EASY Drunken Granny Crochet Baby Blanket - Easy Pattern for Beginners
Drunken Granny Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern
If you're searching for a beginner-friendly crochet project that looks far more complicated than it is, you're in the right place! The Drunken Granny Baby Blanket is deceptively easy but offers a sophisticated look that's perfect for gifts, home decor, and, of course, cuddly baby blankets.
Let's dive into all the details of how to make your own Drunken Granny Baby Blanket.
What Makes the Drunken Granny Crochet So Special?
The Drunken Granny pattern stands out for many reasons. First, the intricate-looking stitch pattern gives the impression you've spent hours laboring over it, but in reality, it's incredibly simple. The key is working in spaces, not stitches—once you get the hang of it, you'll be speeding through rows in no time.
The beauty of this blanket is its reversibility. Many crochet patterns have a "right" and "wrong" side, but not this one. Both sides look equally fabulous, and that's something you'll love, especially for gifting. Plus, when using the right yarn and hook size, the result is a blanket that's pliable, soft, and perfect for daily use.
What I love most is how you can customize it easily to any size and color scheme. The drunk granny stitch works just as well for a baby blanket as it does for a full-sized throw.
Materials You'll Need
Here’s a list of the essentials you'll need to start crocheting your Drunken Granny Baby Blanket:
- Yarn: I suggest using 4 worsted weight acrylic yarn. Acrylic is both durable and easy to care for, making it perfect for a baby blanket.
- Crochet Hooks: A 6mm hook is the standard size to use, but you can go up to 7mm for a softer, looser feel. Going up a hook size makes the project even more beginner-friendly (no tight chains or hard-to-work stitches)!
- Needle for weaving in ends: You'll need a blunt or tapestry needle to sew in your yarn tails once your project is finished.
Step 1: Getting Started With a Slip Knot and Chain
We begin the Drunken Granny Baby Blanket just like any other crochet project, by starting with a slip knot and chaining the width of your blanket. If you’re new to crochet or need to dust off your technique, here's a quick overview.
First, make a slip knot and chain in multiples of five. You'll continue until your chain reaches your desired blanket width. For those of you wondering, baby blankets generally range between 1.2 to 1.5 meters across.
Remember, if you're a tight crocheter, it's best to go up a hook size or keep your tension loose. This ensures that your starting chain isn’t tight, which can cause your blanket to pull and warp over time.
Not sure how to make a slip knot or a foundation chain? Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think. Place the yarn tail over the palm of your hand, wrap it around your fingers, make an "X", and pull the yarn through the loop. Tighten your knot and you're on your way!
Step 2: Determining Your Blanket’s Size
The size of your blanket is entirely up to you. However, for a standard baby blanket, you'll want to aim for between 1.2 meters to 1.5 meters across.
If you're unsure how long to make your blanket, just chain in multiples of 5 until it’s the width you prefer. After reaching the desired length, chain four additional stitches to begin your first row.
Step 3: The First Row—Start With the Base
Once your chain is as long as you want, it's time to dive in and start creating the first set of blocks for your Drunken Granny stitch.
Starting with a chain of 4, you’ll yarn over and begin the double crochet in the 5th chain from your hook. Pro tip: if counting is tricky, pinch the fifth stitch with your fingers so you don't lose your place!
From there, you'll create your first block by making four double crochets, followed by chain 2, and then finish that block with one more double crochet.
This is your essential stitch pattern: four double crochets, ch 2, one more double crochet into the same space.
Step 4: Continue Along the Row
After your first block, it’s all about rhythm. You’ll skip the next four stitches and head into the fifth stitch to repeat the process. Each segment will start with wrapping your yarn, double crocheting four times, adding a chain of two, and topping it off with another double crochet.
Again, repeat this until you reach the end of the row. Just be mindful of stitch counting—always skip four stitches, and you'll avoid common beginner mistakes.
Step 5: Watch Your Edges
Like many crochet projects, keeping the edge straight can be a challenge. As you reach the end of your first row, you'll want to skip two stitches and finish your row by making a single double crochet in the last chain.
Starting the second row is just as simple. Turn your work, chain three, and keep building the blocks. What’s wonderful about this pattern is that you aren't working into the previously made stitches—you go straight into those easy-to-find chain 2 spaces!
Step 6: Fixing Mistakes Without Starting Over
Making mistakes happens to the best of us! It’s common to sometimes forget the chain 2 or that final double crochet. Instead of frogging (ripping it out), here's a pro tip: you can adjust on the following row without unraveling.
If you’ve missed a step, just build your block into the top of one of the previous row's double crochets. This fix is barely noticeable after you complete a few more rows.
