Looking for a beautiful 12-inch crochet blanket square with a little something different? Granny’s Framed Treasure combines the classic granny stitch with the traditional log cabin quilt design to create a gorgeous square that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Perfect for confident beginners, this free crochet square pattern uses aran-weight yarn, a 5mm hook and simple stitches. Whether you’re looking to crochet a granny square blanket or use up some of your yarn stash, this design is a lovely way to bring a little quilting inspiration into your crochet projects!

Meet Granny’s Framed Treasure

Sometimes two hobbies are just meant to come together!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll probably know that crochet isn’t my only crafty obsession. I’m also an enthusiastic quilter, and I do love it when I can find a way to bring my two favourite crafts together.

That’s exactly what I’ve done with Granny’s Framed Treasure!

This free 12-inch crochet blanket square takes inspiration from traditional log cabin quilt blocks and gives them a crochet makeover. And, of course, I had to sneak a little granny stitch in there somewhere!

Unlike traditional granny squares, which are usually worked in rounds from the centre outwards, this square is constructed in sections, working back and forth in rows. Each new section builds on the previous one, creating that lovely framed effect you see in log cabin quilts.

The result is a beautiful crochet blanket square with plenty of opportunities to play with colour, texture and all those leftover balls of yarn you’ve been saving for something special.

And here’s the really good news: you don’t need to be an expert crocheter to make it!

If you’re comfortable with the basic crochet stitches and can follow a pattern, this is a great project for you. I’ve also included measurements throughout the pattern, so even if your gauge doesn’t quite match mine, you can adjust your sections as you go and aim for a finished 12-inch square.

Granny’s Framed Treasure is my contribution to the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL 2026, hosted by MadameStitch. I’ll tell you more about that fabulous event a little further down.

The inspiration behind Granny’s Framed Treasure

I’ve always loved traditional log cabin quilts.

There’s something so satisfying about taking simple strips of fabric and arranging them around a central square to create a beautiful design. Depending on your colour choices and how you arrange the blocks, you can achieve some wonderfully different effects.

And that’s what got me thinking. Why couldn’t I do something similar with crochet?

Traditional log cabin quilt blocks are constructed by sewing strips of fabric around a central square. Each strip builds on the previous one, gradually creating a larger block.

I wanted to recreate that same effect using yarn and a crochet hook, while keeping the stitches simple enough for confident beginners to enjoy.

Of course, with this square being part of the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL, the granny stitch needed to make an appearance. Not that I needed much persuading! It’s one of those stitches that never seems to go out of fashion, and it’s brilliant for adding texture without making a project complicated.

By combining sections of granny stitch with simpler crochet stitches, I’ve created a square that celebrates both crafts.

I also wanted this design to be practical. We all have those leftover balls of yarn tucked away in our stash, waiting for the perfect project. This crochet granny square blanket design gives you a lovely opportunity to put them to good use.

You could make your square in a single colour for a subtle, textured finish, use a different colour for each section, or choose a limited palette to create something that looks like a traditional patchwork quilt.

In fact, I think a whole blanket made from Granny’s Framed Treasure squares would be absolutely gorgeous!

I’m already planning to make a few more and develop the design into a complete crochet blanket pattern. There are so many possibilities for arranging the squares and playing with colour that I suspect I’ll have trouble deciding which version to make first!

How is Granny’s Framed Treasure constructed?

One of the things that makes this 12-inch crochet blanket square a little different is its construction.

Instead of working continuously around a central point, as you would with a traditional granny square, you’ll build this design in separate sections, working flat and in rows.

Each section adds to the previous one, gradually creating the framed appearance of a log cabin quilt block.

And because we’re working in rows, you have plenty of control over the finished size.

Don’t worry if your gauge is different!

We’ve all been there. You follow the pattern, use the recommended yarn and hook, and somehow your gauge is completely different from the designer’s.

For this pattern, I’ve included measurements as we go along so that you can adjust your sections to achieve the correct dimensions.

Rather than worrying about matching my exact stitch and row counts, you can use the measurements to guide you towards a finished square measuring 12 inches.

Just remember that your tension can affect both the width and height of your stitches, so check your measurements regularly as you work.

This makes Granny’s Framed Treasure particularly useful if you’re crocheting a granny square blanket where all your squares need to be the same size for joining.

A brilliant stash-busting crochet project

Have you got a collection of leftover aran-weight yarn sitting in a basket somewhere?

I certainly have!

Because Granny’s Framed Treasure is worked in separate sections, you can change colours whenever you fancy. There is no need to purchase a whole collection of new yarns just to make this square.

