Random Rectangles: A scrap yarn solid granny crochet blanket

After the popularity of my Random Rounds crochet blanket pattern, a square moss stitch stash-busting crochet blanket, I am excited to introduce you to Random Rectangles, a simple crochet blanket pattern worked centre out in a rectangular shape.

Pattern Notes

General Notes

• Please read through the pattern and all associated notes before starting your project
• This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology (UK equivalents are given in brackets in the abbreviations list where applicable)
• Numbers at the end of a round indicate the number of stitches in that round and are only given at the start of a section or where there is a change
• Chain 5 turning chain counts as one double crochet and a chain 2 space
• Unless otherwise indicated, stitches should be worked in consecutive stitches
• Instructions written between [square brackets] should be worked the specific number of times instructed
• Instructions in (round brackets) should be worked in the same stitch
• Right and Wrong sides are nominal 

Construction

• The crochet blanket starts with a central chain which you crochet around
• The rectangular solid granny square is made from the centre-out until it reaches it’s finished size
• A simple border is aded to finish

Skills Used

• Knowledge of basic crochet stitches, techniques and terminology is assumed
• Working in turned rounds, joining new yarn mid round
• Crocheting into both sides of a chain – learn how here
• There is no formal video tutorial for this project, but I made a series of shorts for youtube following the design process which includes some of the key steps in the project. Here’s the playlist for the videos

How to purchase a Dora Does crochet pattern:

I sell my PDF crochet patterns in my Etsy, Ravelry and Love Crafts stores. You can purchase this pattern on any of these platforms, depending on your preference. Simply click the relevant links throughout this pattern page to be taken to the listing, or visit the store homepages in the links at the start of this paragraph.

Materials Used

Crochet Hook

This pattern uses a 4mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge. I used my Clover Soft Touch Hook for this project.

Yarn Requirements

My finished blanket weighted approximately1270g using a a range of fibres, mainly wool and wool blend double knit yarn. Based on the most common type of yarn I used, that works out at roughly 2900 metres of double knit yarn. 

Yarn Substitution Options

Different fibres and yarns will produce a different finished result.

As this crochet project is intended for using leftover yarn, you can use a range of fibres for the project. 

The blanket has been designed for double knit yarn, but you may wish to use other yarn weights. If this is the case, the size of the blanket will change. Using a variety of fibres, even in the same yarn weight category, may impact your gauge and the finished size of the blanket. See the measurements section for guidance on adjusting the size if desired.

You may find this post useful when choosing yarn.

Changing colours / joining new yarn

In this design, I just changed colours when the yarn I was using ran out, regardless of where in the round I was.

I used the magic knot to change colours. For some yarns, specifically those which are a little smoother and slippier, I did not trim the ends but worked them into the stitches either side of the knot. or sewed them in once the blanket was finished. 

I have only occasionally had a magic knot come undone (normally because I tied the individual knots the wrong way), but I’d rather not risk it on a project this size. You can use your preferred method of joining new yarn.

Other Materials & Notions

Yarn needle, scissors and a tape measure

You may wish to block the project. You can find a range of blocking tools here and learn more about blocking in this tutorial.

Measurements & Finished Size

The finished blanket measures approximately 150cm/60in wide by 190cm/75in long. 

I blocked the centre of the blanket gently as my tension was a little tighter there than the latter rounds.

You can change the size of the blanket by changing the number of rounds you work. This will impact the proportions of the long and short sides.

Stitches & Abbreviations: US terms 

(UK Equivalent in Brackets)

• ch = chain
• ch-sp = chain space
• dc = double crochet (UK treble crochet)
• rep = repeat
• sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
• sk = skip (UK miss)
• sp = space
• ss = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Gauge

16 sts and 9 rows in 10cm of US double crochets worked in turned rounds using a 4mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

Variation in your gauge will lead to variations in the finished size of your project. 

Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here

Purchase the printable PDF pattern from Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts or read on for the ad-supported written pattern.

Main blanket

Ch65 (the last 5 chains count as 1dc and ch2-sp);

Round 1: 2dc in 6th ch from hook, 1dc into next 58 ch (until one st from end), (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in last ch, turning to work in the back of the chains you have just worked in, (2dc, ch2, 2dc in back of ch, 1dc in back of each ch to one from end, (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in last ch, 1dc in the base of the ch5 (the 60th ch of the starting ch), ss into the 3rd ch of the ch5 (the 63rd ch from the original ch), ss into ch2 sp to complete the round (this last ss does not count as a st), turn. 

• 132 sts and 4 ch2-sp.
• Sts on long side (excluding ch2-sp): 62
• Sts on short side (excluding ch2-sp): 4
• YouTube Short – Working in and around chains
• YouTube Short – Joining the first round