The humble granny square is a crochet icon that has stood the test of time, providing many crocheters with endless hours of colourful crochet therapy. However, in the spirit of granny chic style, it is always exciting to find new ways to rejuvenate and refresh a classic, so here I’ve incorporated the granny square into a fabulously pretty pinwheel design. My Granny Chic Pinwheel Blanket is the perfect blend of retro and modern.
Second Section
First Section
Any standard DK (light worsted) weight yarn can easily be substituted for the stated yarn; however, checking your tension carefully beforehand is strongly recommended.
Each triangle square motif should measure 28cm (111⁄4in) square
5 rnds of granny square motif worked in tr sts = 10cm (4in)
Approx. 200cm (783⁄4in) long by 144cm (561⁄4in) wide
The triangle square motif is crocheted in two halves: the first section in one colour, where the work is turned at the end of each round; the second granny square section in multiple colours, where each round is worked individually in the same direction. It is then crocheted onto the first section and joined at the beginning and end of each round with slip stitches and half treble stitches. For step-by-step guidance on where to accurately work these stitches, see Techniques.
Make 35.
Foundation ring: using yarn A and 4.5mm hook, ch6, ss to form ring
Round 1 (RS): ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr, ch2, 3tr, ch1, turn
Round 2: ch3 (counts as first tr), tr into 4th ch from hook, tr into 2 side sps (between tr sts of prev rnd), [2tr, ch2, 2tr] into corner ch-sp, tr into 2 side sps, f2tr inc into 3rd of ch3 of prev rnd, ch1, turn
Round 3: ch3 (counts as first tr), tr into 4th ch from hook, tr into 5 side sps, [2tr, ch2, 2tr] into corner ch-sp, tr into 5 side sps, f2tr inc into 3rd of ch3 of prev rnd, ch1, turn
Round 4: ch3 (counts as first tr), tr into 4th ch from hook, tr into 8 side sps, [2tr, ch2, 2tr] into corner ch-sp, tr into 8 side sps, f2tr inc into 3rd of ch3 of prev rnd, ch1, turn
Rounds 5–15: rnds 1–3 set the method for the simple single-colour part of the pinwheel, rep these rnds increasing the number of side sts by 3 in each new rnd; at the end of rnd 15 ch2, slip the working loop onto a stitch holder and cut a 15cm (6in) tail of yarn
Make 35.
The colour placement in the second section of each triangle square motif is worked randomly using yarns A–L. However, one ball of yarn A and half a ball of yarn B should be kept aside to work the joining seams and edging.
Round 1: with RS facing, join yarn in ch st at the end of rnd 1 of first section, ch2, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] into foundation ring of first section, htr into base of f2tr inc of rnd 2 of first section, ch1, fasten off
Round 2: with RS facing, join yarn in base of f2tr inc at the end of rnd 3 of first section, ch2, 3tr shell into ch-sp, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] into corner ch-sp, 3tr shell into ch-sp, htr into ch st the end of rnd 2 of first section, ch1, fasten off
Round 3: with RS facing, join yarn in ch st at the end of rnd 3 of first section, ch2, 3tr shell into ch-sp, 3tr shell into side sp, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] into corner ch-sp, 3tr shell into side sp, 3tr shell into ch-sp, htr into base of f2tr inc of rnd 4 of first section, ch1, fasten off
Round 4: with RS facing, join yarn in base of f2tr inc at the end of rnd 5 of first section, ch2, 3tr shell into ch-sp, 3tr shell into 2 side sps, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] into corner ch-sp, 3tr shell into 2 side sps, 3tr shell into ch-sp, htr into ch st the end of rnd 4 of first section, ch1, fasten off
Rounds 5–14: rnds 3 and 4 set the method for adding the granny square part of the pinwheel. Continue in this way, joining a new colour for each new rnd and increasing the number of 3tr shells along each side by 1 in each time
Round 15: join yarn in first ch-sp of prev rnd, ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr into same sp, 13 x 3tr shell, [3tr, ch2, 3tr] into corner ch-sp, 14 x 3tr shell, ch2, fasten off invisibly to 3rd of starting ch3 of rnd 15 of first section
Next: using yarn needle, pick up tail of yarn from end of first section and fasten off invisibly to 3rd of starting ch3 of rnd 15 of second section
Steam block each triangle square motif to approx. 28cm (111⁄4in) square.
Arrange the triangle square motifs face up in a 5 x 7 grid, as shown in the photograph, to create a pinwheel design.
Using yarn A, join the motifs from the back working in rows of dc stitches horizontally then vertically. Crochet 1 dc into each corner ch-sp (ch-sp and side st where there is a colour change in the corner of the triangle square motif) and 1 dc into the top of each side st. When working the vertical joining rows, simply crochet over the top of the horizontal rows when you come to them.
Round 1: join yarn A in any corner ch-sp of blanket, ch3 (counts as first tr), *tr into top of each st and ch-sp of each triangle square motif along side of blanket, 5tr into corner ch-sp of blanket* rep from * to * to first corner of blanket, 4tr into corner ch-sp, fasten off invisibly
Round 2: join yarn B in first st before any 5tr corner sts of prev rnd, ch1, dc into same sp, *[dc, 2dc inc into next 3sts, dc] over next 5 corner sts, dc into each st to next corner* rep from * to * to end, fasten off invisibly
Using a press cloth, steam block seams and edging so that they lie flat.
