Crochet the Beached Granny Baby Blanket – Simple Guide for Beginners!

Isn't there something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful with your own two hands? The Beached Granny Baby Blanket is a project that embodies this perfectly. This blanket isn't just a cozy creation; it's a versatile piece of art. Whether you're looking to add a personal touch to your home or create a heartfelt gift, this pattern is ideal for both beginners and experienced crocheters. The repetitive nature of the stitch pattern makes it wonderfully relaxing.

This blog post serves as your written guide, complementing the video tutorial from The Secret Yarnery. So, let's grab our hooks and yarn and get started on this delightful project! And if you prefer to learn by video, here's the complete tutorial:

Before we dive into the pattern, let's gather our supplies. You'll find a list of "must-haves" in the YouTube video description, but here's a breakdown to get you started. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Yarn: In the tutorial, I used Saver yarn from Ice Yarns. It's a four-weight worsted weight acrylic yarn, or a 10 ply if you're in Australia. I used yellow, gray, and white in my blanket. Specifically, about 350g of yellow and about 60g of each of the gray and white. Feel free to express your creativity and choose any colors that speak to you! You can find a wide selection of yarns at Ice Yarns.
• Crochet Hook: I used a 7 mm crochet hook for this project. Depending on your yarn weight and tension, you might need to adjust the hook size.
• Other Supplies:
  • You'll need a blunt tip needle for weaving in those pesky ends - "Needles - Blunt Tip ➡️ https://amzn.to/2MRffKP".
  • A trusty pair of scissors - "Scissors ➡️ https://amzn.to/3EC1CHy".
  • Stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your stitches, especially for beginners. I recommend having at least 9 stitch markers on hand - "Stitch Markers ➡️ https://amzn.to/3GdGCYg".
  • Other useful crochet materials include a measuring tape, yarn storage bags, and a crochet hook set.

My finished blanket measures 31 inches by 40 inches. In total, I used about 440g (727m) of yarn. Achieving the correct gauge is important if you want your blanket to be the same size. If your gauge is off, try using a different size crochet hook. Too many crocheters skip this step, but it will affect the finished size.

Let's get started! The first step is creating the foundation chain.

• Creating a Slip Knot: A slip knot is the first loop on your hook, and it's what all your chain stitches will come from. There are many ways to make one, so use whichever method you're most comfortable with.
• Chain Stitch: For my blanket size, you need a chain that is a multiple of 6, plus 3. I used nine stitch markers. I chained 12, then placed a stitch marker in the back loop. Continue chaining 12 stitches and marking every 12th stitch. "For my size blanket I'm using nine Stitch markers".

To get a neater edge, work into the camel bumps or back loops along the back of the chain. These are also called Lo Ness bumps. Inserting stitch markers every 12 stitches helps you maintain the correct stitch count. The length of your beginning chain will determine the width of your blanket, so make sure it's just right. If you're more of a visual learner, take a look at the video to see exactly how this is done!

Adjusting the Size: Want to make your blanket bigger or smaller? Simply adjust the length of your initial chain, but always keep that "multiple of 6 + 3" rule in mind to make sure the pattern works out correctly.

Row 1 sets the stage for the entire blanket with the V-stitch pattern.

• Turning the Chain: Rotate your chain to work into the back loops. It is important to start in the correct back loop.
• The V-Stitch: The V-stitch is the heart of this pattern. It consists of a double crochet, a chain one, and another double crochet, all worked into the same stitch. "1 double crochet chain one and one double crochet into that same chain just like that". Start by wrapping your yarn around the hook, insert the hook into the back loop of the chain, yarn over, and pull through. Then, yarn over again and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops. That’s one double crochet. Chain one, and then repeat the double crochet in the same stitch.
• Skipping Stitches: Skip four chains, then work the V-stitch into the fifth chain. Clarify the pattern sequence: V-stitch, V-stitch, skip 4. It is also explained as "our next one is here so there's 1 2 3 4 5 we're going to go into that fifth back Loop right there".
• Working into Back Loops: If you're finding it difficult to work into the back loops, you can work into the chain instead. But, "working into your back Loops is difficult you could just work into your chain but this just helps the end of your blanket match or the beginning of your blanket match the end of your blanket".
• Repeat: The repeat sequence for row one is simple: skip four chains, then create two V-stitches in the next two chains. Repeat this across the row. And remember, using stitch markers will save you a headache by ensuring your stitch count stays on track! "you'll know every time you get to a stitch marker how you're doing with your Stitch count and that is a great reason to be using those Stitch markers".

The final step of row one is working two double crochets into the last back loop. This is vital for creating a straight edge. Work two double crochets directly into that last chain. It might feel a little tight, but stick with it!

Row 2 is where the magic happens.

• Chain 3 and Turn: Chain three and turn your work to start row two. The initial chain counts as your first double crochet.
• Double Crochet into the Second Stitch: Now, make your first real double crochet into the second stitch.
• Working into the Center of the Shells: The trick to this row is to identify and work into the center of the V-stitch shells from the previous row. "the center one and two we're going to be working in to just those two stitches in the center of these shells". The center is that chain-one space in the middle of the "V". "we're just going to go into these Center stitches so into the first center Stitch a V stitch".
• V-Stitch Placement: Repeat the V-stitch pattern by placing one V-stitch into each center stitch.

Repeating the Pattern: Continue this pattern across the entire row. "each of these shells gets two v's basically so one double crochet chain one and one dou double crochet all into that same Stitch that Center tree and you want to do that twice for each of these shells".

To finish row two, work one double crochet into the stitch and one double crochet into the chain. Ending with two stitches is important for maintaining that straight edge.

Continue repeating row two until your blanket reaches your desired length! "you can keep going doing that row over and over until your blanket is the size you want it to be".

