How to Join Granny Square Crochet Flowers for a Stunning DIY Blanket!
Crochet enthusiasts, gather around! Imagine turning a handful of vibrant granny square crochet flowers into a cozy, eye-catching blanket. With this step-by-step guide, based on my BloomScape Cal Flowers crochet tutorial, you'll learn how to effortlessly join squares using a stunning flat braid join that’s easier than it looks.
Meet Christa from The Secret Yarnery
I’m Christa, the face and hands behind The Secret Yarnery! My goal? To make crochet accessible and fun for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to perfect your skills, I’m here to guide you step by step. Think of me as your crochet companion, sitting right there beside you.
Why This Tutorial Is Special
If you’ve ever wanted to create a lasting masterpiece without complicated techniques, this tutorial is for you. The flat braid join method I demonstrate lets you add a polished touch to your granny square crochet flower blanket. The best part? It’s simple enough for beginners but yields results that look advanced.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
- Yarn Used for Squares: Icy Yarns (or any equivalent weight yarn you used for your squares).
- Yarn for Joining: Bernat Satin for a delicate sheen, though your preferred yarn works too!
- Crochet Hook: A 5.5mm hook.
- Other Tools: Scissors and a needle for sewing in ends.
With these, you’re ready to create a vivid, flower-filled blanket!
Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Squares
For the granny square crochet flowers, I used Icy Yarns Favorite. This yarn is slightly thinner than your typical four-worsted weight, almost DK weight, and feels soft and light. With 229 yards per skein (100 grams), it’s perfect for detailed work like flowers. Check out the collection of Granny Squares to see similar square design ideas.
Adding a Touch of Satin Shine
For the joining sections, I used Bernat Satin yarn. Its soft texture and satin-like sheen give the blanket a refined edge, making the flat braid join details pop. If you prefer, feel free to stick with the same yarn as your squares or choose a contrasting color for drama. For inspiration, browse patterns tagged under Crochet Flower.
The Tools That Make It All Happen
In crochet, tools matter! I relied on my trusted 5.5mm hook for this project. A blunt-tipped needle comes in handy for sewing in ends, while sharp scissors are essential for clean cuts. These basic tools ensure your stitches stay even and precise.
The Finished Blanket Dimensions
This blanket is both functional and artistic. Measuring 46 inches by 68 inches (117 cm by 173 cm), it consists of 24 squares arranged in 4 blocks wide and 6 blocks tall. These granny square crochet flowers come together in a layout that’s easy to replicate.
What Are Granny Square Crochet Flowers?
Granny squares are the bread and butter of crochet projects. Add a floral design, and you’ve got a granny square crochet flower filled with personality. These intricate squares are not only beautiful but also fun to create and customize. Check out Crochet Flowers for Beginners to explore beginner-friendly floral patterns.
Setting Up Your Workspace
Before you begin, set up a cozy crochet station. Make sure you have plenty of light and a chair that supports your posture. Lay out your tools, and keep everything organized—it’s easier to lose yourself in the craft when distractions are minimized. And remember, pausing to adjust or organize is all part of the process.
Laying Out Your Squares and Preparing for Joins
Start by planning the layout of your squares. Place them on a flat surface and arrange them until you’re happy with the overall look. Once finalized, stack each row so you can join them systematically.
Here’s the sequence:
- Begin with the first square of your first row.
- Join on all four sides using the flat braid technique.
- Continue adding squares to the row, joining one side at a time.
How to Do the Flat Braid Join
For this project, I used a flat braid join to connect the granny square crochet flowers. It’s a method that adds a polished, almost braided effect to your blanket edges.
- Insert Hook Into Corner: Choose any corner space on the square to start your join.
- Chain Four for Loops: Begin the connection with a simple chain of four stitches.
- Single Crochet in Spaces: Lock the chain into place with a single crochet in the next loop.
- Repeat Around the Edges: Continue chaining and locking until you return to the starting corner.
This technique creates eye-catching loops that enhance the overall design.
Joining Additional Squares: The Kitty-Corner Trick
For every new square in a row, leave one side unattached. When adding the square to the blanket, align it with the adjacent completed square and use the "kitty-corner" method:
- Line up the corner loops.
