B&G: Blankies and Grannies
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Hi Reader,
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B&G?
B&G is like the fun code I use for the main things which I create in crochet.
Don't get me wrong, I can do all types of crocheting, but when it comes down to it, my true love and where I am strong creatively, is in blankies, and grannies.
As a personal quirk, I love to call it "B and G" or B&G.
Blankies and Grannies
B&G is all about creating beautiful crochet blankets and other projects using granny squares.
I absolutely love making granny squares and turning them into cozy blankets.
Over the years, I've also made garments from granny squares like my Country Jacket, but I always have a granny blanket in some stage of progress on the hook, it's just part of my crochet life!
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The Magic of Granny Squares
What Are Granny Squares?
Granny squares, or "grannies," are the iconic building blocks of crochet.
They are everywhere in the crochet world, and for good reason!
Simple yet versatile, they allow you to create endless combinations of colors, textures and patterns.
I have a favorite pattern my basic granny with a twist which might look familiar to many seasoned crocheters.
But the beauty of granny squares lies in their adaptability.
With just a few tweaks, you can create something uniquely yours.
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Granny Square
Types
There are many variations of granny squares, depending on the stitch combinations used.
A few favorites include:
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- The Solid Granny: A single-color square, perfect for structured designs like my temperature blanket.
- The Traditional Granny: The classic, multi-color square with chain spaces.
- βThe Tudor Rose Granny: This is my original design and is a unique variation with a floral twist.
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Shapes and Uses
Despite their name, granny squares don't have to be square! They can be adjusted into hexagons, triangles, or even circles.
You can use granny squares to make all sorts of crochet goodies:
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- Blankets
- Bags
- Garments
- Home decor items like cushions and coasters
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Blankies
More Than Just a Blanket
A βblankieβ is a sweet term for a small, comforting blanket, but blankets come in all shapes and sizes.
Many are made from granny squares, but there are also other styles of crochet blankets to explore.
Types of Blankets
There are different types of blankies that you can make with granny squares.
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- Doll Blankets: Tiny blankets for toy lovers or display.
- Baby Blankets: Soft, pastel-colored blankets perfect for newborns.
- Lap Blankets or Lapghans: Smaller throws, ideal for keeping legs warm.
- Afghans: Medium-sized, cozy blankets for couches or beds.
- βFull-Sized Blankets: Large, luxurious covers for beds.
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The difference between these blankets often comes down to yarn choice and size.
A delicate baby blanket in pastel shades might follow the same pattern as a thick, chunky adult throw, but the look and feel will be entirely different.
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Granny Square
Sizes and Portability
The standard granny square size is around 10 cm (4 inches) square, but you can make them as large or as small as you like.
One of the best things about granny squares is how portable they are!
You can crochet small squares anywhere:
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- On the bus
- In the park
- During your lunch break
- At the doctor's office
- While waiting in the car for school pick-up
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Since you're working on small pieces, it's easy to take your crochet with you wherever you go.
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B&G Crochet Projects
Always Something on the Hook
For me, crochet is all about variety, so I always have at least two or three projects on the go at any one time.
A Small Project
I usually have something quick and portable like a headband, soap tidy, granny square bag or dishcloth.
These can be completed in one day.
A Medium-sized Project
My medium projects perhaps can be a bag, poncho, shawl or wrap.
These can be completed in one week.
A Big, Cozy Project
A large double-bed blanket, kept at my favorite crochet spot for long, relaxing evenings.
These projects take weeks or even months to complete.
I like to do one each season so, spring, summer, autumn and winter, this gives me three months which is enough time for me to complete a full size blanket.
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Overarch
Incorporating B&G Into Your Crafting Life
How do you work with granny squares and blankets in your crochet journey?
Do you:
- Love making granny squares?
- Enjoy creating blankets?
- Have multiple crochet projects going at once?
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See you next time!
Crochetely yours,
Alison
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