Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts

Thursday, 26 March 2026

Granny Stripes Crochet Blanket

 

Granny Stripes Crochet Blanket  

I enjoy crocheting blankets - this one is very easy. 

There are lots of ways to make Granny Stripe blankets - this is how I do it. 

3 treble crochet stitches are made together to form a little cluster, just as they are in Granny Squares, but instead of working in rounds, they are worked in rows.

The blankets can be worked in one colour throughout, but I have fun choosing colours to go together. 


Requires:

DK yarn – in 1 or more colours

4mm hook


 Terminology:

This pattern uses UK terminology

ch = chain        tc = treble crochet         


For a blanket of around 25”,  chain 100

For a blanket of around 36”,  chain 145

 

It is easy to adjust the size of your blanket – simply +/- in multiples of 3       ( 100  +/-    3, 6, 9, 12 ………)

Instructions:   

Chain 100

Row 1:  1 tc into the third chain *skip 2 stitches, work a 3tc cluster into the next stitch, repeat from *across row, 2 tc into the last chain, ch 2, turn  

Row 2: Work a 3tc cluster into the first space between the clusters, *work a 3tc cluster into next space between clusters of the previous row, repeat from * across row,  end with one tc into the top of the ch 2 at the end of the row. Cut yarn, fasten off, turn  

Row 3: Join in next colour, chain 3 and 1tc in the first space, *3tc clusters into next space, repeat from * across row, 2tc in the top of the ch 2 at the end of the row, ch 2, turn  

Row 4: Work 3tc clusters in all the spaces across as in row 2, end with one tc into the top of the ch 2 at the end of the row. Cut yarn, fasten off, turn

Repeat rows three and four until you are happy with the length of your blanket. I usually make blankets square, or a little longer than their width.    

Darn away ends 

Add a border all around if desired.  


You can, of course change colours every 4 or 6 or more rows, if you prefer. 

Granny Stripes Crochet Blanket 



I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns
Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced
or republished on any webpage or website 

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

4" Crochet Heart

 

Crochet Heart


4สบ Crochet Hearts

 

Requirements:

DK yarn

3.25mm or 3.5mm hook

 

Stitches used:  UK terminology

Chain, single crochet, half treble crochet, treble crochet, double treble crochet, slip stitch



Instructions:

Chain 4, and join into a circle with a slip stitch

 

Round 1:      Chain 3, 1 treble crochet, 3 double treble crochet, 7 treble crochet, 3 double treble crochet, 1 treble crochet, chain 3, slip stitch into ring

 

Round 2:       Chain 3, slip stitch into first gap, chain 3, 2 treble crochet in next 4 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next 3 stitches, 3 double treble crochet in next stitch, 1 treble crochet in next 3 stitches, 2 treble crochet  in next 4 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next stitch, ch3, join into base of previous treble stitch with a slip stitch

 

Round 3:       slip stitch into first gap of previous round to join

Chain 3, 1 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 1 double treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 2 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next 7 stitches, 3 double treble crochet in next stitch, 1 treble crochet in next 7 stitches, 2 treble crochet  in next 2 stitches, 1 double treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, chain 3, slip stitch into next stitch to join, slip stitch into top of previous round

 

Round 4:   work 3 single crochet into the chain stitch gap, chain 1, I treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 2 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 1 half treble crochet in next 8 stitches, 3 treble crochet in next stitch, 1 half treble crochet in next 9 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next 2 stitches,  2 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, 1 treble crochet in next 2 stitches, chain 1, work 3 single crochet into chain stitch gap, slip stitch to join, fasten off

 

Tighten up the centre by putting the start ‘tail’ onto a sewing needle and weave it through the stitches of the first round, pull up tightly

 

If you want to make stuffed hearts ~

     make 2 pieces the same,

     join them by sewing almost all around, or crochet them together,

     add a little polyester stuffing,

     finish the joining and secure,

     make a little hanging loop if desired,

     fasten off and darn away ends.




