Kaleidoscope Granny Blanket Crochet Tutorial

Item	Details
Yarn	Worsted weight yarn in 6–12+ colors
Border/Join Color	2–3 skeins of black or white, or another solid contrast
Hook Size	US H/8 (5.0 mm) or size to obtain gauge
Scissors	For trimming yarn ends
Yarn Needle	For weaving in ends
Blocking Supplies	(Optional) Blocking mats and pins

🎨 Color Planning Tips

• Use a rotating palette: e.g., red → orange → yellow → green → blue → purple → red…

• For a gradient look, assign each row of squares its hue range (top row = red tones, bottom = purple).

• For a random scrappy effect, draw from a bag of leftover yarn bits.

• For a symmetrical layout, sketch your blanket using graph paper or a spreadsheet to plan color placement.

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🔶 PART 1: Kaleidoscope Granny Square Pattern

Each granny square is made using different colors for every round to achieve the vibrant, spinning look.

🔁 Stitch Abbreviations (US terms):

• ch – chain

• dc – double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• sc – single crochet

• st – stitch

• sp – space

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📍 Round-by-Round Granny Square Instructions:

Each round uses a new color. Fasten off and weave in ends (or crochet over them) as you go to save time later.

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🟢 Round 1:

• Start with Color A.

• Magic ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into ring.

• Ch 2, 3 dc into ring – repeat from * 3 more times (you’ll have 4 sets of 3 dc).

• Ch 2, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

• Fasten off. (4 clusters, 4 ch-2 corners)

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🔵 Round 2:

• Join Color B in any ch-2 corner.

• Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner.

• In each remaining corner: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).

• Join to first ch-3 with the sl st. Fasten off. (8 clusters)

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🟣 Round 3:

• Join Color C in any ch-2 space.

• Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner.

• (3 dc in next space between clusters, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in corner) Repeat around.

• Join, fasten off. (12 clusters: 4 corners, 8 sides)

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🔴 Rounds 4–6:

Repeat the granny square pattern:

• In corners: Always work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)

• Along sides: 3 dc in each space between clusters.

Suggested colors:

• Round 4 – Color D

• Round 5 – Color E

• Round 6 – Color F

🧷 After 6 rounds, the square should measure approximately. 7”. You may adjust by working more or fewer rounds.

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🧶 PART 2: Making More Squares

• Make 63 squares for a 7×9 layout, or adjust to suit your desired dimensions.

• Use a wide variety of color combinations. No two squares need to be identical!

• If you’re planning a more symmetrical look, keep track of the colors used in each round.

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🧵 PART 3: Joining the Squares

Joining with a neutral or contrasting color (like black or white) enhances the kaleidoscope effect by acting like the lead in stained glass.

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🔗 Joining Methods (Choose One):

🔸 Option A: Flat Slip Stitch Join (Recommended for contrast)

• Place two squares side by side, right sides up.

• Insert hook through the back loops only of both squares.

• Slip stitch across the edge.

• Continue in rows, then connect columns.

🔸 Option B: Whip Stitch Join (Faster, flexible)

• With a yarn needle and join color, whip stitch through the outer loops.

• Secure and weave in ends.

🔸 Option C: Join-as-you-go (Advanced)

• On the final round of each square, attach it directly to adjacent square(s) using slip stitches.

• Saves time, but requires careful layout planning.

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🎀 PART 4: Edging and Border

Once all squares are joined, it’s time to frame your masterpiece!

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🧷 Border Preparation:

• Weave in all ends before starting.

• Block blanket if desired (especially for acrylic blends, steam blocking helps flatten joins).

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🧵 Border Option 1: Simple Color-Rotating Border

1. Round 1: With a new color, sc around entire blanket, placing (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner.

2. Rounds 2–5: Work hdc or dc around using a new color each round.

   • Always do (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in corners.

3. Add as many rounds as desired.

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🌸 Border Option 2: Decorative Shell Border

1. Round 1: Sc around entire edge, with (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner.

2. Round 2: (Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next, skip 2, sc in next) – repeat.

3. Optionally repeat round in another color for a two-tone shell border.

📅 Estimated Project Time

• Each square: 30–45 minutes

• Total 63 squares: Approx. 30–50 hours

• Joining and border: 8–12 hours

• Total time: ~40–60 hours, depending on size and experience

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🧺 Washing and Care Instructions

• Use machine-washable yarns (acrylic, cotton blends).

• Wash cold, gentle cycle.

• Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low.

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📝 Final Tips

• Weave in ends after every few squares to avoid a huge chore later.

• Use a yarn color chart to avoid repeating combinations.

• Take progress photos to help plan the layout as you build.

• Block squares before joining if they curl or aren’t uniform.

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