The Easiest Crochet Blanket: Drunken Granny Baby Blanket with a Stunning Border

The Easiest Crochet Blanket: Drunken Granny Baby Blanket with a Stunning Border

What Makes This Crochet Pattern Special?

Finished Blanket Size and How to Customize It

My blanket finishes at about:

• 32 inches wide by 44 inches tall
• 81 cm wide by 112 cm tall

To change the width, I use this simple formula:

• Chain any multiple of 5,
• Then add 4 extra chains at the end.

That is it. For the length, I just keep repeating the same row until the blanket is as tall as I want.

Yarn and Hook Recommendations

You can make this blanket with almost any yarn you love. Here is what I used and what I recommend.

Yarn I Used

• Main blanket: 600 grams of Saver from Ice Yarns (worsted weight, size 4, or 10 ply in Australia).
• Border: 50 grams of the same yarn in a contrasting color.

You can swap in any similar yarn. I always match my hook size to the recommendation on the yarn label and then adjust slightly if I want a looser or denser fabric.

If you like having a written PDF to follow, you can get the full Drunken Granny Baby Blanket 2.0 with border as part of the Drunken Granny Crochet Patterns collection.

Hooks and Tools

Here is what I used for the blanket in the tutorial:

• 7 mm crochet hook for the starting chain.
• 6 mm crochet hook for all the blanket rows and the border.
• Scissors.
• Yarn needle for sewing in the ends.
• 5 stitch markers for my size. If you are making yours bigger, just grab a small handful.

To keep things clear, here is a quick materials table you can glance at while you gather supplies:

If you enjoy collecting handy tools and notions, my favorites are gathered in my Crochet Must‑Haves on Amazon (affiliate link).

Starting With a Slip Knot and Foundation Chain

I always begin the Drunken Granny Baby Blanket with a larger hook to keep the starting edge soft and not too tight.

Make the Slip Knot

I make a slip knot in my usual way, slide it onto my 7 mm hook, and snug it up so it is comfortable but not tight.

Chain in Multiples of 5 + 4

To set the width:

1. Chain in sets of 5 until the chain is close to the width I want.
2. For my 32‑inch blanket, I chained 105.
3. At the end of that, I add 4 more chains.

A nice counting trick is to work in sets of 20 and mark them. That is what I did.

Using Stitch Markers For Easy Counting

Long chains can be tiring to count. Stitch markers keep things calm and friendly.

Place the First Marker

• Chain 20.
• Roll the chain so you see the back bumps.
• Find the first back bump right under the working yarn and clip a stitch marker into it.

This marks the 20th chain without you having to recount later.

Repeat for All Markers

• Chain another 20, turn the chain, mark the 20th back bump again.
• Keep going like this until you are out of markers.

Final Chains and Total Count

Once I am done, I just count the markers by 20s. For example, 5 markers mean 100 chains. Then I add the last 5 chains to reach 105, which fits the multiple of 5 formula.

If you are new to this stitch and want to see it broken down another way, you might enjoy the detailed photos in How To Crochet The Drunken Granny Stitch.

Switching Hooks and Starting Row One

Once my foundation chain is ready:

• I remove the 7 mm hook.
• I insert my 6 mm hook into the last loop.
• Then I chain 4 more.

Those extra 4 chains count as my first double crochet and the skip over the first block space.

Working Into the Fifth Chain For Row One

Row one looks like the slowest part, but it pays off quickly once the spaces appear.

Working Into the Back Loops

You can work into either the regular front of the chain or the back bumps. I like the back bumps, because:

• They give a neat, solid edge on the bottom.
• They are easy to see once you roll the chain on its side.

To find the first block:

• Do not count the loop on the hook.
• Count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 back bumps.
• Work into that fifth chain.

First Block: 4 DC, Ch 2, 1 DC

Into that fifth chain from the hook, I work:

1. 4 double crochets into the same chain.
2. Chain 2.
3. 1 more double crochet into that same chain.

That little grouping is my first drunken granny block.

Skip 4, Repeat the Blocks

Then I begin the rhythm that sets the whole blanket:

1. Skip 4 chains.
2. Work into the 5th chain:
   • 4 double crochets,
   • chain 2,
   • 1 double crochet into the same chain.

If a marker is sitting in that chain, I simply pull it out as I reach it.

I do this across the entire chain: skip 4, work the block into the 5th.

Completing Row One

At the end of row one, the stitch counts settle themselves.

Near the End

Ideally, when I finish my last block, I have 3 chains left.

If I have more than 3, I just carefully unpick the extra chain or two. If I have only 2, that is also fine for this blanket.

