Cozy Comforts: Crafting The Cream And Blue Crochet Pinwheel Granny Square Blanket

The cream and blue crochet pinwheel granny square blanket is a beautiful and timeless piece that combines the classic charm of crochet with a modern aesthetic. This blanket is perfect for those who appreciate the art of crochet and the warmth and comfort it brings. The intricate design of the pinwheel granny square pattern adds a unique touch, creating a stylish and trendy addition to any living space. With its calming colour palette, this blanket is sure to be a cherished keepsake for years to come. Whether used as a cosy throw or a decorative piece, this blanket is a true work of art that showcases the beauty of crochet in a contemporary light.

Crocheting techniques for beginners

Crocheting is a fun and relaxing hobby that can be picked up by anyone. To start crocheting, you'll need the right tools and materials, and to learn some basic stitches and techniques.

Tools and Materials

When starting out, it's best to get materials that you find easy to work with. Here are some recommendations:

• Choose a mid-weight yarn with good stitch definition. A simple acrylic, wool or cotton yarn is a good choice.
• For the crochet hook, opt for one made out of aluminium, in a medium size like G6 (4.25 mm) or H8 (5.00 mm). The hook size should correspond to the weight of the yarn.
• Other basic tools include scissors, stitch markers and tapestry needles.

Basic Stitches and Techniques

There are six essential crochet stitches that every beginner should learn: chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, half-double crochet, and slip stitch.

• Make a slip knot and insert your hook.
• Yarn over and pull up a new loop.
• Repeat this process to make the next chain stitch and the rest of the foundation chain.

Now, here is a guide to performing the single crochet stitch, which is the next crochet stitch beginners should learn:

• If you are starting a new crochet swatch, make a slip knot and a beginning chain (foundation row).
• Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.

With these two basic stitches, you can already start on a beginner project like a scarf or a baby blanket. Once you've mastered these, you can move on to more advanced stitches like the double crochet, half-double crochet, treble crochet and slip stitch.

Additional Tips

• When holding a crochet hook, the two most common ways are the pencil grip and the knife hold method.
• When holding yarn in crochet, you can either wind the yarn around your little finger, under the two middle fingers and over your index finger, or hold it between the index finger and middle finger as you work.
• Joining yarn is the method of entering a new ball or skein of yarn when you've crocheted to the end of your current thread.
• Weaving in yarn ends is a method used to secure and hide yarn tails by stitching them back in and through a crochet project.

How to choose the right yarn and hook size

Choosing the right yarn and hook size is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel of your crochet project. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the yarn and hook size for your cream and blue crochet pinwheel granny square blanket:

Yarn Weight and Hook Size Chart

Consult a yarn weight and hook size chart to determine the recommended hook size for your chosen yarn weight. This chart provides a starting point and can be adjusted based on your specific project and preferences.

Yarn Weight

When selecting yarn for your blanket, consider using a medium weight or worsted weight yarn, which is the most common weight and offers a wide array of crochet blanket patterns. You can also choose from other weight categories, such as fingering weight, sport weight, DK weight, bulky yarn, or super bulky yarn, depending on the desired thickness and stitch definition.

Hook Size

The hook size you choose will depend on the yarn weight and the type of fabric you want to create. A good rule of thumb is to use a hook size two sizes larger than what is recommended on the yarn label to create a better drape for your crochet blanket. Experiment with different hook sizes by creating small swatches to find the one that gives you the desired fabric feel and stitch definition.

Crochet Tension

Keep in mind that everyone crochets with a different tension, which will impact the hook size you choose. If you crochet tightly, you may want to use a larger hook size to create a more relaxed fabric. On the other hand, if you crochet loosely, sticking to the recommended hook size or using a smaller one can help you achieve tighter stitches.

Yarn and Hook Combination

The combination of yarn and hook size will determine the final look and feel of your blanket. Using a larger hook with thinner yarn will result in a stretchier finish, while pairing a smaller hook with thicker yarn will produce a harder and more stable finish. Always consider the desired outcome of your project when selecting the yarn and hook combination.

Yarn Fiber

The type of yarn fiber can also affect the tightness or looseness of your crochet fabric. For example, mercerized cotton tends to create a result that widens and moves more, especially when combined with larger hooks. On the other hand, thinner hooks with wool yarn will produce a more stable and less stretchy fabric.

Gauge and Stitch Pattern

Creating a gauge swatch with your chosen yarn and hook is essential to ensure your stitches are consistent and your project turns out the desired size. Additionally, consider the stitch pattern you will be using, as some stitches, like the crocodile stitch and basketweave stitch, are yarn eaters and will require more yarn.

Blanket Size

The size of your blanket will also influence the amount of yarn you need and the hook size you choose. For a baby blanket or lap blanket, you'll typically need between 800 and 1500 yards of worsted weight yarn. Adjust the hook size accordingly to achieve the desired stitch definition and fabric drape for your blanket size.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can always adjust and experiment with different yarn and hook combinations to achieve the desired outcome for your cream and blue crochet pinwheel granny square blanket.

