EASY Crochet Blanket for Beginners | Dirty Granny Pattern!

Are you ready to learn how to crochet an easy and beautiful blanket? The "Dirty Granny" blanket is perfect for beginners and works up super fast! In this blog post, I'll break down Christa's Secret Yarnery tutorial so you can make your own cozy creation. This blanket uses basic crochet stitches and a simple one-row repeat. Let’s get started! If you're eager to learn, explore more about the basics of crochet with this comprehensive step-by-step crochet guide.

The Dirty Granny blanket is a crochet pattern by Christa from the Secret Yarnery. It’s designed to be easy for beginners, using a simple one-row repeat. The name comes from the alternating colors and a touch of "granny square" style, but with a modern twist.

This project is more than just a pattern; it's an experience. Here's why you'll absolutely love making this blanket:

• Beginner-Friendly: Uses only basic crochet stitches like chain, single crochet, and double crochet.
• Quick and Easy: The one-row repeat makes it incredibly fast to work up, perfect for those " Netflix and crochet" evenings.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the size and colors to match your decor or personal style.
• Relaxing: The repetitive nature of the pattern is soothing and meditative, helping you unwind after a long day.
• Beautiful Result: Creates a cozy and eye-catching blanket that you'll be proud to show off or gift to a loved one.

To embark on this crochet adventure, gather these essential materials:

• Yarn: About 600 grams total of worsted weight yarn (size 4). You'll need 200 grams of each of three colors and less than 100 grams of white. Christa used specific colors in her tutorial, and those are linked in the YouTube video description if you want to recreate the exact same look. If you are in the mood to make a variety of blankets, you can check out Secret Yarnery's crochet blanket patterns.
• Crochet Hooks: You'll need an 8mm hook for the chain and a 7mm hook for the blanket itself. If you don't have these larger sizes, a 6mm hook can be used, but be sure to chain loosely to compensate. Christa's preferred hook is also linked in the YouTube video description.
• Stitch Markers: 13 stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your pattern, especially when starting out.
• Darning Needle: For weaving in those pesky ends to give your blanket a clean, professional finish.
• Scissors: For cutting the yarn.

Before you dive in, it's helpful to know the approximate finished size of the blanket. Following the pattern, your blanket should be about 38 inches wide and 48 inches tall (96 cm wide and 122 cm tall).

While the video tutorial is incredibly helpful, sometimes it's nice to have a written pattern in front of you. You can find the written pattern on Christa's website, secretyarnery.com. All of Christa's patterns are written in plain English, making them accessible for crocheters of all skill levels.

If you're new to crochet, don't worry! Let's go over some basic terms you'll need to know:

• Chain (ch): A series of loops that form the foundation of your project.
• Double Crochet (dc): A basic crochet stitch that creates height and texture.
• Single Crochet (sc): Another basic crochet stitch, shorter than a double crochet, used for tighter fabrics and borders.
• Slip Knot: The first knot you make on your hook to start crocheting.

The foundation chain is the backbone of your blanket. Here's how to get started:

1. Grab your larger hook (8mm) and stitch markers.
2. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
3. Chain in multiples of eight. For the same size blanket as Christa, chain 104. This is super important for getting the right width.
4. Place a stitch marker in the back loop of every eighth chain to help keep track of your stitch count.

Tip: If you don’t have a larger hook, use the same hook but chain very loosely.

Row 1 sets the stage for the rest of the blanket. Let's break it down:

1. Switch to your regular hook (7mm).
2. Chain one.
3. Roll the chain to the side and find the sixth chain from your hook.
4. Work into the back loop of the sixth chain: make two double crochets, chain two, and two more double crochets (this creates a "glass").
5. Skip three chains.
6. In the next chain (where a stitch marker is), make five double crochets (this creates an "olive").
7. Skip three chains.
8. In the next chain, make another "glass" (two double crochets, chain two, two double crochets).
9. Repeat the "glass" and "olive" sequence across the row, skipping three chains between each.
10. At the end of the row, you’ll have three chains left. Skip two and make one double crochet into the very last chain for a straight edge.

This is where the magic happens! Row 2 is the one-row repeat that makes this blanket so easy:

1. Chain three and turn your work.
2. Work a "glass" into each "glass" from the previous row (two double crochets, chain two, two double crochets).
3. Work an "olive" into each "olive" from the previous row. To do this, make five double crochets into the third stitch (the top of the hill) of the olive.
4. Repeat this row across the entire blanket.
5. At the end of the row, make one double crochet into the top of the turning chain to finish the row.

Keep the momentum going!

