 3: Chain 2 (counts as a half double crochet) and half double crochet in each stitch around, with 3 half double crochet in the center stitch of each corner. Join and fasten off.
Each square should measure about 20 cm across. Make 99 squares for the blanket.
Part 4: Joining the Squares
Lay out the squares in 11 rows of 9 squares.
To make the diamond pattern shown in the photo, turn each square so the striped halves of 4 neighboring squares meet in the middle. Then turn the next group the same way. Lay out the whole blanket and check the pattern before joining.
With denim blue, join the squares with a slip stitch seam through the back loops on the right side. This makes a neat raised ridge between the squares.
Join all the long rows first, then all the short rows.
Part 5: The Edging
Round 1: Join denim blue in any corner. Chain 1 and single crochet evenly around the whole blanket, with 3 single crochet in each corner. Join.
Round 2: Chain 3 and double crochet in each stitch around, with 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 2 double crochet in each corner. Join.
Round 3: Chain 1 and single crochet in each stitch around, with 3 single crochet in each corner space. Join.
Round 4: Working from left to right, work reverse single crochet in each stitch around for a neat corded edge. Join and fasten off.
Blocking
Wet block each square before joining. Pin it flat with straight sides and sharp corners. Let it dry completely. After joining, lightly steam the edging and pin it straight.
Ways to Use Your Half and Half Squares
Make the full blanket for a bed or a large sofa throw.
Join 20 squares in 4 rows of 5 for a lap blanket.
Join 4 squares for a cushion cover with a diamond in the middle.
Join a single row of squares for a table runner or bench cover.
Use a single square as a potholder or coaster.
Color Ideas
Navy, gray, and white for a crisp nautical look
Sage, cream, and white for a calm farmhouse bedroom
Rust, mustard, and cream for a warm autumn throw
Pink, blush, and white for a soft nursery blanket
Tips for Success
Count your clusters after every row so each half stays even.
Make one test square and measure it before starting. If it is too big, go down a hook size.
Lay out all the squares before joining to check the diamond pattern. It is easy to turn one the wrong way.
Buy all your yarn from the same dye lot so the colors stay even.
Use stitch markers at the corners to keep the squares straight.
Final Thoughts
This blue and white half and half granny blanket is a fresh, modern project with endless layout options. Turn the squares different ways to create diamonds, zigzags, or stripes. Share your finished squares and blankets in the comments below. We would love to see your makes!