I've received a lot of questions about my Crochet Granny Stripe Afghan Tutorial so I've decided to rewrite the pattern and try and take some better photos. In my other tutorial I started the first row differently than this one, and I think this one looks better.
The granny stripe afghan beginning chain should be a multiple of 3 plus 2. For a test piece I've chained 32 (3 X 10 + 2). Turn and single crochet in second chain from hook where you see the arrow and in each chain. You will have 31 stitches.
Chain 3 and turn.
The granny stripe afghan beginning chain should be a multiple of 3 plus 2. For a test piece I've chained 32 (3 X 10 + 2). Turn and single crochet in second chain from hook where you see the arrow and in each chain. You will have 31 stitches.
Chain 3 and turn.
Double crochet in the same stitch as the chain 3.
Skip two stitches then do 3 double crochets in the next stitch.
Continue across row skipping 2 stitches between each double crochet cluster (3 double crochets).
Your row will end with two double crochets in the last stitch (because you started with 2 DC).
Chain 3 and turn.
Do a double crochet cluster (3 double crochets) in each gap from the row below. Continue across the row ending with 1 double crochet in the top of the last double crochet from the previous row.
If you start your row with two double crochets, you will end with two double crochets. If you start with one double crochet, you will end with one. Each row alternates. The next row will start with two double crochets.
That's it. Those rows repeat over and over. You can change colors after the first two rows, after one row, or the entire afghan can be made from all one color. I have changed colors every two rows.
This is how I change colors. I know that most people say to leave two loops of the old color of your double crochet on your hook and attach your new color by pulling through the two loops on the hook. But I have had too many ends of blankets come undone by doing that. So I knot off the old color and tie the new color on with a knot.
Pull a loop through the gap.
Chain 3.
Do a double crochet in the same gap.
Do 3 double crochets in each gap across the row.
End this row with 2 double crochets in the last gap (because you started the row with 2 DCs).
Chain 3 and turn.
Continue with 3 DCs in each gap across the row.
End the row with 1 DC in the top of the stitch below. Turn your work and tie on the next color and repeat.
How many to put in the beginning chain?
How many you chain to start depends a lot on what weight yarn you are using, size of hook, how tight or loose you crochet. I mostly use worsted weight yarn and an I hook. You can make a test chain and measure it to see how many stitches you have per inch and then figure out how many to chain to start your blanket. This is just a guess as to how many to chain for different bed sizes. The bed measurements in the chart below are conventional mattress sizes and are
TOP OF MATTRESS ONLY.
BED SIZE BED MEASUREMENT APPROXIMATE NUMBER TO CHAIN
Crib 28" X 52" 92
Twin 39" X 75" 125
Full 54" X 75" 170
Queen 60" X 80" 188
King 76" X 80" 233
After you do a few rows on your test piece, you will see that it is the same two rows over and over. I hope these photos help to better explain the math and how to begin your own Crochet Granny Stripe Afghan. If you have any questions, please write me at lakrug@comcast.net.
After you do a few rows on your test piece, you will see that it is the same two rows over and over. I hope these photos help to better explain the math and how to begin your own Crochet Granny Stripe Afghan. If you have any questions, please write me at lakrug@comcast.net.
Hope you are finding some time to do some stitching today!
Thank you! These images are very clear and the sizing info is exactly what I needed.
ReplyDeleteGreat instructions thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete❤️❤️❤️
DeleteLuAnn, thanks so much for the tutorial, the original and this one, on the granny strip. I have about twenty inches to go yet on mine and if it weren't for your instructions I probably wouldn't have even attempted it.
ReplyDeleteLove these instructions so easy to follow. Thank you
DeleteHi LuAnn, have a look at my blog and you will see the blanket I'm doing with your tutorial. Thank you very much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteHi, My name is Sandy, and I love your instructions. I was just wondering....there isn't a right or a wrong side? I started it, said wait a minute!! lol...thought I better check with you! Thanks, and please let me know.
ReplyDeleteheartsofthyme@hotmail.com
Sandy
There is a RIGHT side and a WRONG side.......Your first and subsequent ODD numbered rows will be the RIGHT side showing towards you. The EVEN numbered rows (eg. 2nd, 4th, 6th...) will be the WRONG side facing you. Once you've crocheted a few rows you'll notice the difference. Does that make sense?
DeleteThank you so much! I was so confused reading the Attic 24 instructions. This makes it so clear! I appreciate you taking the time to do this. Can't wait to start my blanket now :)
ReplyDeleteJoan
I was also..this does make it clearer. Thanks
DeleteI agree with Joan & Anonymous..... Your tutorials are crystal clear and sooooo much easier to follow than other books, patterns, etc. I know I started crocheting back in the early '80's (way before the Internet! lol) and unless you bought the children's ABC book to knit/crochet, a lot of the books out there were just too complicated. Poorly written with crappy black and white photos. Big thank you, LuAnn!! I look forward to many more of your tutorials!! Keep up the GREAT WORK!!! Laurie from BC, Canada
DeleteThank you so much for this tutorial! I've been searching all over the internet for a tutorial such as yours.
ReplyDeleteYours is the best!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! You have convinced me that I can do this!!
ReplyDeleteHi LuAnn!! Working hard on my stripe granny!! Almost finished....I was going to make it shorter....but think I will keep going....I just want it to be a nice sized throw.. Thanks for you patience with me....should be finished crocheting it this weekend....including the weaving o the ends.....and the trim! Maybe a nice picture for you then! We shall see how the rest of the weekend goes.....Sandy
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great instructions! I saw your first tutorial and started before looking at this one....I adjusted by doing multiples of 3 minus 1 and you get the same thing as multiples of 3 plus 2... :o)On my second blanket now even though my first isn't *quite* finished!
ReplyDeleteChristine
Excellent explination. Thanks.
ReplyDeletethank you. this is the gretest. i appreciate your site and sharing.
ReplyDeletestarting now!!
peace and blessings to you,
yarncarole from chicago
Hi! This is a great tutorial. I'm new to crocheting and I was wondering if it matters what type of yarn I use and what size of hook? Can't wait to get started on my granny stripe blanket. thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Amber
DeleteI don't think the type of yarn of size of hook matters. If you are using a smaller hook and thinner yarn, you will have to measure to make sure the blanket is the size that you want to end up with. Good luck on your blanket.
Thank you so much for posting these instructions. I have been trying for so long to find somebody that could explain to me how to crochet a simple afghan and now I can go get started and not have to worry
ReplyDeletethis is awesome your patterns and explanation is great, as a begiiner i feel i can make anything following your guide again thank you for taking the time to explain, put pictures up and answer questions.
ReplyDeleteHi there, I was just wondering when crocheting this up, every other row will show as a 'wrong side' is this correct?
ReplyDeleteYes, every other row will be a wrong side row. I guess I don't look at crochet as having right and wrong sides, but on some patterns you can really tell the difference.
DeleteWhy can't every pattern be picture clear like this one? Thank u!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. It makes it all worth it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this! Just wondering, if making a full size, roughly how many yards of aran would you need?
ReplyDeleteHi LuAnn, does the chain stitch length stay the same of you crochet the blanket in treble stitch rather than granny stitch? Can a blanket in Queen or King size be made in treble stitch with double knit wool?
ReplyDeleteYou could use a treble stitch rather than a granny stitch if you wanted. Really a treble would work up faster than the double crochets because they end up being "taller". Really when I learned to do the granny stitch from my Mom all those years ago, I was taught to use a treble crochet instead of a double. I guess maybe I changed it to make the holes in the blanket smaller......
DeleteHi! I've been using your pattern and first I wanted to thank you for such awesome instructions. Really made it easy to figure out and get started. My question is, do you ever put a border around this blanket, and if so, what do you do? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about my pattern. Sometimes when I write them, I'm not sure if they make sense to anyone besides me so it's always nice to hear. I just used up more of my scraps and put several crochet borders around mine. If you go to my blog post here you can see how it looks. http://easycrochetpattern.blogspot.com/2013/12/granny-stripe-afghan-chart.html
DeleteThank you for the pattern. I am making the temperature blanket this year. You do not chain one between clusters? Correct?
DeleteThank you for the pattern. I am making the temperature blanket this year. You do not chain one between clusters? Correct?
DeleteLooks as though you do not chain one in between the double crochets. I too just found this pattern and am starting my temp blanket today! Best of luck to you!
DeleteHello I am hoping to start my temperature blanket in few weeks due to having hand surgery and hoping a few rows a day will be good therapy. Is is safe to just buy one skein of each color? I haven't made an afghan in many years so not really sure. Thanks for the help. This pattern looks fun I'm excited to start when my hand allows.
DeleteThank-you. Very nice and easy pattern. Going to crochet a blanket for my 94 year old mother who has fallen and broken her hip. She's in a nursing home and this will brighten up her room. Thank-you for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial, tried another, but didn't quite make it work. Hope this will do better - you make it look easy for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Muchas gracias desde España tus explicaciones se entienden muy bien. Es mi próximo proyecto Gemma
ReplyDeleteHello I have a question for you that I am running to a problem with my own blanket. how are you finishing up the loose ends of the rows? are you weaving them back or what?
ReplyDeletethanks Rebecca
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for your very clear instructions! I was looking on the internet for instructions on how to make a granny square and came across your granny stripe. LOVE the stripes!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI'm new to crocheting and have tried this pattern, which is great. But I'm getting a problem where the crochet starts to curve almost into a circle. What am I doing wrong? I'm trying to keep the tension the same and have tried using a larger hook for the first row then a smaller hook for the subsequent rows but it's still happening.
Kim
Thank you!!!!! Just learning.....
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I was also struggling with Attic 24 instructions. Much clearer!
ReplyDeleteThank you ! This tutorial is easy to understand !
ReplyDeleteThank for this wonderful tutorial! You've made it so clear and it makes sense! Love your method of color change too! Going to frog my original boring double crochet blanket I'm making for my boyfriend and do a coffee themed granny stripe.... Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteLuAnn - I so appreciate your detailed and generous tutorial....I'm on it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this tutorial!
ReplyDeletethank you so much for such detailed tutorial
ReplyDeletei would be happy if you make Catherine wheel stitch tutorial like this
thank you
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern and all the work you put into this. My girlfriend and I are both working on this pattern and loving it!
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is exactly what I've been looking for. Thank You. Working on it now
ReplyDeleteAnother "Thanks!" for this great tutorial. I think yours is the clearest one I've seen for granny stripe. I just finished a two-tone prayer shawl for my church's women's group and it came out beautifully. I've also used it for a scarf for my boyfriend and intend to use it for many other projects.
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for this tutorial! I'm brand new to crocheting and I have a question. Where it says "double crochet in the same stitch as the chain 3", do you mean I should double crochet into that first chain stitch off my hook? Or the first of the three? Or into the first double crochet directly before the chain three? I'm trying to figure it out from the picture and I can't.
ReplyDeleteDouble crochet in the same place where the chain 3 is coming out. In a few days I'll see if I can draw an arrow on that photo and repost it so it's more clear.
DeleteWhat do you mean the beginning chain a multiple of 3 plus 2?
ReplyDeleteThe beginning chain is 3 X (a number) + 2......so for example you can start with 3X 40 + 2 =122. If you scroll to the bottom of this post, I give you a chart with approximate numbers to chain for different sized afghans.
ReplyDeleteThank u for this awesome post Luann. If we picked the full size bed for example should we be taking your 170 and multiplying by 3 and adding 2 or is the 170 already multiplied by 3 and adding 2?
DeleteHow many skeins do you need for a crib blanket? (Chain 92)
DeleteI love this pattern! I am going to make afghans for my great nieces using this pattern. Thank you for the easy step by step instructions!!!!
ReplyDeleteLuAnn, just like another person's comment on here, my piece started to curve also and I don't know why. The first two rows were perfect but the third row with crocheting into the spaces it started to curve. I did a few more rows to see if it would straighten out but no success. This pattern is so pretty and so easy but I don't understand what is going wrong. Tension is the same throughout. It seems a big jump from space to space and that's where it's pulling the piece into a curve. PLEASE HELP!!! lol Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJust a little thought. Instead of jumping straight into another cluster of double crochets, could do a chain in between the clusters. That would help with the curving of the blanket.
DeleteYou could always do a chain as Anonymous said. Be sure that if you start the row with one DC you end it with one DC. The next row should start with two DC and end with two DC. This just repeats over and over. If my work starts to curve, it's because I've left out the second DC. And I have a feeling that if you don't correct that then the whole thing could start to curve.
DeleteI'm so excited to work on the afghan. My niece wants it in pink, white, and purple. Thanks for the instructions.
ReplyDeleteAbout how many starting chains for a lapghan.trying to make some for. Nursing home
ReplyDeleteI would chain 107 for a lap robe. That should be about 34 inches wide. Then if you want it a bit wider, you could just crochet a border around the outside.
DeleteI'm loving the look of this ... wondering if you know about rows are needed for each bed size?
ReplyDeleteAt the bottom of this tutorial there are measurements for each with # of chains
DeleteNevermind...I see u mean lengthwise.
DeleteHow many rows you do for your bed depends a lot on how tight or loose you crochet and how much of the bed you want to cover. This post gives bed measurements and my best estimate of how many you would chain to start the afghan. http://easycrochetpattern.blogspot.com/2012/10/crochet-granny-stripe-afghan-tutorial.html
DeleteDo you chain any between clusters??
ReplyDeleteLooks as though you do not chain one in between the double crochets. Probably to give it a smaller gap, smaller holes. But if you dont mind the gap you could chain one or two. Best of luck to you!
DeleteCorrect. I don't chain in between my clusters so there will be smaller gaps in between. I guess if you wanted to, you could do a chain between each cluster. A lot of my older afghans have that chain 1, and the holes seem huge to me so I tried it this way and like it a lot better.
DeleteAny idea how many rows for the king size?
ReplyDeleteIf you go to this post, you can see how my blanket looks on my king sized bed with just 132 rows. It kind of depends on how far up you want the afghan to come on your bed. http://easycrochetpattern.blogspot.com/2016/01/granny-stripe-as-temperature-afghan.html
DeleteHi! Great tutorial! I am going to try this stitch for a temperature blanket----can't figure out starting stitches....Do I work it lengthwise or width wise? 365 rows is really long.....and I decreased to H hook.....any input would be appreciated! Ty! Beginner crocheter
ReplyDeleteI wrote a post about my thoughts on using this for a temperature afghan. You can see a photo of my blanket on my king sized bed and just how many rows I have crocheted. http://easycrochetpattern.blogspot.com/2016/01/granny-stripe-as-temperature-afghan.html
DeleteI really love the pattern that you created - I took your stitch method and created a slightly different look. The stitches were so easy to do - thanks for creating it!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.pinterest.com/sandists/a-new-project/
When you start another color, what do you do with the strings of yarn??? Do you weave them in?? I do love this way of starting another color than the other way. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI have a yarn needle with a large eye, and I weave the ends in that way. I try to take time every 10 or 20 rows to weave those ends in because if I wait until I'm finished with an afghan, sometimes it lays there (for months or maybe even years) before I weave those ends in. You could also cut all of those ends even and make fringe. I have a cat so I don't think the fringe is a good idea here.
DeleteI have been knitting and crocheting for over 70 years so I have a stockpile of yarn.What a wonderful way to use it.Thanks for the clear instructions.
ReplyDeleteI love scrap quilts and afghans, and I've crocheted for a lot of years. I am saving all of my leftover pieces and skeins that I bought with no real purpose, and I'm going to crochet them into some sort of afghan. Glad my instructions helped.
DeleteHi LuAnn ,thks for explaining this douple Crochet Pantern ,i have been Crocheting for 45 yrs.n thank you for doing your Color changes the Old fashion way I was Taught. I Don't like that B.S.Crap.just run the Old Color along the side.thks Tommy S.
DeleteLoving your instructions but wondering about finishing. Since there is a row of single crochet at the beginning do you end with a row of them? What about a border? Thank you
ReplyDeleteThere is no row of single crochet at the end. I just kept going with the pattern and then tied the yarn off. Here is a link to my post showing how I did the border on this afghan. http://easycrochetpattern.blogspot.com/2012/12/granny-stripe-afghan-finish.html
DeleteHi! How much yarn would you need for a twin sized afghan using a size K or L hook? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe best crochet tutorial ever!!!! Thank you so much :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome tutorial.. so easy to follow. Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI am new to crocheting. Teaching self thru tutorials and utube. Thank you so much for the manner in which you teach/present. I have hope! Going to start this afghan today!
ReplyDeleteExcellent tutorial! Clear instructions and pictures made this project a pleasure to pick up! Bookmarking your blog for the future - thanks ")
ReplyDeleteJust came across this - can't wait to get home from work and get all my "leftover" yarn made into a Granny Stripe Afghan! Long Holiday weekend - hmmm - know what I will be doing!! THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteHow many yards are needed for a twin size blanket?
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern! It's always my go-to. It works up fast and your directions are simple and easy to follow!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the clear instructions and photos!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful for a beginner.
I also want to thank you for this! I will start with a sample size for a dolly blanket then I will tackle a lap blanket! Blessings, Roxy
ReplyDeleteThank You very much!! Very Easy Instructions!!!! Thanks again!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I was so intimidated to attempt this after failing miserably at Granny squares. After reading this, I tried, AND DID IT! Thank you so much for the perfect pictures and also the easy way to start a new color.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this so awesome & exactly what I was looking for!
ReplyDeleteCan you use a bernat chunky baby yarn to do this my first grandson will be born in May
ReplyDeleteThank Yoy
Monica L
Lapira67@gmail.com
How many skeins of yarn does it take to make a queen size blanket?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the clear directions--which I evidently can't follow! I'm using your pattern to make a scap-buster "janket", and it keeps getting wider. Any advice?
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the number of stitches to use based on the size of the desired finished project!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Stay safe. God bless
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tutorial. I have done a test piece and now am going to get my yarn for a project!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you. I learned crochet stitches as a child but but never did much with it till about ten years ago. Now I will have straight sides. Yahoo!, This the first time I have understood the directions. Thanks again and God bless you. DRE
ReplyDeleteHello, I just found your tutorial and trying to make a lap blanket. How would I end the project to look exactly like the beginning with the single crochet stitch? Thank you😊
ReplyDelete