- Use your hook to crochet seamlessly into the nearby square's corner space.
This results in the same elegant flat braid join for additional squares.
Perfecting the Blanket Edge
Once all rows are joined, the final step is edging. Use the same yarn for continuity:
- Work single crochets and chain loops along the edge.
- Add chain six spaces at corners to maintain symmetry.
- Do a final round with smaller chain loops to pull everything together.
This final touch unifies your blanket, making it look equally detailed from every side.
Invisible Join for Seamless Beauty
For a professional finish, I recommend the invisible join technique instead of a slip stitch. It’s surprisingly easy! Simply thread your last yarn tail through the top loops of the first stitch, then weave it back into the starting stitch. This trick creates a seamless, polished look.
Final Thoughts
Creating a blanket with granny square crochet flowers is a rewarding way to showcase your crochet skills. Using the flat braid join technique adds an elegant, one-of-a-kind touch to your masterpiece. Ready to make your own? Share your thoughts and creations in the comments!
Check out more designs and patterns like this in the New Patterns - CAL BloomScape or revisit the video above to follow along as you crochet. Happy stitching!
FAQs
1. What is a flat braid join in crochet?
A flat braid join is a decorative and functional crochet technique used to connect granny squares or motifs. It creates a braided, lace-like effect that adds elegance to your project and ensures all pieces are securely connected.
2. Can beginners try this granny square flower blanket project?
Yes! This project is beginner-friendly, especially if you follow the step-by-step tutorial. The flat braid join method may seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes straightforward.
3. What type of yarn works best for the granny square crochet flowers?
Thinner yarns like DK or lightweight worsted yarn work well for intricate details like crochet flowers. For this project, Icy Yarns Favorite was used for the squares, and Bernat Satin was selected for joining due to its satin-like finish.
4. What if I can't find the exact yarns mentioned in the tutorial?
No problem! You can substitute with equivalent yarn weights. Ensure the yarns have similar thickness and texture to maintain consistency in your blanket.
5. How long will it take to finish the blanket?
The time depends on your crochet speed and how much time you dedicate to it daily. Generally, this project can take a couple of weeks to a month for most crocheters.
6. What are the dimensions of the finished blanket?
This blanket measures 46 inches by 68 inches (117 cm by 173 cm) and consists of 24 squares in a layout of 4 blocks wide by 6 blocks tall.
7. Can I adjust the size of the blanket?
Yes, you can customize the size by using more or fewer squares or adjusting the dimensions of each square. Just ensure you maintain the same joining method for a cohesive look.
8. What tools are essential for this project?
- Yarn: For both squares and joining
- Crochet Hook: A 5.5mm hook
- Scissors and Blunt-Tipped Needle: For clean finishing and sewing in ends
9. How should I arrange my granny squares?
Lay your squares on a flat surface and arrange them until you’re happy with the layout. Stack each row in order so you can join them systematically.
10. What is the invisible join, and why use it?
The invisible join is a finishing technique that seamlessly closes your blanket’s edging. It creates a clean, professional look by hiding where the stitch begins and ends.
11. How do I keep my workspace organized while crocheting?
Set up a comfortable area with plenty of light and keep your tools neatly arranged. Use a basket or organizer to store yarns and squares, reducing distractions as you work.
Christa Patel is the creative mind and skilled hands behind The Secret Yarnery, a vibrant crochet community that inspires beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. With years of experience and a passion for making crochet accessible, Christa breaks down complex techniques into easy, step-by-step tutorials that anyone can follow. Her warm teaching style, paired with her knack for creating stunning crochet patterns, has earned her a loyal following worldwide.
As a lifelong crochet enthusiast, Christa specializes in designing beautiful blankets, granny squares, and floral motifs, often with a modern twist. Through her blog, patterns, and YouTube tutorials, she brings creativity and joy to every project she shares. Her mission is simple: to make crochet fun, approachable, and a skill you’ll treasure forever.
You can find more of Christa’s work, patterns, and helpful tips at The Secret Yarnery or dive into one of her many crochet-along (CAL) projects on her engaging YouTube channel. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Christa is your go-to guide for all things crochet!