Introduction
This crochet project features a visually captivating blanket made up of charming, colorful granny squares. Each motif includes a central flower made of six petal-like puff stitches in rainbow colors (yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink) with a warm cream border joining the squares into a seamless and elegant whole. The joined motifs create a flower-garden effect, and the addition of a scalloped edge completes the blanket with a beautiful, feminine finish.
Ideal for draping over a bed (as seen in the image), tossing over a sofa, or gifting for special occasions, this project is both practical and decorative. Its cozy texture, rich colorwork, and dynamic pattern make every square a joy to crochet. Whether you’re crafting a bright statement for your home or working on a heartfelt gift, the satisfaction comes in seeing these vibrant squares come together, one by one, into a truly special blanket.
With its textural puff stitches and colorful palette, this design is a testament to how classic techniques can be reimagined for modern, eye-catching results. The repetitive motifs make it meditative, while the finishing techniques ensure a polished result.
Project Overview
This blanket is constructed by making multiple identical granny square motifs, each featuring six puff-stitch petals in the center and a creamy border that connects them seamlessly. The squares are joined using the join-as-you-go method or sewn together later, depending on your preference. The finished blanket is edged with an ornate scalloped border. The project includes three components: the petal puff flower square, the joining of squares, and the decorative border. Matching pillows can be made with the same squares.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. The pattern uses puff stitches and color changes. Anyone comfortable with basic stitches (chains, single crochet, double crochet) and able to follow a motif construction will enjoy this project.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (Category 4), soft acrylic or cotton blend recommended. You will need approximately:
- Cream color for joining and borders: 1200–1500 g (about 2500–3000 yds/2300–2750 m)
- Accent colors for petals (yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, orange): about 150–200 g (300–400 yds/275–365 m) of each shade (adjust based on blanket/pillow size)
- 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing blocks
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, useful for motif alignment and border)
- Measuring tape
Choose colors based on personal preference; you can opt for a pastel, primary, or even a monochrome palette for a different mood.
Finished Size
Each granny square measures approximately 12 x 12 cm (4.75 x 4.75 inches), including the border. For a standard bedspread, a configuration of 10 x 12 squares creates a blanket around 120 x 144 cm (47 x 57 inches), not including the border. The finished blanket size can be easily adjusted by making more or fewer motifs. Pillows may use 3 x 4 (or chosen) motifs for a decorative effect.
Gauge
1 motif (petal puff flower with border) should measure about 12 x 12 cm (4.75 x 4.75 inches) after blocking. Gauge is not critical, but variations will affect the total size and yarn usage. If motifs are smaller or larger, adjust your hook or yarn weight as needed.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- puff – puff stitch (see notes)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
Pattern Notes
Chains at the beginning of rounds count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated. Motifs are worked in the round from the center out, joined using join-as-you-go on the final border round, or whipstitched together after all squares are made. Color changes occur at the start of each petal. To change colors, tighten off the current yarn and join the new color in the next petal space. Puff stitches: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Repeat four more times (for a 5-loop puff), then yarn over, pull through all loops, and ch 1 to close. Use a stitch marker to mark corners on your motif and edge for easier joining.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Petal Puff Flower Center
- With your first petal color, make a MR. Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
- Puff petal: *(Yarn over, insert hook in MR, yarn over and pull up a loop) 5 times (11 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all loops, ch 1 to close petal.*
- Rep from * 2 more times (total 3 petals). Cut yarn, join new color for 4th petal. Continue puff stitch for a total of 6 puffs, each in a different color (or repeat colors as desired). After 6 petals, sl st to top of first petal to close ring. Pull MR tight. (6 petals/puffs, 6 ch-1 spaces)
First Border Round (Cream)
- Join cream yarn with a sl st in any ch-1 sp between petals. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp (first corner made).
- Ch 1, (2 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp (corner), ch 1) around. Join with sl st to first dc. (6 corners, 6 ch-1 sps)
Square the Motif
- Sl st into next dc and into ch-2 corner. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner.
- [*Ch 1, skip next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 corner*] rep around. Join with sl st. You now have a roughly hexagonal shape.
Transform Hexagon to Square
- Sl st to next corner space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc, ch 3, 2 dc in same space (corner made).
- *(Ch 1, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp [side], ch 1), (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in next corner* rep around. Join with sl st.
Finalize Square & Define Corners
- Sl st into corner space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc, ch 3, 2 dc in same corner.
- *Ch 1, 2 dc in each ch-1 sp along side, ch 1, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in corner* rep to end. Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends. (4 corners, each corner should have a ch-3 space; each side should now be straight.)
Join Squares
- Arrange squares in a grid (for example, 10 x 12 for a bedspread). Join squares using your preferred method:
- For join-as-you-go: On the final round of each motif, swap chains in the corner and side spaces with slip stitches to the adjoining motifs.
- For whipstitching: With wrong sides together, align edges and whipstitch or mattress stitch with cream yarn through both loops of each stitch for an invisible join.
Border and Scalloped Edge
- With cream yarn, join in any corner. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc in same space (corner made).
- (*Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st*) around all four sides, working (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in each corner. Adjust for stitch count as needed so scallops align.
- For an extra ornate edge (optional): Work a second round of scallops, making (sc, ch 1, 6 dc, ch 1, sc) in each large 5-dc shell from the previous round. Sl st to join, fasten off, and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Arrange your motifs in the desired color sequence before final joining for maximum visual impact. When joining, ensure all motifs have the same orientation for consistent corners. Use a tapestry needle to weave in all exposed ends on the back of the blanket.
After joining, lay the blanket flat on a clean surface and gently shape it with your hands. Pin corners if needed. Lightly block by misting with water and patting into shape, or use steam (if yarn allows) for sharper stitch definition. Pay special attention to the border to keep scallops even.
For pillows, sew squares together in the desired arrangement, create a crochet or fabric backing, and insert a pillow form before closing securely.
Customization Ideas
Try other color palettes: shades of blue/green for a serene look, or vibrant reds/oranges/yellows for warmth. Use ombre yarn for flowers or create a monochrome version. Use lighter (sport or DK) yarn for a more delicate blanket, or chunky for extra warmth.
The motifs can also be repurposed for baby blankets, table runners, cushion covers, or scarves. Adjust the number and arrangement of squares to fit any project. Add buttons or beads to petal centers for extra flair.
Troubleshooting
Motifs curling: This is often due to tight tension or skipped stitches; ensure you are not pulling puff stitches too tight. Block motifs before joining.
Uneven edges: Skipping or adding extra stitches in the borders will lead to a wavy or slanted blanket. Count stitches carefully around the motif edges and when joining.
Piece too large/small: Adjust hook or yarn size for desired motif size. Making motifs too small or large will affect the finished blanket size and appearance.
Loose color changes: Fasten off ends tightly, and pull new yarn snugly when joining a new color to avoid gaps.
Uneven tension: Practice on a sample motif before starting the blanket. If puff stitches are not uniform, slow down and count loops for each puff.
Care Instructions
Gentle hand wash with mild detergent and cool water, or machine wash on delicate cycle in a mesh bag if using washable yarn. Lay flat to dry for best results and to preserve the shape and stitch definition. Do not wring or twist. Store folded in a cool, dry place.
Final Notes
Always check stitch counts at the end of each round for symmetry. Adjust your tension as you go to keep motifs uniform. Let the photograph serve as a visual guide for color placement and assembly, but don’t fear putting your own creative spin on the pattern for a blanket that’s uniquely yours.
