I wanted a baby blanket about 30” inches wide x 36” inches long. Obviously my calculations were off. The length is right, but it turned out wider than I wanted. I think the width would be correct if the strips were 6 dc groups per row instead of 8. Also, I used an H hook, but if you are an average to tight crocheter, you might want to go up a hook size for similar measurements. I tend to crochet on the loose side.

That being said, the blanket is made of strips using a diagonal granny stripe pattern. For details of how to make diagonal granny stripes see link above to “Diagonal Granny Stripe Infinity Scarf.”

I made each section of the strip 8 dc groups across by 8 rows except the beginning and ending (in white) The beginning starts with one dc group and increases on both ends of the row until you have 8 dc groups. The ending starts with 8 dc groups and decreases on both ends of the row until you have one dc group. The other sections are increasing on one end and decreasing on the other, creating the diagonal. The 1st, 3rd and 5th strips I increased on the left side and decreased on the right side. The 2nd, 4th, and 6th strips, I increased on the right side and decreased on the left side. (You could do them all the same, and just flip over every other one to the other side.)

I joined the strips by joining the white yarn in the corner of one strip slip stitch ch 2, slip stitch in the corner of other strip, ch 2, slip stitch in next space of first strip, ch 2, slip stitch in next space of second strip, etc. Forms a zig zag join. Be sure you are placing hook through the top of the spaces before slip stitching. This will be awkward on one side as you have to twist the stitch a little to place the hook through the top. I will add a close-up pic the join.

For the border:
Round 1, 2 dc in each space around, chain 3 in each corner
Rounds 2 and 3: one sc in each stitch around, sc ch 2 sc in each corner.

I used leftover yarn from my stash. Most of it was ILTY from Hobby Lobby, Vanna’s Choice, and Caron One Pound Baby.