Introduction
This project showcases a stunning granny square blanket and pillow set featuring a raised, multi-layered flower motif at the center of each square. The color scheme blends shades of white, cream, multiple greens, and a pop of golden yellow at the flower’s heart, all arranged in crisp, classic geometric rows. The raised petals and layered colors give the design an eye-catching textured appearance, making it both visually striking and tactilely engaging. Each square is bordered with a traditional granny stitch, giving a seamless look to the assembled blanket and matching pillows.
Perfect as a bedspread or an eye-catching sofa throw, this crochet set brings an elegant and fresh floral touch to any room. The floral squares make for striking pillow covers as well, making it easy to create a coordinated look. Crafters who enjoy both color work and textured motifs will find this project rewarding and enjoyable to make. Plus, each square is worked individually, making this an ideal project to work on in pieces, at your own pace.
Project Overview
This set is constructed from separate granny squares, each featuring a large, raised flower motif in the center and finished with traditional granny stitch borders. Once the desired number of squares are completed, they are joined with a simple seaming technique to form a blanket or pillow cover. The assembly allows for easy adjustments to size and layout.
- Blanket: Multiple joined granny squares
- Pillows: Front and back panels made from squares, then seamed and stuffed
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project includes standard and textured crochet stitches, color changes, working in the round, and simple seaming. Some experience with motif or granny square projects is recommended, though detailed instructions make it accessible to adventurous advanced beginners ready to learn new techniques.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or soft cotton-blend yarn
- Approximate yarn amounts per square:
- Yellow (center): 10g (0.4 oz)
- Dark green (outer petals/leaves): 30g (1.1 oz)
- Medium green: 30g (1.1 oz)
- Light green: 30g (1.1 oz)
- White/Cream: 40g (1.4 oz)
- Total for a large blanket (30 squares): 2,000-2,400g (70–84 oz), distributed by color as above
- Crochet hook size: 5.0mm (H-8) or size to obtain gauge
- Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends and seaming)
- Small scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful for color changes and round beginnings)
- Pillow inserts if making the pillow covers (approx. 45x45cm/18″ size)
Finished Size
Each completed granny square measures approximately 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inches). The blanket shown fits a queen-size bed and uses about 30 squares (laid 5 x 6). You can adjust the size by making more or fewer squares. Pillows use one square per side for an 18-inch cover; size may be adjusted by adding/removing granny stitch rounds.
Gauge
Approximate gauge: One completed square = 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inches) after blocking. The motif should fit this measurement when completed with the stated yarn and hook size. Small gauge differences are not critical for this project, but consistent squares will lead to a more polished final piece.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (2 sts in same st)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp(s) – space(s)
Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rounds count as the first stitch unless otherwise indicated.
- Work rounds with right side facing throughout.
- Color changes: Always join new colors with a slip stitch and crochet over yarn tails for a neater finish where possible.
- All rounds are joined with a slip stitch unless specified as continuous. When joining, sl st to the top of beginning chain.
- Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round if working in spiral or for quick color placement reference.
- Petal rounds are worked by layering stitches in front of or behind previous rounds to achieve the raised flower effect. Read instructions carefully for placement notes.
- Add as many granny stitch border rounds as you want to adjust each square’s size for perfect alignment.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center (Yellow Middle)
- Round 1 (Yellow): Make a MR, ch 2 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (12 dc)
- Round 2 (Yellow): Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc) Fasten off yellow.
Base Green Foundation
- Round 3 (Dark Green): Join with sl st in any st, ch 2, dc in same st, *ch 1, skip next st, (2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st)* repeat around. Join. (12 groups of 2 dc, 12 ch-1 sps)
Petals (White/Cream Layer)
- Round 4 (White): Join in any ch-1 sp, *(3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr) in same sp* to form the first petal cluster, sl st into next ch-1 sp, repeat in each ch-1 space around to make 12 petal clusters. Join, fasten off white. (12 petal clusters)
Overlay Leaf Petals (Medium and Light Green)
- Round 5 (Medium Green, behind petals): Join with a sl st in the dc round below the white petals, directly behind a petal, ch 2, dc in next st, ch 1, skip area beneath petal, dc in next 2 sts (behind next petal), ch 1—repeat around. Join. (12 pairs of dc, 12 ch-1 sps)
- Round 6 (Light Green, in ch-1 sps behind petals): Join yarn in any ch-1 space, (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in each ch-1 space around, join. (12 groups)
Leaf Tips (Dark/Light Green, Optional Texture)
- Round 7 (Dark/Lt Green): With dark green, sl st at the tip of each petal cluster and ch 2, sc in same st, ch 2, sl st to same point to create a small leaf tip. Repeat for each petal. Add a few small stitches of light green in between petals for extra effect if desired.
Building the Granny Square Background
- Round 8 (Pale Green): Join with a sl st in space between any two petals at the edge, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 2 (corner), *3 dc in next space, ch 2* – repeat around, placing (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in four corners to begin squaring the motif. Join. (4 corners, clusters on edges)
- Round 9 (White): Sl st to next corner, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, *3 dc in each space across to next corner, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner* repeat around, join.
- Round 10 (Dark Green): Repeat as last round, building out square with (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner and 3 dc clusters along each side. Join. Adjust number of rounds for desired square size.
Finishing the Square
- Add additional granny rounds alternating green and cream/white colors as needed to achieve 25×25 cm (10×10″) per square.
- Work final round with dark green in sc for a neat edge: Ch 1, sc in each st and 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
- Lay completed squares on a flat surface to arrange color placement and motif direction.
- Join squares using your preferred method: single crochet seams, slip stitch seams, or invisible mattress stitch with matching yarn for a clean finish.
- For the blanket: join squares in strips, then join strips together.
- For pillow covers: make two panels (front and back) and join three sides with sc or whip stitch. Insert pillow form and close remaining edge.
- Weave in all loose ends securely. Use a tapestry needle for a neat finish.
- Lightly block assembled blanket and pillow covers to even out stitches and open up the motif texture. Pin to size and spritz with water, allowing to dry fully before use.
Customization Ideas
- Change up the flower color: try a different center (red or blue) and experiment with contrasting or pastel petals.
- Work alternating flower colors for a checkerboard or rainbow effect.
- Use a single color for the granny border rounds to make the central flower pop even more.
- Substitute finer yarn and a smaller hook for a lighter, lacier blanket. Use bulky yarn for a cozy throw.
- Make the squares individually as pot holders, placemats, or coasters.
- Turn a single larger square into a decorative wall hanging or stool cover.
Troubleshooting
- Squares Curling: If your squares curl or ruffle, check your tension and avoid making stitches too tight. Blocking helps loosen and shape motifs properly.
- Uneven Edges: Make sure to place the correct number of stitches in each corner when squaring up the motif. Missing a corner cluster often leads to misshapen edges.
- Piece Too Large/Small: If the finished square size varies, adjust hook size up or down and check your yarn weight so all motifs measure evenly before joining.
- Loose Color Changes: Always drop old color to the back and firmly weave in tails as you go for a tidy look.
- Uneven Tension: Regularly count stitches and adjust grip. Practicing a few squares first helps build muscle memory and consistency.
Care Instructions
Machine wash finished blanket and pillows on a gentle, cold cycle with like colors. Tumble dry low or reshape and lay flat to dry. Avoid high heat to prolong the life and vibrancy of your crochet work. If using delicate yarns, hand washing is recommended.
Final Notes
Check stitch counts at the end of every round to keep motifs consistent. Adjust tension or hook size if squares come out irregularly. Refer to the included image for floral color inspiration and motif placement. Enjoy the process and take pride in every vibrant square you make!
