Free crochet tool
Granny Square Blanket Layout Planner
A granny square layout planner works out how many squares a blanket needs and arranges colours so no two matching squares touch. Enter the target size, square size, join width and border, and it returns squares across, squares down, the finished size and a colour map you can follow while joining.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
Layout
- Colour 1: 22 squares
- Colour 2: 17 squares
- Colour 3: 22 squares
- Colour 4: 19 squares
How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?
Subtract the border from each side of the target size, then divide by the square size plus the width a join adds. Round to whole squares and multiply squares across by squares down.
For example, a 50 × 60 inch throw made of 6-inch squares with no border needs 8 across and 10 down, or 80 squares.
How are colours arranged?
Each square is checked against its left and upper neighbour, and a different colour is chosen at random from the rest. With two colours the planner uses a checkerboard. Shuffle to try another arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
How much does joining add?
Whip-stitch and slip-stitch seams add almost nothing. A join-as-you-go round or single crochet seam adds roughly 0.25–0.5 inch per join.
Should I block squares before joining?
Yes. Blocking to the same size makes squares line up and gives an accurate finished size.
Can I plan rectangles or hexagons?
The planner assumes square motifs; for hexagons offset every other row.