Introduction
This delightful crochet project features a timeless, elegant granny square blanket and matching pillow covers, each adorned with a bold flower motif in the corner. The overall look is inviting and vibrant, combining classic granny squares with pops of color and texture from the floral accents. The color scheme blends a warm cream base with rich navy blue and deep brick red, offering a vintage-inspired style that fits both modern and traditional bedrooms. This set adds handmade charm as a bedspread, throw, or even as an accent for your sofa, and the matching pillows complete the cozy, coordinated look.
Whether you’re looking to create a stunning focal point for your bedroom, a unique housewarming gift, or simply want to showcase your skills, this project is perfect. The modular construction allows you to make the set as large or as small as needed, and the classic granny square design ensures you can work at your own pace. The addition of the floral motif gives the set a unique signature, making each square feel like a special piece of art. This visually striking project is both practical and beautiful, blending function with unmistakable handmade warmth.
Project Overview
The blanket and pillow covers are made up of multiple granny squares, each featuring a three-dimensional floral motif worked in one corner. Each square is constructed individually using rounds, then joined together with a simple seaming method. The main body of each square is worked in the round, starting with the flower and continuing seamlessly into the surrounding square. Once all the squares are completed and joined, a border is added for a polished finish. The matching pillow covers are assembled from identical squares and finished with a simple envelope closure or zipped seam, depending on your preference. This project is an excellent introduction to motif-based crocheting and offers plenty of room for customization.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner: This project is suitable for crocheters comfortable with basic stitches (chain, double crochet), working in the round, and easy color changes. If you’re new to 3D motifs or joining squares, the instructions guide you through each step. Some sewing is needed for assembly.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in three colors. Approximate amounts for a full-sized blanket (30 squares) and three pillow covers (2 squares each):
- Cream (main color): 1500g (1800 yds / 1650 m)
- Navy Blue (border/accent): 900g (1050 yds / 960 m)
- Brick Red (flower motif): 350g (400 yds / 370 m)
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing squares
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Helpful for marking corners or joins
- Pillow inserts (for pillows): 16 x 16 inches (40 x 40 cm) or size to fit finished pillow square
Choose a soft, washable yarn such as an acrylic, wool blend, or 100% cotton, depending on your preference and intended use.
Finished Size
Each granny square measures approximately 12 x 12 inches (30 x 30 cm), including the border. For a standard queen-size blanket, arrange 5 squares by 6 squares, resulting in an approximate finished size of 60 x 72 inches (152 x 183 cm), not including the optional border (which adds 2-4 inches / 5-10 cm to each side). Pillow covers use a single square per side for a finished 16 x 16 inch (40 x 40 cm) cover. Adjust the size by adding or subtracting squares as needed.
Gauge
One completed square (without border) should measure roughly 11 x 11 inches (28 x 28 cm). Gauge is not critical, but consistency is important for pieces to align for joining. If your squares are larger or smaller, adjust hook size accordingly to ensure they fit together neatly. Small gauge differences mainly affect overall size and yarn consumption, so take time to match the sample square size before starting all squares.
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
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space (usually chain space)
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Pattern Notes
Unless otherwise noted, chains at the start of a round count as a stitch for that round (e.g. ch-3 as dc). The blanket is constructed working each square individually and then joining. Begin each square with the flower motif, then build out into the granny square. Color changes are made at the beginning of designated rounds; fasten off and rejoin as instructed for crisp transitions. Work rounds with the right side facing unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch in each round where helpful. To keep edges neat, weave in ends thoroughly as you complete each section. For the border, join new yarn at any seam and follow the same stitch style as the main square for consistency.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Floral Corner Granny Square
- Flower Center (Brick Red):
- Make a MR. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), work 11 hdc into ring. Join with sl st to first hdc. (12 sts)
- Fasten off Brick Red. Join Cream with sl st in any st.
- Flower Petals (Brick Red):
- Rejoin Brick Red in any st around ring.
- Ch 2 (counts as first dc), in same st: (dc, tr, dc), sl st in next st; rep from * around for a total of 6 petals. Join with sl st to first ch-2. Fasten off Brick Red. (6 petals)
- First Corner (Navy Blue):
- Rejoin Navy Blue to the base of any petal.
- Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch-1), (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next st (forming first corner cluster), ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, 3 dc in next st, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next st (second corner cluster), ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off (for clear color break). (Each side now has 3 clusters, 2 corners made)
- Granny Square Foundation (Cream):
- Join Cream to any corner space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp; rep from * for remaining corners. Join with sl st to first ch-3. (You now have 4 corners)
- Square Expansion (Cream):
- Continue working in rounds, always placing 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner sp, and 3 dc in each ch-1 space along the sides. After each round, join with sl st to first ch-3.
- Repeat until you reach desired square size (about 5-6 rounds total after the flower and first corner), ending with a Cream round. Fasten off Cream.
- Final Border (Navy Blue):
- Join Navy Blue in any corner. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner sp, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp along sides, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner sp.
- Continue around; sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. Weave in all ends securely.
Blanket Assembly
- Make the required number of floral corner granny squares. For a queen blanket (5 x 6), create 30 squares. For each pillow cover (2 per), make 4 squares (front and back).
- Block all completed squares lightly to measurements using steam or wet block for crisp edges.
- Arrange squares on a flat surface, ensuring all flower motifs face the same corner direction for a cohesive look. Join with the RS facing using your preferred method:
- Slip Stitch Join: Hold two squares together, RS out. Working through both loops on each square edge, sl st across to join. Repeat for all seams horizontally and vertically.
- Whipstitch: Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew squares together with neat, even stitches.
Pillow Cover
- Join two completed squares back to back, RS facing out. Seam three sides with your preferred method. Insert pillow form, then seam final edge closed or use buttons/zippers for removable covers.
Border
- With Navy Blue yarn, join yarn in any corner of the assembled blanket. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp. Work 3 dc in each join and ch-1 space along the sides, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner.
- Repeat around for 1-2 rounds as desired for a bold frame. Fasten off, weave in all ends, and block if needed.
Assembly and Finishing
After joining all squares for the blanket and pillow covers, weave in any remaining ends using a tapestry needle. Steam or wet block the finished pieces to bring out stitch definition and ensure each item lays flat and straight. Shape gently to square up corners and edges. If creating pillow covers, ensure all seams are secure and the fit is snug but not overly tight around the insert. For removable pillows, finish the final seam with buttons, snaps, or a zipper for easy washing. Display your finished pieces on your bed or sofa for a coordinated, polished look that reflects your creative effort and attention to detail.
Customization Ideas
- Color Variations: Swap out navy, cream, and red for your preferred shades—try pastels for a lighter look, jewel tones for luxury, or monochrome for modern minimalism.
- Yarn Weight: Use a lighter yarn for a baby blanket or heavier for extra warmth; adjust hook size and increase round count to maintain proportions.
- Alternative Uses: Use single squares as wall art, coasters, or join a strip for a long table runner. Smaller versions make lovely baby blankets, while one or two squares work as chair pads.
Troubleshooting
- Square Curling: Try blocking the squares to relax the yarn, or loosen your tension slightly. Curling can also result from too-tight starting rounds.
- Uneven Edges: Make sure you use a consistent stitch count in all rounds and double-check corners. If joining creates puckering, try a different joining method (like whipstitch).
- Piece Too Large/Small: Check your gauge square before making all motifs. Swap hook sizes to achieve the desired dimensions.
- Loose Color Changes: When changing colors, fasten off neatly and pull the new color snug without distorting stitches.
- Uneven Tension: Practice working at a steady pace—yarn and hook should glide smoothly. Wet blocking and light steaming can help even out minor inconsistencies in your stitches.
Care Instructions
If you used machine-washable yarn (like acrylic or cotton), machine wash the finished pieces on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water, and lay flat to dry to preserve shape. For wool or delicate fibers, hand wash and dry flat. Always follow the yarn manufacturer’s care recommendations to keep your handmade blanket and pillows looking beautiful for years to come.
Final Notes
Take your time to check stitch counts and maintain even tension throughout the project for the neatest finish. Lay out your squares and use the photo as a visual guide to keep your motifs consistently aligned. Feel free to adjust the number of rounds or add extra details to personalize your set—enjoy the creative process as much as the final result!
