I’ve been looking for the perfect baby blanket pattern to recommend, and this one has quickly become my favourite. The combination of classic granny squares with sweet appliqué hearts creates something truly gift-worthy. I rounded up all the details you need to make your own version of this beautiful blue and white blanket.
This Blue Heart Granny Square Baby Blanket crochet pattern is ideal for baby showers, new arrivals, or simply building your handmade gift stash. The granny square construction means you can work on it anywhere, and the heart appliqués add that special handmade touch that makes people ask, "Did you really make that?"
Why This Baby Blanket Pattern Works So Well
Granny squares have been a crochet staple for generations, and there is a good reason for that. They are portable, repetitive in the best way, and endlessly customizable. This blanket takes that classic technique and elevates it with a checkered layout and adorable heart embellishments.
The step by step crochet tutorial I am sharing today breaks everything down into manageable pieces. You will make individual squares, join them together, add a coordinating border, and then attach the heart appliqués. Each section builds on the last, so even if you have never made a granny square blanket before, you can absolutely do this.
Working in separate motifs also means this project travels well. Toss a few squares and a ball of yarn in your bag, and you have got instant car ride entertainment. Before you know it, you will have a stack ready to assemble.
Materials You Will Need
Before diving into the pattern instructions, gather these supplies:
Yarn:
Hook:
Notions:
Gauge:
One completed granny square should measure approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) square after blocking. Your gauge may vary slightly, which will affect the final blanket size.
Finished Measurements
This blanket consists of 20 granny squares arranged in a 4 by 5 grid. The finished dimensions are approximately 22 inches wide by 28 inches long (56 cm by 71 cm), making it perfect for strollers, car seats, or tummy time.
Skill Level
This beginner friendly crochet pattern is perfect for those who have mastered basic stitches and want to try their first motif project. If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you have all the skills you need.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me walk you through every stitch you will use in this pattern:
Ch (Chain): The foundation stitch. Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. Think of it like creating links in a chain.
Sl st (Slip Stitch): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds.
Sc (Single Crochet): Insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. A short, tight stitch.
Dc (Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain), yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. This creates a taller stitch and is the main stitch in granny squares.
3-dc cluster: Work 3 double crochets into the same stitch or space. This forms the signature "puff" of granny square construction.
Ch-2 sp (Chain 2 Space): The gap created by chaining 2. You will work into these spaces, not into individual stitches.
Corner space: The chain space at each corner of the granny square where you work two 3-dc clusters separated by a chain 2.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Read through the entire pattern first. I know that sounds tedious, but it really helps you understand how everything fits together.
All squares are worked in the round from the center outward. You can work in a spiral without joining, but I prefer joining each round for neater results. The choice is yours.
The blanket shown alternates between solid blue squares, solid white squares, and white squares with blue heart appliqués. You will make:
When counting your granny squares, remember that each corner has a ch-2 space flanked by two 3-dc clusters. Each side has a consistent number of 3-dc clusters depending on how many rounds you work.
How to Crochet the Granny Squares
Blue Granny Square (Make 10)
Round 1: Using blue yarn, make a magic ring (or ch 4 and sl st to first ch to form a ring). Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), work 2 dc into ring, ch 2, *3 dc into ring, ch 2* repeat 3 more times. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. (4 corner spaces, 12 dc total)
Round 2: Sl st across to first corner ch-2 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner space. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space* repeat around. Ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (4 corners with ch-2 spaces, 4 ch-1 spaces on sides, 24 dc total)
Round 3: Sl st to corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner space* repeat around. End with ch 1, 3 dc in last ch-1 space, ch 1, sl st to beginning ch-3. (4 corners, 8 side clusters, 36 dc total)
Round 4: Sl st to corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner. *Ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 space across side, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner* repeat around. Sl st to join. (4 corners, 12 side clusters, 48 dc total)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Block square to 5 inches.
White Granny Square (Make 10)
Follow the exact same instructions as the blue square, but use white yarn throughout all 4 rounds.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Block to 5 inches.
How to Crochet the Heart Appliqués
These sweet little hearts are simpler than they look. Do not be intimidated by the shape.
Blue Heart (Make 12)
Starting at the bottom point:
Using blue yarn, ch 2.
Row 1: Work 2 sc in second ch from hook. Turn. (2 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, 2 sc in second st. Turn. (4 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (8 sts)
Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (10 sts)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in first 5 sts. Turn, leaving remaining stitches unworked. You are now working on the first bump of the heart. (5 sts)
Row 7: Ch 1, skip first st, sc in next 3 sts, skip last st. Turn. (3 sts)
Row 8: Ch 1, skip first st, sc in next st, skip last st. (1 st)
Fasten off.
Second bump: Join yarn with sl st in 6th stitch of Row 5 (the first unworked stitch). Ch 1, sc in same st and remaining 4 sts. Turn. (5 sts)
Repeat Rows 7 and 8 to complete the second bump.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembling Your Baby Blanket
Now comes the satisfying part. Lay out your squares in a 4 by 5 grid, alternating colors in a checkered pattern. Play around with the arrangement until you are happy.
Joining Method
I recommend the single crochet join for durability and a clean look.
Hold two squares together with right sides facing. Using white yarn, insert hook through both corner spaces. Sl st to join yarn. Ch 1, then work sc through both layers across the edge, working into corresponding stitches on each square.
When you reach the corner, fasten off or continue to the next seam if you are working in rows.
Join all squares into strips first (4 squares each), then join the strips together to form the blanket.
Adding the Border
Round 1: Join blue yarn in any corner. Ch 1, work 3 sc in corner space. Sc evenly around the entire blanket, working 3 sc in each corner and approximately 3 sc per granny cluster along the sides. Sl st to join.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, working 3 sc in each corner stitch. Sl st to join.
Round 3: Ch 3, dc in each st around, working 3 dc in each corner. Sl st to join.
Round 4: Repeat Round 2.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Attaching the Heart Appliqués
Pin hearts onto your chosen white squares before sewing. The blanket shown has hearts scattered across multiple squares, some centered and some slightly offset. Arrange them until the placement feels balanced.
Using the long tail left on each heart, whip stitch around the edges to secure each heart to its square. Take small stitches and work slowly. Press gently with your fingers as you go to keep the heart flat.
Care Instructions
This blanket is designed for real life, which means it needs to be washable. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry. The acrylic yarn will hold up beautifully through countless washes.
Customization Ideas
Want to make this crochet pattern your own? Here are some ideas:
Change the color scheme to pink and white for a girl, yellow and grey for a gender neutral option, or rainbow hearts on a cream background for something bold.
Add more rounds to your granny squares for a larger blanket. Each additional round adds approximately one inch to each square.
Skip the hearts entirely for a classic checkered look, or double up on hearts for extra sweetness.
Use variegated yarn for the hearts to create a subtle ombre effect.
Final Thoughts on This Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern
Making handmade gifts for little ones never gets old. Every stitch carries intention, and the finished blanket becomes something the family will treasure for years. This Blue Heart Granny Square Baby Blanket crochet tutorial gives you all the tools you need to create something beautiful, even if this is your first big project.
The modular construction keeps things interesting, the hearts add personality, and the finished blanket is soft, warm, and perfectly sized for baby. You have got this.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next project. I truly appreciate you being here. If you make this blanket, I would absolutely love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group.
Save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it whenever you are ready to start stitching. And please leave a comment below if you give it a try. I read every single one, and your feedback means the world to me. Happy crocheting!