Want to add some stripes or switch colors? Here's how to do it seamlessly:

• Finishing the Last Stitch: Work a double crochet into the last stitch, but don't complete it. Leave the last two loops on your hook.
• Cutting the Yarn: Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in later.
• Attaching the New Color: Grab your new color, create a slip knot, and place it on your hook. Pull the new color through the two loops on your hook, completing the stitch.
• Starting the New Row: Chain three and begin the new row with the new color. "so you just start you finished that double crochet with your new color and then you would start your new row the same way".
• Weaving in the Ends: Weave in the ends, matching the colors for a clean look.

Looking for stripe inspiration?

• The Original Stripe Pattern: In my original blanket, I used a pattern of 2 rows of gray, 6 rows of yellow, 1 row of gray, and 2 rows of white. I made the yellow stripes increasingly wider as I went.

  Here's the sequence in detail:

  • 2 rows of gray
  • 6 rows of yellow
  • 1 row of gray
  • 2 rows of white
  • 7 rows of yellow
  • (Standard Stripe)
  • 8 rows of yellow
  • 10 rows of yellow
  • 12 rows of yellow

• Flipping the Last Stripe: To make the top and bottom edges match, I flipped the order of the last stripe, so the white was closest to the edge.

• Customizing Your Stripes: The possibilities are endless! Play around with different color combinations and stripe widths to create a truly unique blanket.

When your blanket is the size you want, it's time to finish off. "at the end of your row after your last Stitch just go ahead and chain one cut your yarn pull your hook up and your yarn through and snug that down to secure". Chain one, cut the yarn, and pull the tail through the loop to secure it.

Weaving in your ends is the final step to a professional-looking blanket. Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle and weave it through the stitches, following the same color as the yarn tail. Weave it in different directions to secure it, and then trim the excess yarn.

Blocking is a process that helps even out your stitches and give your blanket a more polished look. There are several methods, including wet blocking and steam blocking. Pin your blanket to a foam board, stretching it gently to the desired size. Then, either spray it with water (wet blocking) or use a steamer to lightly steam the blanket. Let it dry completely before removing the pins.

To keep your blanket looking its best, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents.

The Beached Granny stitch pattern isn't just for blankets! Try using it for scarves, shawls, cushions, or even larger blankets. Get creative and adapt the pattern to your own projects.

If you're new to crochet, here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Start with the basics: slip knot, chain stitch, double crochet.
• Practice consistent tension.
• Use stitch markers.
• Watch the video tutorial: visual aids can clarify tricky steps.
• Don't be afraid to frog (rip out stitches).
• Celebrate progress: every finished row is an accomplishment.
• Check out the freebies available "FREE STUFF 💎 https://bit.ly/3ssa0tn".
• There's also options for left handed crocheters "Left Handed❔ Don’t stress! 🔎 Find all my left-handed tutorials here: ▶️ https://bit.ly/3UWNmoJ".

• Uneven Edges: Maintain consistent tension and pay attention to the starting and ending stitches in each row.
• Curling Blanket: Blocking can help flatten a curling blanket.
• Stitch Count Errors: Use stitch markers and count your stitches regularly.
• Tight Stitches: Try using a larger hook or loosening your tension.
• Loose Stitches: Try using a smaller hook or tightening your tension.
• Yarn Splitting: Use a hook with a smoother head or try a different type of yarn.

• Color Choices: Explore different color palettes to create different looks. A color wheel can be a great tool for choosing complementary colors.
• Border Options: Adding a border can give your blanket a more finished look. There are many different border stitch patterns to choose from, such as single crochet or crab stitch.
• Size Adjustments: You can easily adjust the size of the blanket by modifying the initial chain and repeating rows.
• Yarn Variations: Experiment with different types of yarn to create unique textures and appearances.
• Adding Appliqués: Add appliqués to your blanket for a personalized touch.

Want more crochet inspiration and support? Don't forget to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery YouTube channel for more crochet tutorials! "SUBSCRIBE 🌳 https://bit.ly/3UWNmoJ". Share your finished blankets on social media using the hashtag #SecretYarnery. You can also join the weekly live Q&A sessions to ask questions and connect with other crocheters.

I hope you've enjoyed this step-by-step guide to creating the Beached Granny Baby Blanket. Remember, crochet is a journey, not a race. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment. I think there is something for everyone when it comes to crochet "whether you're looking to create beautiful crochet blankets, stylish sweaters, or cute amigurumi plants, I have you covered". Now, grab your hook and yarn and start your own Beached Granny adventure!

The blanket measures approximately 31 inches by 40 inches. You can adjust the size by changing the number of chains in the foundation row (always a multiple of 6, plus 3).

I used Saver yarn from Ice Yarns, a worsted-weight acrylic yarn (4-weight or 10 ply). However, you can choose any yarn type or color that fits your preference, keeping in mind the crochet hook size may need adjustment.

Absolutely! Customizing colors allows you to make the blanket unique. Follow your creativity or refer to the recommended stripe pattern for inspiration.

To make the blanket larger or smaller, modify the initial chain length. Ensure it follows the "multiple of 6, plus 3" rule.

Uneven edges often result from stitch count errors. Use stitch markers and count your stitches consistently. Blocking your blanket at the end will also help straighten edges.

The time depends on your crochet speed and the blanket size. For beginners, it could take a few days to weeks, while experienced crocheters might finish it faster.

Blankets may curl due to tight stitches or tension issues. Blocking helps flatten curling edges. Alternatively, loosen your tension or use a larger hook.

Finish the last stitch of one color but don’t complete it. Attach the new color to the two remaining loops and finish the stitch. This technique provides a clean transition between colors.