This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure and privacy policy for details.
The Criss Cross Blanket is a deceptively easy solid granny square blanket that uses beginner stitches and clever construction to create a fabulously delicate yet cosy look and feel. A great crochet motif project if you’re looking for a quick and easy beginner crochet blanket to make.
With video tutorials for both the solid granny square motif and the different joining methods I use, it’s a great first project for anyone just learning to crochet or will be a breeze for those of you that are more experienced.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure and privacy policy for details.
You can carry on reading to find the free pattern here in this blogpost or purchase an ad-free, printable PDF version of the solid granny square pattern in my pattern stores:
More about this solid granny square blanket pattern
If, like me, you absolutely love making crochet blankets but are after something just a little bit different then this one is for you.
The blanket isn’t just a set of solid crochet motifs all joined together, it’s four sets of four small motifs that are then joined and bordered to create four larger squares. These four squares are then joined and a final border is added to the entire blanket to finish.
It gives the fabulous patterning of the chain spaces and creates the impression of a really complicated pattern but in reality, it’s so easy!
How do you crochet a Solid Granny Square?
Let me tell you a secret – a solid granny square is easier than a traditional one if you ask me!
The difference between this one and the classic granny square is that there are no gaps in the main rounds of the pattern.
There are many ways to make a granny square solid but this one is my favourite. You still have some little gaps at the corners to add interest and that works perfectly for this pattern when you join the crochet squares together.
Yarn
To make the Criss Cross Blanket, I used Paintbox Yarn Simply Aran (100% acrylic, 184m/100g) which is great value for money. I used 6 balls of Washed Teal (which is such dreamy colour to work with).
Other than this, any #4/Aran/Worsted weight yarn will work great for this project. Here are some options that I think would make wonderful crochet blankets:
- Heartland by Lion Brand (100% Acrylic; 252yds / 230m/140g)
- Mighty Stitch Yarn by WeCrochet(100% Superwash Merino Wool; 110yds / 100m /50g)
- Color Theory by Lion Brand (100% Acrylic; 246yds / 225m / 100g)
These yarns come in a beautiful range of colours so you can tailor your blanket to suit whoever or wherever you are making it for.
Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- 7mm crochet hook (my favourites are Furls Streamline Swirl crochet hooks or Clover Amour crochet hooks)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers if desired
Video Tutorial For Crocheting A Solid Granny Square
Pattern Options
This blanket is a free crochet pattern in US terms on the blog for everyone to enjoy, just scroll down to find it. If you’d prefer to purchase an ad-free version you can find them here:
Purchase and Print
Get the ad-free, printable PDF with added extras in my pattern stores:
Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this free crochet wrist warmer pattern to your crochet Pinterest board!
Glossary and Abbreviations
ch(s) – chain(s)
ss – slip stitch
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
RS – right side
sk – skip
rep – repeat
Stitches
The blanket uses the following crochet stitches:
sc – single crochet (UK dc – double crochet)
dc – double crochet (UK tr – treble crochet)
Special Stitches
This blanket doesn’t use any special stitches but its main motif is a spin on the classic granny square. Motifs are such fun ways to make larger projects because you can work on the go.
If you want to make more crochet projects using motifs, I’ve got a few suggestions for you (and you can search my blog for more patterns too):
- Squares Blanket (a simple and bright crochet mitred square motif blanket)
- Cross Cable Pillow (with a boho yet modern feel)
- Broadquay Blanket (matching square motifs joined in different orientations)
Pattern Notes
The blanket is made up of 16 small square motifs that are then joined together in sets of 4 to make large squares.
Each of these larger squares has a border worked around it before joining them and then completing the entire blanket with a border to finish.
You can seam your motifs however you would like (for example, with a whip stitch) but I have 3 favourite ways of joining crochet squares together that you might enjoy learning.
A ch3 at the beginning of a round always counts as a stitch. Alternatively, you can work a stacked double crochet stitch for a really neat look.
Gauge and Sizing
Each motif measures 13cm by 13cm but gauge isn’t critical for this project.
