Free Crochet Patterns {Granny Square Baby Blanket}

Of all the items I've ever had in my Etsy shop, I get more convos asking me for a free crochet pattern for this granny square baby blanket than any of the others. I love the neutral colors found in this blanket - they're perfect for any little baby - and I think everyone else must, too.

This particular blanket is just a "lovey" (approximately 18" square) but this pattern is easily expanded to make it full-sized. Want to make your own? Keep reading to find out how.

Materials:
-Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn in Seaspray, Snow, and Stone.
-I crochet hook
-Scissors and Tapestry Needle

Notes:
-dc cluster = 3 dc into the same stitch

Round 1: Using your first color, ch 3. 2 dc into the first ch, ch 1. *dc cluster into the same stitch, ch 1* 3 times. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch. You will have four dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces at the end of this round.

Round 2: Sl st in the next two stitches and into ch 1 space. Ch 2, 2 dc into the same ch 1 space. Ch 1, dc cluster into the same ch 1 space. *dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space* around. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2. At the end of this round you should have 8 dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces.

Round 3: Sl st in the next two stitches and into the ch 1 space. Ch 2, 2 dc into the same ch 1 space. Ch 1, dc cluster into the same ch 1 space. Dc cluster into the space between the clusters on the previous round. *dc cluster, ch 1, dc cluster in the next ch 1 space. dc cluster into the space between the clusters on the previous row* around. Sl st to the top of the first ch 2. At the end of this round you should shave 12 dc clusters and 4 ch 1 spaces.

For all of the remaining rounds, you will be continuing in the same manner. You will work two double crochet clusters into each corner, with a ch 1 in between them.  You will work 1 dc cluster into each space between the clusters in the previous round. 

When it's time to change colors, cut your first color and weave ends. Join your second color in any of the ch 1 spaces. You will then continue the same pattern with the next color.

For the blanket is shown above, you will do:
     6 rounds of Seaspray
     2 rounds of Snow
     2 rounds of Stone
     2 rounds of Seaspray
     2 rounds of Snow
     2 rounds of Stone
     2 rounds of Seaspray

Border: 

Round 1: hdc around the entire blanket working 3 hdc into each corner stitch. Cut yarn and weave ends. 

Round 2: You'll now be working a picot edging. Join white yarn using a slip stitch  *sc in the next five stitches, ch 3, hdc in the first chain* around. I like to have a picot in each corner so I fiddle with the stitches between picots to make that happen. I used to have a cow if the spaces weren't exact, but I've come to realize that once the blanket is finished, you won't even notice!