Last Stitch of Row One

Into the very last chain, I work 1 double crochet. That gives the edge stability and finishes the first row.

Now I am ready for the magic part: the simple one‑row repeat.

If you enjoy reading about different ways this stitch is used, there is a nice overview on Drunken Granny Stitch: A Lovely Crochet Stitch with a Funny Name.

Row Two: The One‑Row Repeat

Row two is the row you repeat for the full body of the blanket.

Chain 3 and Turn

• Chain 3, which counts as your first double crochet.
• Turn your work.

Block Into the First Space

Look right under that chain 3. You will see the first chain‑2 space from the previous row.

Into that first space, work:

• 4 double crochets,
• chain 2,
• 1 double crochet into the same space.

That is your first drunken granny block of the row.

Work Across in Each Chain‑2 Space

Into every chain‑2 space across the row, repeat the same block:

• 4 double crochets,
• chain 2,
• 1 double crochet in the same space.

You do not work into stitches in the top of the block, only into the actual spaces. This is what makes this such an easy crochet blanket pattern to relax with.

Finishing Each Repeat Row

At the far end of row two, there is one small step that keeps the edge tidy.

• When you have worked into the last visible chain‑2 space,
• Finish the row with 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.

I like to find the top 2 loops of that chain and work into those, rather than into the side of the block, so the edge looks straight.

From here, I simply repeat row two until the blanket reaches the height I want.

If you enjoy this style of project, it is fun to explore more options in my Drunken Baby Blanket collection.

Quick Fix If You Miss the Chain 2 + Double Crochet

Mistakes happen, especially if you are relaxed and chatting.

Spotting the Problem

Sometimes you might notice that in one block, you only did:

• 4 double crochets, then
• You forgot to chain 2 and add the last double crochet.

Instead of ripping out the whole row, you can cheat a little.

Fudging It Without Frogging

Here is how I fix it on the go:

1. Work the next row until you get over that “short” block.
2. In the space between the first and second double crochet of that block, sneak in:
   • 4 double crochets,
   • chain 2,
   • 1 double crochet.

It fills in the missing block visually. Once the blanket is bigger, no one will see that small adjustment.

For perfectionists, frogging back is always an option, but if you are still building confidence, this tiny fudge keeps the project happy and moving.

Crocheting Until Your Blanket Reaches Size

For my sample, I kept repeating row two until the blanket measured about 44 inches tall.

You can stop earlier for a stroller size, or keep going for a larger throw. The beauty of this one‑row repeat is that you can stop when your yarn runs out or when the blanket feels “just right.”

Last Row: Straightening the Top Edge

Before I start the drunken granny border, I add one special row along the top to mimic the bottom edge and neaten the scallops.

Start the Final Top Row

• Chain 3 and turn.
• Into the first space, work 1 single crochet, then chain 2.

Simple Repeat Across the Row

Across the row, I work a small rhythm:

1. Skip 1 stitch,
2. Single crochet into the second stitch,
3. Chain 1,
4. Single crochet into the next chain‑2 space,
5. Chain 2.

Then I repeat those steps all the way along the row:

• Single crochet, chain 1 in the space,
• Chain 2, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch,
• And so on.

Ending the Top Row

At the end of the row:

• I chain 1,
• Single crochet into the top of the turning chain,
• Chain 1 again, cut the yarn,
• Pull the tail through and snug it down.

Now the top and bottom feel balanced and ready for a pretty border.

Preparing for the Drunken Granny Border

The border is one of my favorite parts of this project.

Positioning the Blanket

I lay the blanket flat with the right side facing up. On the top edge, I check that the little “V” stitches are pointing up and everything looks tidy.

Joining the Border Yarn

In the top right corner:

1. Insert the hook into the corner space.
2. Place a loop of the border color on the hook.
3. Pull it through and slip stitch to join, holding the tail along the edge.
4. Chain 1. This counts as my first single crochet.

Now I am ready to travel down the first long side.

If you want to turn this border into a stand‑alone pattern for other projects, you can grab the full Easy Drunken Granny Crochet Border Pattern too.

Border Side One: Shells Down the Side

Along the sides of the blanket, I alternate between small single crochets and pretty drunken granny shells.

First Shell

Into the first big space along the side, I work:

• 1 single crochet,
• Chain 3,
• 3 double crochets into the same space.

That creates a tall, wavy shell.

Filling the Small Spaces

Right after each group of stitches in the body, there is a little gap.

Into that small space, I work 1 single crochet. This anchors the shell and keeps the border from flaring.

Repeating Down the Side

I continue this pattern:

• In each big space: single crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochets.
• In each little space between: 1 single crochet.