Use what you already have, experiment with your colour combinations and see where your creativity takes you.

You could even make each square completely different while keeping one colour consistent throughout to tie the whole blanket together.

And if you fancy making something larger than 12 inches, the sectional construction also makes it relatively easy to experiment with extending the design. Simply continue building additional sections, following the same construction principles.

Is this crochet blanket square suitable for beginners?

Absolutely!

If you’ve mastered the basic crochet stitches and are ready to try something a little different, Granny’s Framed Treasure is a lovely next project.

Although the finished square looks quite detailed, the individual stitches are straightforward. The interest comes from the way the sections are constructed and arranged rather than from complicated stitch techniques.

You’ll get to practise working in rows, maintaining consistent tension, following measurements and, if you choose, changing colours.

It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills while making something beautiful and useful.

And don’t forget, you don’t have to make an entire blanket straight away. Start with one square, enjoy the process and decide what you’d like to do with it afterwards.

One square at a time is how some of the loveliest blankets begin!

Join the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL 2026

I’m delighted that Granny’s Framed Treasure is part of the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL 2026, hosted by MadameStitch!

This event brings together a wonderful collection of crochet designers, each contributing their own granny stitch-inspired blanket square. By the end of the event, you’ll have everything you need to create a beautiful sampler blanket featuring different stitches, textures and designs.

It’s a lovely opportunity to discover new designers, learn a few techniques and enjoy crocheting alongside other people who share your love of yarn.

And there are two ways to join in!

Option 1: Follow along for free

Each designer will feature their crochet blanket square pattern for free on their own blog as it becomes available throughout the event.

Simply visit the participating designers’ blog posts as their patterns are released and work your way through the squares at your own pace.

It’s a fantastic way to discover new crochet patterns without spending a penny.

You’ll just need to remember to check in regularly so you don’t miss any of the featured designs.

Option 2: Get the complete e-book and start crocheting today!

No waiting for daily releases

If you’re anything like me and find it difficult to resist starting a new project once you’ve seen all the gorgeous patterns, the complete e-book might be just what you’re looking for.

The Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL e-book includes all of the featured crochet square patterns, along with the joining and border instructions, for one amazing price.

That means you can:

• Access all the featured patterns immediately, without waiting for their scheduled release dates.
• Start with whichever squares catch your eye first.
• Work through the patterns in your own time without worrying about missing a daily release.
• Have all the patterns, joining instructions and border information together in one convenient place.

It’s a brilliant option if you know you want to make the entire blanket or simply prefer having all your patterns ready to go.

Whichever option you choose, I hope you’ll join us. I can’t wait to see everyone’s finished blankets!

More Granny Square and Granny Stitch Patterns You Might Enjoy

If Granny’s Framed Treasure has put you in the mood for even more granny stitch crochet, I have plenty of other patterns for you to explore! Whether you’d like another 12-inch granny square pattern for your next blanket or a completely different project using that familiar granny stitch, here are a few of my favourites.

If you’re planning to crochet a granny square blanket, these two 12-inch squares would work particularly well alongside Granny’s Framed Treasure:

Granny’s in the Frame – Another 12-inch granny square pattern that takes the traditional granny stitch and gives it a more modern, framed look. It’s a lovely option for mixing different designs together while keeping that classic granny square feel running throughout your blanket.

Granny’s Framed with Love – This 12-inch crochet square combines granny stitch with a little extra character and would look gorgeous mixed with Granny’s Framed Treasure. Use coordinating colours across the squares to create a cohesive sampler-style blanket, or raid your stash and make every square completely different!

More ways to enjoy the granny stitch

Of course, granny stitch doesn’t have to mean blankets! If you enjoy its easy rhythm and fabulous colour possibilities, you might also like:

Granny’s Cowl – A cosy wearable that puts the granny stitch to work in a completely different way. It’s a great project when you fancy something quicker than a blanket but still want plenty of relaxing granny stitches.

Granny Stitch Christmas Ornaments – Small, festive and perfect for using those little scraps of yarn that are definitely far too useful to throw away. These are fun additions to your own tree and also make lovely little gifts.

Modified Granny Cup Cozy – A practical little project featuring a variation on the traditional granny stitch. It’s quick to crochet, brilliant for scraps and makes a handy small gift too.

Granny’s Not Biased Scarf – If you love granny stitch but fancy playing with its construction, this scarf is another fun option. It uses the granny stitch in a different way to create an interesting design while keeping the actual crochet nice and approachable.

