Granny Stripes Afghan in Caron Simply Soft, Simply Soft Collection & Simply Soft Brites - Downloadable PDF

Granny Stripes Afghan in Caron Simply Soft – Crochet Pattern by Edie Eckman

The Granny Stripes Afghan is a classic crochet blanket pattern designed by Edie Eckman and published as part of the Caron Simply Soft Collection. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a generously sized throw measuring approximately 46 inches wide by 56 inches long (117 cm × 142 cm) — large enough to serve as a full lap blanket or a cozy bed accent. The design draws its name and inspiration from the beloved granny-stripe aesthetic, a timeless crochet tradition characterized by repeating clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces, worked in rotating stripes of color. The result is a bold, graphic, and cheerful textile that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for newer crocheters who have mastered the basic chain stitch, double crochet, and slip stitch, and who are ready to tackle a larger project. The stitch repeat is straightforward and rhythmic, so it becomes easy to memorize after just a few rows. More experienced crocheters will also appreciate this pattern as a satisfying, meditative project that works up quickly with worsted and aran weight yarn.

Materials Used

• Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in multiple colorways — the pattern calls for up to seven colors labeled A through G. Specifically named colors include Black (9727), Berry Blue (9609), Pagoda (0014), Blackberry (0005), and Passion (0012). Each skein of Caron Simply Soft weighs 170 g (6 oz) and contains 288 m (315 yards). Color A (Black) and color F each require 2 skeins, while the remaining colors each require 1 skein.
• Hook: A crochet hook appropriate for worsted/aran weight yarn is used (specific size referenced in the original materials list).
• Gauge: In pattern stitch, four 3-dc groups and 9 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this project, giving crocheters flexibility in hook size without affecting the overall success of the finished piece.

Techniques and Construction

The afghan is worked flat, back and forth in rows, beginning with a foundation chain of 183 chains. The construction is straightforward from start to finish — there are no rounds, no seaming, and no complex shaping. The body of the blanket is built entirely on a two-row repeat, making it easy to establish a working rhythm.

A defining feature of the pattern is its color striping sequence: colors are changed every two rows, cycling through the designated color sequence until the piece reaches the full length of approximately 56 inches. The color-change technique used is a clean, professional method — the last stitch of the outgoing color is worked to the final yarn over, at which point the new color is drawn through all loops on the hook to complete the stitch. The old color is then fastened off, keeping color transitions neat and tidy on both sides of the fabric.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) — used for the foundation chain and for the chain-1 spaces between double crochet clusters throughout the pattern
• Double crochet (dc) — the primary stitch of the pattern, worked in groups of three to form the signature granny-stripe clusters
• Slip stitch (sl st) — referenced in the abbreviations for finishing and joining purposes
• Single crochet (sc) — referenced in the abbreviations list
• Reverse single crochet (reverse sc) — also known as the crab stitch, listed in the abbreviations and typically used for a decorative, corded edging finish

The Granny Stripe Stitch Pattern Explained

The granny stripe stitch is a variation of the classic granny square construction adapted for flat, linear rows. Instead of working in the round to form squares, the