Year of Color 2026 — Month 1 of 12
Welcome to Year of Color!
We’re kicking off with a classic granny square in our Winter Whites palette – but with a twist on the final round. Working with three subtle neutrals teaches you to see the quiet drama in low-contrast color combinations.
Materials
- Yarn: Cascade Heritage Fingering in Snow (A), Macadamia (B), and Grey Frost (C)
- Hook: E/4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Gauge: 24 sts and 20 rows = 4″
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors
- Finished size: 8″ × 8″ blocked
Abbreviations
ch chain • sc single crochet • hdc half double crochet • dc double crochet • sl st slip stitch • sp space
Pattern
Color sequence: Change colors every round in this order: Snow (A), Macadamia (B), Grey Frost (C). Repeat throughout.
Foundation: With A (Snow), make a magic ring.
Rnd 1 (A): Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc 2 in ring, ch 3, *dc 3 in ring, ch 3; rep from * 2 more times. Sl st to top of ch-2 to join. Fasten off. (4 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch-3 corner spaces)
Rnd 2 (B): Join B (Macadamia) in any ch-3 sp. Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc 2 in same sp, ch 3, dc 3 in same sp, *ch 3, (dc 3, ch 3, dc 3) in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, ch 3. Sl st to top of ch-2 to join. Fasten off.
Rnd 3 (C): Join C (Grey Frost) in any corner ch-3 sp. Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc 2 in same sp, ch 3, dc 3 in same sp, *ch 3, dc 3 in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, (dc 3, ch 3, dc 3) in corner sp; rep from * around, ending with ch 3, dc 3 in last side sp, ch 3. Sl st to top of ch-2 to join. Fasten off.
Rnds 4-9: Continue in pattern, changing colors each round (A, B, C, A, B, C…). Work (dc 3, ch 3, dc 3), ch 3 at each corner sp, then (dc 3, ch 3) in each ch-3 sp along the sides. Sl st to top of ch-2 to join. Fasten off.
Rnd 10 – Final Round: Join next color in sequence in any corner sp, ch 1 (does not count as stitch). *(Sc 3, ch 3, sc 3) in corner sp, ch 3, hdc 3 in next sp, ch 3, [dc 3 in next sp, ch 3] across to last sp before corner, hdc 3 in last sp, ch 3; rep from * around. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Finishing: Weave in ends.
In The Loop
Since we’re working 4 sts on each side at the corners, we have pointy corners that stick out. This happens because the tall double crochet stitches create too much height right up to the corner.
By graduating your stitch heights on the final round – using hdc in the clusters next to the corners, and sc in the corners themselves – you reduce the height where the fabric needs to turn. The result? Corners that sit flat and square instead of poking out.
Think of it like easing into a turn: dc (tall) → hdc (medium) → sc (short) at the corner → hdc → dc. This is the kind of small structural decision that elevates your work from “I followed a pattern” to “I understand why the pattern works.”
About Year of Color
This square is part of Year of Color 2026. It’s a free year-long program that combines fiber arts education with color theory. Each month features a new color palette, technique focus, and both a crochet and knit pattern. By December, you’ll have 12 squares that combine into a finished blanket documenting your year of color exploration.
MORE ABOUT YEAR OF COLOR
What you get each month:
- Free crochet blanket square pattern (8″ × 8″)
- Free knitted blanket square pattern (8″ × 8″)
- Color inspiration articles exploring the month’s palette
- Technical tips and tutorials
- Cultural and historical color spotlights
- Community engagement opportunities
2026 Color Themes:
January: Winter Whites & Creams • February: Soft Pastels • March: Jewel Tones • April: Spring Brights • May: Shades of Blue • June: Orange & Blue • July: Sunset Colors • August: Warm Neutrals • September: Dark & Moody • October: Triadic Colors • November: Rich Harvest • December: Winter Sky
Cascade Yarns is partnering on the project to help make quality color education accessible to fiber artists at every skill level. You can join at any time and work at your own pace — the patterns aren’t going anywhere!
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