I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns
Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced
or republished on any webpage or website 

Saturday, 28 February 2026

Ice Pop Sleeves

Ice Pop Sleeves 
    Knit                                     Crochet 

 

These might be just a simple tube - but they are very practical ! 


Ice Pop Sleeve                       Knitted Version

 

Requirements:

Cotton / Cotton & Acrylic Mix DK yarn

4mm needles

 

Size:

Width - 1½“ (3” all around)

Length - around 3½“ – 4”

 

Instructions:

Cast on 17sts

Work in garter stitch (every row knit) until the piece measures around 3½“ – 4”

Cast off

Join side seam

Darn away ends

 

 

 

Ice Pop Sleeve                       Crocheted Version

 

Requirements:

Cotton / Cotton & Acrylic Mix DK yarn

3.5mm hook

 

Size:

Width - 1½“ (3” all around)

Length - around 3½“ – 4”

 

Instructions:

Chain 15 stitches and join into a loop with a slip stitch

Chain 1, work 1 half-treble crochet into each chain, join with a slip stitch

Continue working in rounds, 1 half-treble in each stitch all around until the piece measures around 3½“ – 4”

Fasten off

Darn away ends


I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns
Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced
or republished on any webpage or website 


Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Classic Crochet Granny Squares

 

I was brought up in a thrifty family, and I hate waste.

Whenever I have oddments of yarn – I save them. Even short lengths.

As long as a length will fit between my 2 outstretched hands ….. I can use it for the first round of a granny square.


Anything smaller goes into a zip-lock bag to be used for teddy or doll’s faces. No waste here  !!!

 

Once you have mastered how to crochet a Granny Square – then the fun begins.



There are loads of pretty variations available – you might enjoy trying out a few different ideas. A search of the Internet will bring you lots of ideas.

But – for me – I often keep things simple – plain classic Granny Squares are a great way to use up all my oddments. Mostly they will be used to make blankets – doll’s blankets, lap blankets for the elderly, bed blankets for the homeless, shelters or hospitals ….

So, I make use of my oddments, and donate then either unjoined – or joined if I have time. Some charities have dedicated ‘square joiners’, and I know many crafters who are happy to make squares but hate joining them, so this works out really well.

I like variety – and every blanket (or set of squares) I make is different – not in method – but in style or use of colour.

If you are making a throw, afghan or blanket for yourself – you may wish to use 6 or 8 colours that complement each other, in your favourite colours or shades.

But, as my squares are usually donated, and anything goes. I use what I have.


Sometimes charities ask for a particular size – so please check what is required.

As a guide, a blanket of around 36" x 48" will fit a single bed. 

This can be made with 48 6" squares - 

6 squares wide by 8 squares in length.

I like to play – sometimes I make the first 4 rounds using different colours of oddments, then use bigger half-balls for subsequent rounds as I don’t want to have endless ends to darn away for each square. This works well - it is a practical and pleasing method, and always looks good.



Continue until your square is the size needed.

I use DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook. I work 7 rounds to give me a 6” square.

If you use a 4mm hook you will probably find that 6 rounds will measure around 6”

 

For a 12” square I make 14 rounds.


However you choose to make them, I know that your squares will be appreciated.

If you can find somewhere local to you – then that saves on the cost and effort of getting your squares to where they are needed.

There are many charities in the UK who would welcome your squares.

 



 

Happy Hooking ......... 

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns
Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced
or republished on any webpage or website 

Friday, 5 December 2025

Making a Bigger Blanket or Throw

Blankets can be made with any weight of yarn – DK, Aran Weight/Worsted, or Chunky

Just be sure to be consistent throughout. And use the needle/ hook size appropriate for the yarn (this is usually stated on the label).

If knitting - straight needles or circular needles can be used

 

Bigger blankets are not usually made in one piece - the weight of the blanket puts a lot of strain on the wrists. To prevent this most are made in pieces and joined.