I repeat this all the way to the first bottom corner.

First Corner

In the corner space, I create a more rounded corner:

• 1 single crochet,
• 1 half double crochet,
• 2 double crochets,
• Chain 2,
• 2 double crochets,
• 1 half double crochet,
• 1 single crochet.

Everything goes into that same corner space, which gives a nice, full curve to turn the corner.

Border Along the Bottom Edge

The bottom edge is the original foundation chain side, so it looks a little different, but the idea is the same.

Where the Shells Go

Along the bottom:

• The big chain spaces get the drunken granny shells.
• The little spaces tucked right under the stitches get single crochets.

Here is the rhythm:

1. Single crochet into the small space below the block to pinch the stitches together.
2. Single crochet into the next big chain space.
3. Chain 3, then work 3 double crochets into that big space.

Then I:

• Single crochet into the next small gap under the stitches,
• Work another shell into the next big chain space,
• And keep going.

This fills in the edge and makes it look stronger and more finished.

Second Corner

At the next corner, I repeat the same corner formula:

• Single crochet,
• Half double crochet,
• 2 double crochets,
• Chain 2,
• 2 double crochets,
• Half double crochet,
• Single crochet into the same corner space.

Now the bottom and first side are bordered.

Border Side Two: Up the Other Long Side

On the second side, I use exactly the same pattern as the first.

• In each big space: single crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochets.
• In each little space: 1 single crochet.

At the third corner, I once again do:

• Single crochet, half double crochet, 2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets, half double crochet, single crochet.

By now, a nice wavy frame is forming all around the blanket.

Border Across the Top Edge

Along the top, the spaces are a mix of those we created in the straightening row.

Where to Put Shells and Singles

Along the top:

• The smaller “hidden” spaces get the shells.
• The more obvious spaces between them get the single crochets.

Starting in the first shell space:

1. Single crochet,
2. Chain 3,
3. 3 double crochets in the same space.

Then I:

• Single crochet into the next visible space,
• Single crochet again into the next shell space to begin the next block,
• Chain 3, 3 double crochets in that shell space.

I repeat that across the top until I reach the last corner, where I need to close the border neatly.

Joining the Border Seamlessly

At the final corner, I want the corner to match the others and the join to be nearly invisible.

Final Corner Stitches

Into the last corner space, I work:

• Single crochet,
• Half double crochet,
• 2 double crochets,
• Chain 2,
• 2 double crochets,
• Half double crochet.

Now I have already done a single crochet in that corner at the very start of the border round, so I do not add another one. The corner is complete.

Invisible Join (My Favorite Way)

Instead of a visible chain‑1 and slip stitch, I like to use an invisible join:

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in.
2. Pull the tail straight up through the last stitch.
3. Thread a blunt yarn needle.
4. Insert the needle under both loops of the first stitch of the round, where I would normally slip stitch.
5. Pull the yarn through gently, forming a new “top” on that stitch.
6. Insert the needle back down into the center of the last stitch I made, where the tail came out.
7. Adjust the tension until that loop matches the neighboring stitches.

The result looks like one continuous row of stitches, with no obvious join bump.

After that, I weave in all the tails carefully along the backs of the stitches.

If you enjoy this kind of finish, you might like exploring more border and blanket ideas in my Drunken Granny Crochet Patterns catalog.

Sewing in Ends and Final Touches

To finish:

• I use a yarn needle to weave each tail back and forth through several stitches, changing direction a couple of times so it does not come loose.
• If a tail runs along the border, I often crochet over it as I go, then trim the extra.

If your blanket edges curl a little, a light blocking or a gentle wash and flat dry can help everything relax.

Tips for Beginners

Why Choose This Project?

Wrap-Up

Left Handed?

FAQs

Christa Patel, the creative force behind The Secret Yarnery, is a beloved crochet artist and teacher who brings joy to crafters of all skill levels. Known for her warm teaching style and beginner-friendly patterns, Christa specializes in making crochet accessible and fun for everyone.

With years of expertise, Christa’s mission is to inspire creativity by breaking down intricate designs into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Her approachable nature, detailed tutorials, and practical tips have made her a favorite in the crafting community.

Through her popular YouTube channel and website, she shares a wide range of crochet projects, from cozy blankets to decorative home essentials. Christa’s designs often feature vibrant colors, quick stitches, and adaptable styles, reflecting her sunny personality and passion for the craft.

Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned crafter, Christa’s content inspires confidence and creativity in every stitch. Explore more of her projects, tutorials, and patterns on The Secret Yarnery.