1. Chain three and turn your work.
2. Continue repeating Row 2, always working a "glass" into a "glass" and an "olive" into an "olive."
3. Continue crocheting until your blanket reaches the desired height.

Ready to add some visual interest? Here's how to change colors seamlessly:

1. At the end of a row, start your last double crochet into the chain but don’t finish it. Leave the last two loops on your hook.
2. Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in later.
3. Grab the new color and make a loop on your hook.
4. Finish off the stitch with the new yarn.
5. Drop the tails and hold them along the back of your work. Snug the yarn down so it looks like a normal stitch.
6. Chain three for the next row and continue crocheting with the new color.
7. Weave in the tails later, matching the color of the yarn.

The border adds a polished touch to your finished blanket:

1. After reaching your desired height and finishing the last four rows of the final color, it’s time to add the border.
2. At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work.
3. Make one single crochet into the very first stitch right beside the chain.
4. Chain two.
5. In the first "glass," make one single crochet.
6. Chain three (chain loosely).
7. Into the third stitch of the olive (the center stitch), make one single crochet.
8. Chain three.
9. Into the glass, make one single crochet.
10. Continue this pattern across the row, alternating single crochet into the glass or the top of the olive with chain three.

Almost there!

1. When you reach the end of the row, chain two.
2. Make a single crochet into the top of the chain three.
3. Chain one, cut your yarn (leaving a long tail), and pull the yarn through to secure.
4. Weave in all loose ends.

Blocking helps to even out your stitches and give your blanket a professional finish.

Wet blocking is one common method: Soak your finished blanket in lukewarm water with a little bit of gentle soap. Gently squeeze out the excess water (don't twist!). Lay the blanket flat on a blocking board or clean surface, and pin it into shape. Let it dry completely.

The care instructions will depend on the type of yarn you used. Generally, a gentle wash and low-heat drying or air drying is recommended for acrylic yarn.

You can easily adjust the size of your blanket to fit your needs. To make it wider, chain more multiples of eight at the beginning. To make it longer, simply continue repeating the pattern rows until you reach the desired length.

Unleash your creativity with these inspiring color combinations:

• Classic: Shades of blue and gray with white.
• Pastel: Soft pink, lavender, and baby blue with cream.
• Bright: Yellow, orange, and teal.
• Neutral: Beige, brown, and ivory.
• Monochromatic: Different shades of the same color.

Choosing the right yarn is crucial for a successful project:

• Fiber Content: Acrylic yarn is a great choice for beginners because it’s affordable, easy to care for, and comes in a wide range of colors. Cotton yarn is another option, but it doesn’t stretch as much and can be heavier.
• Weight: Worsted weight yarn (size 4) is commonly used for blankets and is a good starting point.
• Texture: Consider the texture of the yarn. Soft and smooth yarn will create a cozy blanket.

Your stitch tension can affect the finished size of your blanket. If your stitches are too tight, your blanket will be smaller. If they are too loose, it will be larger. Practice maintaining even tension as you crochet. If you're struggling with tension, try using a different hook size.

Encountering hiccups? Here's how to troubleshoot common issues:

• Edges are Wavy: You may be adding too many stitches. Make sure you are skipping the correct number of chains and stitches.
• Blanket is Narrowing: You may be losing stitches. Count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure you have the correct number.
• Uneven Stitches: Focus on maintaining consistent tension. Practice makes perfect!

Stitch markers are essential for keeping track of your pattern, especially when starting out. Place them at the beginning and end of each row, or at key points in the pattern, to help you stay on track.

If you choose to make your blanket in sections, you'll need to seam them together. There are several seaming techniques you can use, such as the mattress stitch or a simple single crochet seam. Choose the method that you find easiest and that provides the most seamless finish.

Once your blanket is finished, you can add appliqués or other embellishments to personalize it. Crochet flowers, hearts, or animals, and sew them onto the blanket. You can also add buttons, beads, or embroidery for extra detail.

A handmade blanket makes a thoughtful and cherished gift. Add a personalized tag with the recipient's name and the date you made it. Wrap the blanket with a ribbon or place it in a gift box for a special presentation.

Now that you've mastered the "Dirty Granny" blanket, why not try these other fun crochet projects?

• Crochet Pillow
• Crochet Scarf
• Crochet Hat

Christa has many other great tutorials on her YouTube channel and patterns available on her website. Explore other easy crochet tutorials for beginners and expand your skills!

Find Christa on social media! All links are in the description box of the YouTube video.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are excited to create your own EASY Crochet Blanket for Beginners: The Dirty Granny! Happy crocheting, and stay hooked! If you're looking for more inspiration, explore Secret Yarnery's collection of crochet blanket patterns for beginners.