So, if Granny’s Framed Treasure leaves you wanting to experiment a little more, you don’t have to put those granny stitches away just yet! From 12-inch crochet granny squares to accessories, gifts and home décor, there are plenty of ways to take this wonderfully simple stitch and make it feel completely different.

Everything you need to crochet Granny’s Framed Treasure

Ready to get your hook out?

Before we dive into the free crochet square pattern, let’s look at everything you’ll need to make your own Granny’s Framed Treasure.

Pattern Specifics

Materials needed

The amount of yarn required will depend on your tension and the number of colours you decide to use.

If you’re making this square as part of the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL, you may prefer to use the same yarn and colour palette throughout your blanket.

Alternatively, if you’re making Granny’s Framed Treasure as a standalone project, this is the perfect opportunity to raid your stash.

Gauge

Because the square is constructed in sections, I’ve included measurements throughout the pattern to help you adjust your work as you go.

Your finished square should measure 12″ × 12″ (30.5 × 30.5 cm).

If your tension is slightly different from mine, use the measurements provided in the pattern to adjust your sections.

Gauge is not essential for this project – I give you the stitch multiple you need when setting up your foundation row for each section.

However, for my version my gauge was 4 sts wide per inch wide. Abbreviations used

Abbreviations Used:

Special stitches

There are no special stitches in this pattern.

Pattern notes

• Written in US Terms
•  Suitable for beginner crocheters as it only uses the basic stitches.
• CH1 stitches at the beginning of each row do not count as a st unless otherwise stated.
• Ch2 and ch3 sts do count as a st unless otherwise stated.
• Figure photos are at the end of the pattern.
• Changing colours – You can use as many colours as you prefer (up to 10) and change colours for each section, or make the granny square in one solid colour. I choose to use 3 colours and have noted the pattern with which colour I used for each block. If you are not changing colours then you can double check your hook is in the correct place with the right side facing you for the next section as per the figure photos at the end of the pattern, ch1 before you start row 1 of the next section.
• Odd numbered rows are right side.
• Please read the pattern and ensure you are comfortable with it before starting your project.
• This square is worked in flat sections, each adding onto one side of your project so there are no corner stitches (other than the final round for the border) and you can change colour at the start of each new section.
•  There are 9 sections in total plus the border.
• Do not work your slip stitches too tightly – you will need to work into them on the next row!
• Your tape measure will be your friend! To get a 12” square you will need to measure each part as you work it .
• Your square sections are worked as follows:
   
  

Free Granny’s Framed Treasure crochet square pattern:

And now for the part you’ve been waiting for!

Grab your yarn, find your favourite crochet hook and make yourself comfortable. It’s time to create your own Granny’s Framed Treasure.

Whether you’re making this square for the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL, experimenting with a new crochet technique or starting your very own crochet granny square blanket, I hope you enjoy every stitch.

This is a free pattern on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!

Part 1: For this section we will be working a 4” granny square made in rows.

In colour A:

Row 1: Ch 16, 3dc in 5^th ch from hook (ch 4 counts as a dc, ch1), * sk 2 ch’s, 3dc in next chain. * Rep from * to * until you have 2 chs remaining, sk1, dc in last ch.

Row 2: Turn CH3 (counts as a st) 2DC between the last 2 sts on the previous row, *sk the next 3 dc, 3dc in the space between the last of the 3 sk’d dc and the next set of 3dc (also referred to below as the space between the two sets of 3dc). Rep from * across until you have 3 dc and turning ch left, 2dc between last dc and turning ch, dc in top of turning ch.

Note: due to the nature of working granny stitch in rows you do get an extra st on this row. We will reduce by 1 st in the next row.

Row 3:  Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc), sk next 3dc from the row below, *3dc in the space between the 2 sets of 3dc from the row below *. Rep from * to * across until you have 2 dc and turning ch left, dc in the top of the third turning ch.

Rows 4 on: Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your work is 4” tall. See fig photo 1.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 2: The Up and Down stitch.

In colour B: Attach yarn to top right hand corner (top left if you are left handed)

Row 1: Sc 16 sts evenly along the top of part 1 (or any even number of stitches)

Row 2: Turn, ch1 (does not count as a st), sc in first st, *dc in next st, sc in next st* across until you have 1 st remaining. Dc in last st.

Rows 3 on: Rep row 2 until your section is 2” tall. 

Note: you will be working a sc into the dc from the previous row and a dc into the single crochet from the previous row).

See Fig photo 2.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 3: The Floret stitch.