 

To make a blanket with squares ~

This is a great way of using up full or part balls of yarn that are left over from other projects.

 

For knitted blankets –

If you are going to add a border all around after joining, chose any stitch

If you are not going to add a border all around after joining, chose a stitch that lies flat – like garter stitch, moss stitch or seed stitch (not stocking stitch, ribbed stitches or lacy stitches).

Straight needles or circular needles can be used

You can make your squares any size you like – popular sizes are 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” squares


I make my blankets with DK yarn - the result is  warm but not too heavy.

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 33sts for a 6” square

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 44sts for a 8” square

·        If you are using DK yarn & 4mm needles you will need to cast on 66sts for a 12” square

 


Here is a handy guide to how many squares you will need to make for a complete blanket ~

 

For a blanket of around 36” x 48”  (91 x 122cm)

Size of 

 Square

Squares Required –

width x length

Finished Size

 

 

 

6”

6 x 8 = 48

this will make a blanket 36” wide and 48” long

8”

5 x 6 = 30

this will make a blanket 40” wide and 48” long

12”

3 x 4 = 12

this will make a blanket 36” wide and 48” long

 

For a blanket of around 40” x 48”  (101 x 122cm)

Size of Square

Squares Required –

width x length

Finished Size

 

 

 

6”

7 x 8 = 56

this will make a blanket 42” wide and 48” long

8”

5 x 6 = 30

this will make a blanket 40” wide and 48” long

10”

4 x 5 = 20

this will make a blanket 40” wide and 50” long


For a blanket of around 42” x 54”  (107 x 137cm)

Size of Square

Squares Required –

width x length

Finished Size

 

 

 

6”

7 x 9 = 63

this will make a blanket 42” wide and 54” long

8”

5 x 7 = 35

this will make a blanket 40” wide and 56” long

 

For a blanket of around 48” x 72”  (122 x 183cm)

Size of Square

Squares Required –

width x length

Finished Size

 

 

 

6”

8 x 12 = 96

this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long

8”

6 x 9 = 54

this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long

10”

5 x 7 = 35

this will make a blanket 50” wide and 70” long

12”

4 x 6 = 24

this will make a blanket 48” wide and 72” long

 

For a blanket of around 60” x 90”  (152 x 229cm)

Size of Square

Squares Required –

width x length

Finished Size

 

 

 

6”

10 x 15 = 150

this will make a blanket 60” wide and 90” long

8”

8 x 11 = 88

this will make a blanket 64” wide and 88” long

10”

6 x 9 = 54

this will make a blanket 60” wide and 90” long

12”

5 x 8 = 40

this will make a blanket 60” wide and 96” long

 

The weakest part of a blanket made this way are the joins. You must be sure that you join them with a strong seam. This can be done by sewing (whip stitch is quick and easy)  – or crocheting – them together.

There is a lot of joining!  And a lot of ends to darn away.

To save time and effort – you can, of course, make strips instead of squares – and then join the strips together.

 

Another idea is to make larger square or rectangular blocks ~

If you like to knit using long straight needles or circular needles – cast on as many stitches as fit comfortably and knit until your piece is 24” long. Then join the blocks.

 

To finish ~

If you can crochet – a crochet border all around gives a good finish.


For crochet blankets -


Granny Squares are fun to make - and are a great way to use up small oddments of yarn.



There are lots of other choices too. You can make your blanket or throw in one piece, or in squares, strips or blocks. 

Granny stripes, chevron and V-stitch all work well.

  

You will find the instructions for these 2 easy blankets on these links ~ 






If you are making a blanket to donate ~

Each hospital, hospice or other organisation will have their own requirements and guidance about the yarns, fabrics and notions that should be used in the items they receive – please check before you invest time and money in making any items to donate.

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns
Copyright © 2025      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, reproduced
or republished on any webpage or website