Giant Continuous Granny Square Blanket: Free Easy Pattern

Soft yarn winding around your fingers creates a heavy, warm fabric that feels like a constant hug on a cold evening. This massive project grows from a single center point, making it a meditative process that stays interesting because you watch it expand round by round. Beginners appreciate the rhythmic repetition of the classic stitch pattern, while experienced makers enjoy how quickly this blanket takes shape without needing to join dozens of smaller squares together. You will master the simple three-double-crochet cluster technique that gives this piece its classic look, structure, and familiar, comfortable texture throughout the entire project.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster pattern uses simple single crochet stitches and a tight tension to create a durable, heat-resistant surface for your mugs. It is a quick project that takes less than thirty minutes to complete, making it ideal for utilizing leftover yarn ends from larger projects. The circular construction is intuitive to follow, providing a perfect introduction to working in continuous rounds for those new to amigurumi or 3D shaping. Because the finished item is small and functional, you can easily produce a full set of four to six coasters in a single afternoon, offering a practical way to protect your furniture while adding a personal touch to your home decor.

I finished my first set of these in under two hours. The pattern is very easy to read and the stitches are tight enough that my coffee mug doesn’t wobble at all.

— Sarah, casual crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 20-30 minutes per coaster
• Construction: Worked in continuous rounds from the center outward, utilizing increases to maintain a flat circle.
• Finished Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. Cotton is recommended for heat resistance and absorbency. You will need approximately 15-20 yards per coaster.
• Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US 7) hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, one stitch marker to keep track of the start of rounds.
• Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn is suitable for decorative coasters but will not absorb spills as well as cotton and may melt if exposed to extremely high heat. Changing to a heavier weight yarn with a larger hook will increase the finished diameter of the coaster.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring. A method of starting a project by working stitches into a movable loop.
• st(s): Stitch(es).
• ch: Chain.
• sc: Single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.
• inc: Increase. Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch to add a stitch to the round.
• sl st: Slip stitch. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Coaster Body

1. Rnd 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the center hole. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round and move it up as you progress. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: 1 sc in next st, inc in next st. Repeat from * to * 6 times. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: 1 sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st. Repeat from * to * 6 times. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5: 1 sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st. Repeat from * to * 6 times. (30 sts)
6. Rnd 6: 1 sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st. Repeat from * to * 6 times. (36 sts)

Finishing

After completing Rnd 6, do not chain. Work a slip stitch into the next stitch to create a smooth transition for the edge. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the final loop on your hook. Use your tapestry needle to weave the tail through the back loops of the final round to secure it, then trim any excess yarn. Repeat these steps for as many coasters as you desire.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent to prevent shrinking or distortion.
• Lay the coasters flat on a clean towel to air dry, ensuring they are shaped into a perfect circle while damp.
• Avoid using fabric softener, as it can reduce the absorbency of the cotton fibers.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain a firm, consistent tension throughout your work to ensure the coaster remains flat. If the circle starts to cup, your tension is too tight; if it ruffles, your tension is too loose or you are adding too many increases. Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to avoid losing your place, which is a common mistake when working in continuous rounds. You can adjust the size of the coaster by adding more increase rounds, such as 1 sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st for Rnd 7, though this will require more yarn for each piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use variegated yarn for these coasters?

Yes, variegated yarn works beautifully for this pattern and adds visual interest without needing to change colors. Keep in mind that color pooling may occur since the stitch count per round increases as you move outward.

Why does my coaster look wavy instead of flat?

A wavy edge indicates that there are too many stitches in your round. Ensure you are following the increase math correctly and verify that you are not accidentally adding extra stitches at the beginning or end of your rounds.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

This is an excellent project for beginners because it uses only basic single crochet stitches and reinforces the concept of circular growth. If you are struggling with the magic ring, you can start with a chain of 4 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.

Can I sell the coasters I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this design, provided you credit the pattern origin. Please do not redistribute or sell the written pattern document itself.

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A cozy oversized throw draped across your sofa brings warmth and texture to any room in your home. You can switch to a chunky wool blend for extra weight or use variegated yarn to create shifting color stripes without changing skeins. Please share a photo of your finished blanket on social media so others can see your color choices in action. If you enjoyed this project, you will find more free patterns and seasonal craft ideas waiting for you on the main blog page.