College dorms, on moving-in day, can look downright bare and drab. Fortunately it never takes long to give them a lived-in look, and one of the best ways is with some cosy handmades from home. Take, for example, this granny-square afghan. Versatile and contemporary in black and brights, it gets top marks for adding warmth to any room. Because the afghan is crocheted one square at a time, it's a great project to keep close at hand for spare moments, and you'll be amazed at how little time it takes to get from square one to the finished project.
Follow these easy instructions to crochet the afghan as shown or in college colours.

To find yarn for this afghan, visit Bernat and Patons.

Finished afghan measures approx 122 x 147 cm (48 x 58 ins) not including fringe.

Abbreviations:
beg = begin(ning)
CC = contrasting colour
ch = chain
cm = centimetre(s)
dc = double crochet
g = gram(s)
in(s) = inch(es)
mm = millimetre(s
MC = main colour
rep = repeats
rnd(s) = round(s)
sc = single crochet
sl = slip
sl st = slipstitches
sp(s) = space(s)

You need:
Softee knitting worsted weight yarn by Spinrite (85 g balls) as follows:
6 balls MC, Black
1 ball A, Scarlet
1 ball B, Brisk Green
1 ball C, Royal
1 ball D, Electric Green
1 ball E, Periwinkle
1 ball F, Geranium
1 ball G, Peacock
6.50 mm crochet hook OR whichever size hook you require to produce the tension given below
Tapestry needle

Tension:
One granny square measures 15 cm (6 ins). Work to the exact tension with the specified yarn to obtain satisfactory results.

TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK TENSION.

To make:
Note: The base round, Rnd 1 and Rnd 2 are made with different combinations of colours A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Rnd 3 of all squares should be worked in MC.

Granny square (make 72):
With CC 1, ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.

Base rnd: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), [3 dc into ring, ch 2] 3 times, 2 dc into ring, sl st into 3rd ch of ch 5. Break CC 1 and fasten off.

Rnd 1: With CC 2, sl st into next ch, ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), 3 dc into same sp, * ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into next sp, rep from * twice more, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 2 dc into same sp as ch 5 at beg of rnd, sl st into 3rd ch of ch 5. Break CC 2 and fasten off.

Rnd 2: With CC 3, sl st into next ch, ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), 3 dc into same sp, * ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into next sp, rep from * twice more, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 2 dc into same sp as ch 5 at beg of rnd, sl st into 3rd ch of ch 5. Break CC 3 and fasten off.

Rnd 3: With MC, sl st into next ch, ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), 3 dc into same sp, * [ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp] twice, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into next sp, rep from * twice more, [ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp] twice, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 2 dc into same sp as ch 5 at beg of rnd, sl st into 3rd ch of ch 5. Fasten off.

Half square (make 12):
With CC 1, ch 5.

Base row: [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] into 5th ch from hook. Fasten off CC 1. Do not turn.

Row 1: With CC 2, sl st into 4th ch of ch 5 at beg of last row, ch 4, 3 dc into same sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into next sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] into last sp. Fasten off CC 2. Do not turn.

Row 2: With CC 3, sl st into 4th ch of ch 4 at beg of last row, ch 4, 3 dc into same sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into next sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] into 1st sp. Fasten off CC 3. Do not turn.

Row 3: With MC, sl st into 4th ch of ch 4 at beg of last row, ch 4, 3 dc into same sp, [ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp] twice, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] into next sp, [ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc into next sp] twice, ch 1, skip 3 dc, [3 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] into last sp. Fasten off.

To finish:
Working through back loops only, sew granny squares and half squares together as shown in diagram. (Click here to view the diagram.)

With MC, work 1 rnd sc evenly around entire outer edge of afghan, working 3 sc in corners. Sl st in first st. Fasten off.

Attach tassel fringe to points at both ends of afghan as follows: For each tassel, cut 12, 30 cm (12-ins) lengths of MC. Fold in half. Insert hook from wrong side of afghan through point of square and through looped yarn. Pull yarn ends through and tighten. Trim fringe to desired length.

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