Tips for customising the blanket's size

When customising the size of your crochet blanket, it's important to keep in mind the type of blanket you want to make, the stitch pattern, and the yarn and hook size you'll be using. Here are some tips to help you adjust the size of your cream and blue crochet pinwheel granny square blanket:

• Plan Your Size: Before starting, decide on the desired width and length of your blanket. For a granny square blanket, you can customise the size by adjusting the number of squares you make. You can lay out your completed squares to visualise the final size and identify which squares you still need to make.
• Adjust the Number of Squares: To make a smaller blanket, use fewer squares, and for a larger blanket, make more squares. Keep in mind that altering the number of squares may affect the finished look, especially if the pattern follows a specific colour scheme or layout.
• Customise Square Size: Another way to adjust the blanket size is by customising the size of each granny square. You can make larger or smaller squares to achieve your desired dimensions.
• Stitch Pattern and Repeats: If your pattern involves a stitch repeat, you'll need to do some calculations. First, determine the number of stitches per inch by dividing the original chain by the original width. Then, multiply the stitches per inch by your desired width to find the new chain count. Finally, adjust the new chain count to fit your stitch repeat pattern.
• Yarn and Hook Size: Using thicker yarn and a larger crochet hook will result in a bigger blanket, while using lighter yarn and a smaller hook will give you a smaller blanket. Remember to make a gauge swatch to ensure your stitches look neat and lay flat.
• Foundation Chain: If you're working with simple stitches and not a stitch repeat pattern, you can easily adjust the size by creating a foundation chain that's slightly shorter than your desired width. Then, work enough rows to reach your desired length.
• Drape and Border: If you're making a bedspread, consider adding a "drape" or "drop" to your measurements. This will allow the blanket to hang down the sides of the mattress by a few inches. Additionally, you can add a decorative border to increase the width, such as a single crochet border or a more intricate design like shells, scallops, or lace.

Remember, these tips can be combined and adjusted to achieve your desired blanket size. Always measure your work and plan ahead to ensure you're on track with your customisation!

The history of the granny square blanket

The granny square is a crochet technique for producing square fabric by working in rounds from the centre outward. Granny squares are traditionally handmade and cannot be manufactured by machine. They are used to make clothing, purses, blankets, and other household textiles.

The exact history of the granny square is unclear, but most sources suggest that they were first made by early settlers in the United States. Known at the time as Patchwork Squares, they were a way to use up scraps of yarn. Yarn was expensive and scarce, so any remnants were set aside and worked into squares, which were then stitched together to make blankets and rugs. This style of crochet was so strongly associated with the US that it was called "American crochet" in Europe.

The first published record of the granny square is from the Butterick Publishing Co. from 1891, though it was not referred to as a "granny square" at the time. The earliest known example of a traditional granny square was designed by a Mrs Phelps and published in the 5 April 1885 edition of Prairie Farmer. The granny square then reappeared in the 1930s and featured in publications such as Fleisher's Afghans. The pattern peaked in popularity in the 1970s, when it was used to make vests, shorts, hats, and other items of clothing.

How to care for and wash a crochet blanket

Crochet blankets are a beautiful and cosy addition to any home. Whether it is made from wool, acrylic, or cotton yarn, it is best to wash your crochet blanket by hand using a gentle detergent or soap. If you do decide to machine wash, always use a laundry bag and wash on a delicate cycle with cold water.

Washing Your Crochet Blanket

Firstly, check the yarn wrapper for any washing requirements. If you made the blanket yourself, the wrapper on the yarn will tell you how it should be treated. If you can't find the wrapper, check for a care tag with special cleaning instructions. If you are still unsure, always hand wash.

If hand washing, fill a large basin or bathtub with cool tap water, leaving enough space so that the blanket can fit without overflowing. Add two teaspoons of gentle shampoo or mild laundry detergent and mix it into the water.

Next, submerge your blanket in the water and let it soak for around an hour. After soaking, gently remove the blanket and lay it flat on a large towel. Roll the towel up, pressing gently to absorb excess water.

Machine Washing Your Crochet Blanket

If you decide to machine wash your crochet blanket, always use a mesh laundry bag to protect your blanket from damage. Check the yarn label for specific washing machine instructions. Set your machine to cold water and a delicate cycle with a low spin speed.

Drying Your Crochet Blanket

After washing your blanket, it is crucial to dry it correctly. If possible, lay your blanket on a flat surface, such as a large towel or bed sheet, and leave it to air dry. If you decide to machine dry, always use low heat and check on your blanket regularly.

Storing Your Crochet Blanket

Store your crochet blanket in a cool, dark closet. Do not store in basements or attics where humidity and temperatures fluctuate. Always fold your blanket before storing it in a breathable cotton bag or storage bin.

Frequently asked questions