Step 7: Keep Building the Pattern
Once you’re cruising along, you’ll notice how quickly this blanket is coming together. Keep going, row after row, using the same block pattern. There’s no need for complicated calculations or adjustments—the magic is in the simplicity!
When I made my Drunken Granny Baby Blanket, I used five balls of yarn and ended up with a nice, square-shaped blanket. That’s one of the benefits of making baby blankets: quick, satisfying progress!
Step 8: Adding a Single Crochet Border
After you've reached the desired size for your Drunken Granny Baby Blanket, it's time to finish it off with a single crochet border. This border won't just give your blanket a polished look—it stabilizes the edges and sets you up for adding more decorative borders if you wish.
Here’s how to do it:
- After completing your last double crochet, chain 3, then turn your work.
- Start with a single crochet in the first chain space you see.
- Chain 2, then skip a stitch.
- Continue across the edges, working single crochets into the chain spaces and in between the stitches, maintaining an even, consistent edge.
Step 9: Navigating the Corners
Adding a border to a crochet blanket can sometimes be tricky at the corners. Not here!
As you approach a corner space, just treat it like any other space: insert two single crochets, repeat your chain steps, and keep going. The corner naturally forms as you continue.
Final Steps: Securing and Weaving in Ends
Once you're satisfied with your border, make sure to secure the yarn. Cut the yarn with a little excess, pull the yarn through the last loop to create a knot, and weave in the tail using a blunt-tipped needle.
Weaving in the ends ensures your blanket won’t unravel after its first wash. And YES—baby blankets like this one are totally made for real use. You want something durable, soft, and washable, so it keeps giving the little one comfort without needing delicate care.
Inspiration for Additional Borders
Want to elevate your Drunken Granny Baby Blanket even more? Consider trying a fancier border. Check out this collection of crochet patterns, specially designed for the Drunken Granny style!
Caring for Your Drunken Granny Baby Blanket
Acrylic yarns, like the one we used, are easy to care for. They can be machine washed and dried without worry. Just be sure to wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low to keep your blanket looking fresh and soft.
Reflect and Share
There you have it—an easy, beginner-friendly Drunken Granny Baby Blanket that looks far more complicated than it is! Crocheting this blanket is not only fun but also deeply satisfying as you watch the rows and blocks grow.
Once you've completed yours, I'd love to see the results. Feel free to share your projects, whether you followed the pattern exactly or got creative with colors or borders. You can even explore more patterns to keep your creativity going.
Conclusion: Start Your Drunken Granny Crochet Today!
So, whether you’re new to crochet or just looking for a quick and stylish baby blanket project, the Drunken Granny Baby Blanket is an ideal choice. Simple stitches, quick progress, and a polished finish—that’s what I call beginner crochet heaven!
For more patterns, tutorials, and tips, check out everything we have at The Secret Yarnery and happy crocheting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of yarn for the Drunken Granny Baby Blanket?
Certainly! While acrylic yarn is recommended for its durability and ease of care, you can use any yarn that suits your preference. Just keep in mind that changing the yarn might affect the blanket's texture and size.
2. How do I adjust the size of the blanket?
To change the size of your blanket, simply adjust the starting chain in multiples of five until you reach your desired width. Follow the pattern as instructed to customize the length.
3. What can I do if my edges are uneven?
Maintaining even edges can be challenging. Focus on consistent tension and ensure you're correctly counting stitches. If mistakes occur, remember you can fix them without unraveling by following the tips outlined in the tutorial.
4. Do I need to block my finished blanket?
Blocking is not necessary for acrylic yarns, but it can help even out patterns and stitches for a neat finish. If you choose to block, lightly dampen your blanket and pin it to shape, allowing it to air dry.
5. Can I add more borders to the blanket?
Absolutely! Adding additional borders can enhance the appearance of your blanket. Here is the exact perfect border for this easy crochet blanket!
6. Can beginners really follow this pattern?
Yes! The Drunken Granny stitch is beginner-friendly. Once you get the hang of working in spaces instead of individual stitches, you'll find this pattern quick and easy.
7. Is there a video tutorial available?
Yes, a video tutorial is available to guide you through each step of the process. You can find it linked in the introduction of this tutorial.
For any additional questions, feel free to reach out or explore The Secret Yarnery for more resources and support.
Christa Patel is the passionate founder of the Secret Yarnery, where she inspires crochet lovers around the world with easy-to-follow tutorials and free patterns designed to make crochet accessible to everyone. Through her vibrant YouTube channel and website, Christa brings creativity and joy to crafters of all skill levels, sharing her love for yarn through weekly live chats, a podcast, and engaging community events.