The finished blanket will measure 92cm by 92cm, unless you change the yarn weight and hook size. In which case, it will vary accordingly.
Free Criss Cross Crochet Blanket Pattern
US Terminology
Make 16 small square motifs as follows:
Foundation chain: ch5, ss in first ch to make a ring
Round 1: ch3, 2dc into ring, ch3, *3dc into ring, ch3; rep from *two more times, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join [12dc, 4 ch3-sps]
Round 2: ch3, dc in next 2sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) into ch3-sp, *dc in next 3 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) into ch3-sp; rep from *two more times, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join [28dc, 4 ch3-sps]
Round 3: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) into ch3-sp, *dc in next 7 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) into ch3-sp; rep from *two more times, dc in next 2 sts, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join [44dc, 4 ch3-sps]
Round 4: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) into ch3-sp, *dc in next 11 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) into ch3-sp; rep from *two more times, dc in next 4 sts, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join [60dc, 4 ch3-sps]
Fasten off.
Join the small squares:
Lightly block your squares to the same size and then lay out in sets of 4 to join to make 4 larger squares.
Join each set of 4 small squares with a sc seam to the WS.
Border the larger squares:
Each of the 4 larger squares now needs a border added before joining them all together. With RS facing, join yarn to any corner ch3-sp.
Round 1: (ch3, dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sp, * dc in next 13 sts, ch2, skip next 2 sts, 2dc in ch-sp, ch1, 2dc in next ch-sp, ch2, skip 2dc, dc in next 13 sts, ** (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sp, rep from * three more times, ending the third rep at **, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join.
Round 2: ch3, dc in next st, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in ch3-sp, * dc in next 13 sts, ch2, skip next 2 sts, 2dc in ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts, ch1, dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next ch-sp, ch2, skip 2tr, dc in next 13 sts, ** (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sp, rep from * three more times, ending the third rep at **, dc in next 11 sts, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join.
Round 3: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in ch3-sp, *dc in next 13 sts, ch2, skip 2 sts, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc in next 4 sts, ch1, dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in ch2-sp, ch2, skip 2, ** dc in next 13 dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in ch3-sp; rep from * three more times, ending the third rep at **, dc in next 9 sts, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join
Round 4: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in ch3-sp, *dc in next 13 sts, ch2, skip 2 sts, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc in next 6 sts, ch1, dc in next 6 sts, 2dc in ch2-sp, ch2, skip 2, ** dc in next 13 dc, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in ch3-sp; rep from * three more times, ending the third rep at **, dc in next 7 sts, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join
Fasten off.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 of the large border instructions for each of the 4 squares, then join them with a sc seam to the RS.
Border the entire blanket:
With the 4 larger squares now join, with RS facing, join the yarn into any corner ch3-sp to work the final border.
Round 1: (ch3, dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sp, * dc in next 15 sts, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc in next 8 sts, ch1, dc in next 8 sts, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc in next 15 sts**, 2dc in ch2-sp, ch1, 2dc in ch2-sp, rep from * to ** (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sps; repeat this pattern around, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join
Round 2: ch3, dc in next st, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sps, dc in each st and chain around, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join.
Round 3: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, (2dc, ch3, 2dc) in corner ch3-sps, dc in each st and chain around, ss in 3rd of ch3 to join.
Round 4: ch1, sc in each st and ch around, ss in first st to join.
Fasten off and weave in ends to complete.
Join HanJan and Share Your Crochet!
It’s an honour to be able to create and share my free crochet patterns with you. I’d love to stay connected and send you regular discount codes and free patterns! Please sign up for my subscriber list to get a free gift right now!
I look forward to seeing your finished crochet projects, especially this easy crochet pattern, so please share them with me in the HanJan Crochet Facebook group or on Instagram and tag #hanjancrochet.
Purchase and Print
Get the ad-free, printable PDF with added extras in my pattern stores:
More Granny Square Patterns and Ideas
If you enjoyed this and are a lover of all things granny square then I’d love for you to take a look at my other projects:
