Adorable Crochet AG Doll Blanket Pattern that Sparks Joy

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Materials Needed

1. Yarn:
   • Dollar Tree skeins or any 4 weight medium yarn. Colors used in the video were "Meadow" (green) and "Orange."
   • Each Dollar Tree skein has 109 yards, which is sufficient for 11 rows. If you want to make the blanket larger, use additional skeins or larger skeins with greater yardage.
2. Crochet Hook:
   • The host used a 5.5 mm (size I) crochet hook.
3. Other Materials:
   • Scissors
   • Tapestry needle (optional, for weaving in ends).

Special Features of the Blanket

1. Beginner-Friendly Technique:
   • The granny square pattern is simple and requires only basic crochet skills: slipknot, chaining, double crochet, and slip stitching.
2. Customizable Size and Design:
   • The project can be made larger or smaller depending on the number of rows and the amount of yarn you use.
3. Dollar Store Yarn Compatibility:
   • The tutorial demonstrates using affordable yarn options, but you can substitute with any yarn.
4. Edge Design:
   • The single crochet edge provides a clean and polished look.

Level of Difficulty

Beginner-Friendly:

• This project is perfect for beginners learning crochet basics.
• The instructor explains foundational stitches like the slip knot, chaining, double crochet, and slip stitching in great detail.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Starting the Granny Square Blanket

1. Create a Slipknot:
   • Wrap the yarn around your fingers twice to create an "X."
   • Move the back strand forward and thread it between your fingers. Slide the resulting knot onto your crochet hook.
2. Chain 4:
   • Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook four times.
3. Form the Center Loop:
   • Insert your hook into the first chain to form a tiny loop (this is the center where all your first-row stitches will go).
   • Yarn over and pull through both loops to create a slipknot.
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4. Foundation Round:
   • Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
   • Work 2 double crochets into the center loop:
     • Yarn over, insert hook into the loop, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops. Repeat.
   • Chain 2 (this forms a corner).
   • Repeat the pattern (3 double crochets, chain 2) three more times until you have a square with 4 corners.
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   • Slip stitch into the top of the first chain-3 to close the round.
5. Cut the Tail:
   • If the yarn tail gets in the way, you can trim it or weave it in later.

2. Building Additional Rounds

1. Start Round 2:
   • Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
   • Turn the work to flip it over.
2. Corner Formation:
   • Work 2 double crochets into the first corner space (formed by the previous round’s chain-2).
   • Chain 2, then work 3 more double crochets into the same corner space.
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3. Side Spaces:
   • If it's a side (not a corner), don’t chain. Simply work 3 double crochets into the next space.
4. Continue Corners:
   • For corner spaces, repeat the pattern: 3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets.
5. Close the Round:
   • When you get to the last corner, slip stitch into the top of the chain-3 to close the round.

3. Adding More Rounds

1. Repeat the Pattern:
   • For additional rounds, repeat the same stitches. Always work 3 double crochets into non-corner spaces and follow the corner pattern for the corners.
   • Turn at the start of each round to keep the granny square looking even.
2. Finalize the Size:
   • Stop adding rounds when the blanket reaches your desired size. For the doll-sized blanket in the tutorial, the host made 11 rounds (using 109 yards of yarn).

4. Adding the Edge

1. Single Crochet Edge:
   • Once all granny square rows are complete, add an edge using single crochet stitches.
   • Insert your hook into every stitch around the entire square and work a single crochet:
     • Insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook.
2. Corners on the Edge:
   • In the corner spaces, work 3 single crochets to prevent the blanket’s edges from curling.
3. Finishing the Edge:
   • Slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round and fasten off.
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Tutor’s Suggestions

1. Cutting the Tail:
   • The host recommends trimming the yarn tail once it’s partially woven into the project to avoid interference.
2. Substituting Materials:
   • While Dollar Tree yarn is used in the tutorial, you can use any medium-weight yarn and ensure you adjust your hook size according to the yarn label’s recommendations.
3. Handling Yarn Variability:
   • Dollar tree yarn often varies in yardage (109 to 131 yards). Use consistency in yarn yardage for uniform blankets.
4. Customization:
   • Feel free to use multiple colors to create stripes or customize the blanket size by adding more rows.

Uses of the Granny Square Blanket

1. Dolls:
   • The perfect accessory for dolls like American Girl dolls.
2. Pet Accessories:
   • Make a tiny blanket for small pets.
3. Beginners’ Practice:
   • A fantastic project for beginners to practice foundational crochet skills.
4. Home Décor or Gifting:
   • Adjust the size and colors to create table mats, bed throws, or thoughtful handmade gifts.

Tip for Success

To avoid running out of yarn, plan your project size carefully. If using Dollar Tree skeins, stick to 11 rows, as this is the maximum the 109-yard skein can produce when using a 5.5 mm hook. For larger blankets, purchase multiple skeins or opt for ones with higher yardage.

Conclusion

The granny square blanket for dolls is an easy and satisfying project that allows crafters to master essential crochet techniques while creating something fun and useful. Whether it’s a simple doll blanket, a gift, or a decorative piece, this project offers endless possibilities.