In colour C: Attach yarn to top left hand corner (bottom left if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 21 sts evenly along the side of your square. (Or any odd number of stitches)

Row 2: Turn, ch1 (counts as a slip st), *dc in next st, slip st in next st* across.

Row 3: Turn, ch1 (does not count as a st), dc in next st and each st across. 

Rows 4 on: Rep rows 2 and 3 until your section is 2” tall. 

Note: I found that my work was almost 2” tall after working a row 2 so I then worked a row 3 but instead of using dc I used sc so that I did not exceed the height needed for this section.

See Fig photo 3.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 4: The Up and Down stitch.

In colour B: Attach yarn to bottom left hand corner (bottom right if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 24 sts evenly along the side of your square (or any even number of stitches)

Row 2: Turn, ch1 (does not count as a st), sc in first st, *dc in next st, sc in next st* across until you have 1 st remaining. Dc in last st..

Rows 3 on: Rep row 2 until your section is 2” tall. 

Note: you will be working a sc into the dc from the previous row and a dc into the single crochet from the previous row).

See Fig photo 4.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 5: The Floret stitch.

In colour C: Attach yarn to bottom right hand corner (top right if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 33 sts evenly along the side of your square. (Or any odd number of stitches)

Row 2: Turn, ch1 (counts as a slip st), *dc in next st, slip st in next st* across.

Row 3: Turn, ch1 (does not count as a st), dc in next st and each st across. 

Rows 4 on: Rep rows 2 and 3 until your section is 2” tall. 

Note: I found that my work was almost 2” tall after working a row 2 for the third time, so I then worked a row 3 but instead of using dc I used sc so that I did not exceed the height needed for this section.

See Fig photo 5.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Note: For Sections 6-9 I used the same colour yarn and the same granny stitch combination. I found that with the height of my stitches I only needed 4 rows of granny stitch so I did not need to cut and rejoin the yan as my hook was on the correct side to turn.

Part 6: Granny stitch made in rows.

In colour A: Attach yarn to top right hand side (top left if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 32 evenly along this side. (Or any multiple of 3 +2)

Row 2: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc st), sk1 st, 3dc in next st *sk2 sts, 3dc in next st* Rep from * to * until you have 2 sts left, sk1, dc in last st.

Row 3: Turn ch3 (counts as a st) 2dc between the last 2 sts on the previous row, *sk the next 3 dc, 3dc in the space between the 2 sets of 3dc from the row below. Rep from * across until you have 3 dc and turning ch left, 2dc between last dc and turning ch, dc in top of turning ch.

Note: due to the nature of working granny stitch in rows you do get an extra st on this row. We will reduce by 1 st in the next row.

Row 4: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc), sk next 3dc from the row below, *3dc in the space between the 2 sets of 3dc from the row below *. Rep from * to * across until you have 2 dc and turning ch left, dc in the top of the third turning ch.

Rows 5 on: Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your work is 1.75” tall. See fig photo 6.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 7: Granny stitch made in rows.

In colour A: Attach yarn to top left hand side (bottom left if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 38 evenly along this side. (Or any multiple of 3 +2)

Row 2: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc st), sk1 st, 3dc in next st *sk2 sts, 3dc in next st* Rep from * to * until you have 2 sts left, sk1, dc in last st.

Row 3: Turn CH3 (counts as a st) 2dc between the last 2 sts on the previous row, *sk the next 3 dc, 3dc between the last of the 3 sk’d dc and the next dc. Rep from * across until you have 3 dc and turning ch left, 2dc between last dc and turning ch, dc in top of turning ch.

Note: due to the nature of working granny stitch in rows you do get an extra st on this row. We will reduce by 1 st in the next row.

Row 4: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc), sk next 3dc from the row below, *3dc in the space between the 2 sets of 3dc from the row below *. Rep from * to * across until you have 2 dc and turning ch left, dc in the top of the third turning ch.

Rows 5 on: Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your work is 1.75” tall. See fig photo 7.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 8: Granny stitch made in rows.

In colour A: Attach yarn to bottom left hand side (bottom right if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 35 evenly along this side. (Or any multiple of 3 +2).

Row 2: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc st), sk1 st, 3dc in next st *sk2 sts, 3dc in next st* Rep from * to * until you have 2 sts left, sk1, dc in last st.

Row 3: Turn CH3 (counts as a st) 2DC between the last 2 sts on the previous row, *sk the next 3 dc, 3dc between the last of the 3 sk’d dc and the next dc. Rep from * across until you have 3 dc and turning ch left, 2dc between last dc and turning ch, dc in top of turning ch.

