Granny's Tiles Blanket

Granny's Tiles Blanket by Beth Graham

Project Overview

Granny's Tiles Blanket is a crochet afghan designed by Beth Graham, inspired by the black and lavender tiles of the designer's grandmother's vintage bathtub. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a versatile blanket that measures approximately 36 inches square when completed as written. The design celebrates personal memory and heritage through color selection, making it an ideal project for crafters looking to create meaningful heirloom pieces.

Design and Customization

The blanket features a simple, adaptable construction that encourages creative personalization. Crafters can easily customize the project by selecting any number of colors from their yarn stash, adjusting the finished size, or working with different yarn weights. This flexibility makes Granny's Tiles Blanket an excellent choice for using leftover yarn from previous projects while creating new memories and adding sentimental value to the finished piece.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This project employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The blanket is constructed using tilted granny squares, a classic crochet motif that forms the foundation of the design. Each completed square measures 7 inches when blocked.

The pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches:

• Chain stitch (ch) – the foundation stitch for beginning rows and creating openwork sections
• Single crochet (sc) – a fundamental stitch providing structure and density
• Half double crochet (hdc) – a medium-height stitch creating balanced fabric drape

The construction method involves working individual granny squares that are later joined together to form the complete blanket. Locking stitch markers assist in tracking pattern repeats and maintaining consistent stitch placement throughout the project.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern is written for Cascade 220 Superwash Sport, a premium yarn composed of 100% superwash merino wool. This fiber choice provides durability, softness, and easy care characteristics ideal for blankets and throws. The sport-weight yarn offers versatility for various crochet hook sizes and fabric densities.

The original colorway uses three coordinating shades:

• 871 White (A) – 9 skeins (primary color)
• 815 Black (B) – 3 skeins (accent color)
• 1986 Purple Hyacinth (C) – 1 skein (accent color)

Each skein contains 50 grams (1.75 ounces) and yields 125 meters (136 yards) of yarn. The total yardage for the project as written is approximately 1,575 yards.

Tools and Notions

The pattern requires a 7/4.5 mm crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional supplies include locking stitch markers for tracking stitches and pattern placement, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and joining squares.

Gauge and Project Flexibility

The pattern specifies that one tilted granny square should measure 7 inches when blocked. However, the pattern notes that gauge is not critical for the success of this project, making it accessible to crafters of varying experience levels and those who may not achieve exact gauge measurements. This flexibility allows for creative interpretation while maintaining the intended design aesthetic.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Granny's Tiles Blanket is rated as an intermediate-level crochet project, suitable for crafters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and pattern reading. The straightforward construction using simple stitches and the non-critical gauge requirements make this an approachable project for those building intermediate skills while creating a substantial, satisfying finished piece.