Row 4: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc), sk next 3dc from the row below, *3dc in the space between the 2 sets of 3dc from the row below *. Rep from * to * across until you have 2 dc and turning ch left, dc in the top of the third turning ch.

Rows 5 on: Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your work is 1.75” tall. See fig photo 8.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Part 9: Granny stitch made in rows.

In colour A: Attach yarn to bottom right hand side (top right if you are left handed).

Row 1: Sc 41 evenly along this side. (Or any multiple of 3 +2).

Row 2: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc st), sk1 st, 3dc in next st *sk2 sts, 3dc in next st* Rep from * to * until you have 2 sts left, sk1, dc in last st.

Row 3: Turn CH3 (counts as a st) 2DC between the last 2 sts on the previous row, *sk the next 3 dc, 3dc between the last of the 3 sk’d dc and the next dc. Rep from * across until you have 3 dc and turning ch left, 2dc between last dc and turning ch, dc in top of turning ch.

Row 4: Turn, ch3 (counts as a dc), sk next 3dc from the row below, *3dc in the space between the 2 sets of 3dc from the row below *. Rep from * to * across until you have 2 dc and turning ch left, dc in the top of the third turning ch.

Rows 5 on: Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your work is 1.75” tall. See fig photo 9.

If you are changing colour here FO and weave in ends.

Border:

To complete the blanket square you will work one round of sc:

1.    Ch 1, sc 41 sts evenly down the side of your square.

2.    In the corner work (1sc, ch2, 1sc). 

3.    Working along the next side sc 41 sts evenly along.

4.    Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have worked all 4 sides and all 4 corners.

Figure Photos:

Fig 1. What it looks like at the end of section 1.

Fig 2. The end of Section 2:

Fig 3. The end of section 3:

Fig 4. The end of section 4:

Fig 5. The end of section 5:

Fig 6. The end of section 6:

Fig 7. The end of section 7:

Fig 8. The end of section 8:

Fig 9. The end of section 9:

Make a whole blanket with Granny’s Framed Treasure

Although I designed Granny’s Framed Treasure as a 12-inch crochet square for the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL, I think it would make a gorgeous blanket in its own right.

Imagine several of these squares joined together, with the framed sections creating a beautiful patchwork effect across the blanket.

You could make every square identical for a coordinated look, alternate between two or three different colour combinations or use up your stash to create a colourful scrappy blanket.

And because the design is inspired by traditional log cabin quilts, there are plenty of opportunities to experiment with how you arrange the squares.

I’m planning to make a few more myself and develop the design into a complete crochet blanket pattern, so watch this space!

I’d love to see your Granny’s Framed Treasure squares!

I hope you’ve enjoyed making this free crochet blanket square and that it’s inspired you to experiment with colour, texture and perhaps even a little quilting-inspired crochet of your own.

Whether you’re taking part in the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL or making a collection of Granny’s Framed Treasure squares for your own blanket, I’d absolutely love to see what you create.

Come and share your finished squares with me on Facebook  or Instagram . Tag Sunflower Cottage Crochet so I can see your beautiful makes and cheer you on!

And remember, there’s no rush. Enjoy the process, use the yarn you love and have fun creating something that’s uniquely yours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this square to crochet a granny square blanket?

Absolutely! Granny’s Framed Treasure was designed as a 12-inch crochet blanket square, so it’s ideal for joining with other squares to make a blanket. You can use it alongside other designs or repeat this square throughout your entire project.

Do I need to match your gauge exactly?

No. I’ve included measurements throughout the pattern to help you adjust your sections as you go. This makes it easier to achieve a finished 12-inch square even if your tension differs from mine.

Can I use different colours for each section?

Yes! In fact, I’d encourage you to experiment. The log cabin-inspired construction lends itself beautifully to colour changes, making this a fantastic project for using up leftover yarn.

Is this crochet square suitable for beginners?

Yes. If you already understand the basic crochet stitches and are comfortable working in rows, this is a lovely project for developing your skills. The construction is a little different from a traditional granny square, but the stitches themselves are straightforward.

Can I make my square larger than 12 inches?

Yes. The sectional construction makes it possible to adapt the design by adding or extending sections. However, if you’re making the square for the Granny Stitch Sampler Blanket CAL, you’ll want to stick to the specified 12-inch finished size so it fits with the other squares.

Do I need to purchase the CAL e-book to make this square?

Not at all! Granny’s Framed Treasure is available as a free pattern right here on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog. The complete CAL e-book is an optional purchase for anyone who would prefer immediate access to all the featured squares, along with the joining and border instructions.