How to Crochet the Sunburst Granny Square
The Sunburst Granny Square is a vibrant and eye-catching crochet motif that features a beautiful star-like center surrounded by colorful petals. It’s a fun project for crocheters who want to experiment with color and texture, and it makes a great addition to any blanket, pillow, or accessory. This square is worked in rounds and is perfect for using up scrap yarn or making a statement piece with contrasting hues.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to crochet a Sunburst Granny Square:
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: You’ll need a few colors of yarn. Typically, worsted weight yarn (Category 4) works well for this project.
- For the sunburst center, use a bright color (e.g., yellow or orange).
- For the surrounding petals and the final border, choose complementary colors.
- Crochet Hook: A 5mm (H-8) hook works well for worsted weight yarn, but check your yarn label for the recommended hook size.
- Tapestry Needle: To weave in the ends once you’ve finished the square.
- Scissors: For trimming yarn.
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- sp = space
- dc2tog = double crochet 2 together (a decrease stitch)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Start the Magic Ring
- Magic Ring: Start by creating a magic ring (adjustable ring) with your first color. If you’re unfamiliar with the magic ring, you can start by chaining 4 and joining to the first chain to form a ring, but the magic ring creates a tighter center.
- Round 1 – Sunburst Center:
- Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 11 more double crochets (dc) into the ring, making a total of 12 double crochets in the magic ring.
- Join the round by slip stitching into the top of the initial chain-3.
You should have 12 dc stitches in the first round.
Step 2: Work the Petals
- Round 2 – Start the Petals:
- Join the next color yarn into any space between the double crochets of Round 1.
- Chain 3 (counts as the first dc).
- In the same space, work 1 more dc.
- Chain 3 to form the top of the petal.
- Work 2 more dc in the same space.
This creates one petal.
- Repeat: Continue working 1 petal in each of the spaces between the double crochet stitches from Round 1. You should have 12 petals at the end of this round.
- Join the round with a slip stitch to the top of the first petal.
Step 3: Add a Second Round of Petals
- Round 3 – Adding More Petals:
- For the second round of petals, change to your next color and join in any space between the petals from Round 2.
- Chain 4 (this counts as the first dc and chain 1).
- Work 1 dc in the same space.
- Chain 1, then work 2 dc in the same space to complete the petal.
- Repeat this process in each space between the petals, making sure to chain 1 between each dc pair for the corners.
- Join the round with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain-4.
Step 4: Final Round and Border
- Round 4 – Add the Border:
- Change to your final border color (optional) and join the yarn to any space between the petals of Round 3.
- Chain 1 (this doesn’t count as a stitch).
- Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the same space.
- Work 1 sc in each stitch across, and when you reach the corners, work 3 sc in the corner space.
- Continue working sc around the entire square, placing 3 sc in each corner space to help the square lay flat.
- Join the round with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.
Step 5: Finishing Up
- Fasten Off: Once the border is complete, fasten off your yarn and weave in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.
Tips for Success:
- Consistent Tension: Ensure that you’re keeping a consistent tension throughout the project, especially for the petals. If the petals are too tight, your square might pucker. If they’re too loose, they might not lay flat.
- Color Combinations: The Sunburst Granny Square looks great when you use contrasting colors for the center and petals. You can create a rainbow effect, use complementary colors, or even create a ombre effect by changing colors gradually.
- Size Adjustments: If you’d like a larger square, you can add additional rounds of petals. Just remember to keep the pattern balanced and continue increasing the number of petals per round.
How to Use the Sunburst Granny Square:
- Blankets: Use multiple Sunburst Granny Squares to create a colorful and fun blanket. You can join the squares together in a variety of patterns, such as straight rows or a zig-zag layout.
- Pillows: A single Sunburst Granny Square can be turned into a decorative pillow cover.
- Scarves & Shawls: Make smaller versions of the square and join them to create scarves, shawls, or other accessories.
- Afghans: Combine multiple squares into an entire afghan or throw for added warmth and style.
Conclusion:
The Sunburst Granny Square is a beautiful and fun pattern that adds a burst of color to any project. Whether you’re making a full blanket or using the square for smaller accessories, it’s sure to be a showstopper. With just a few basic crochet stitches, you can create these delightful squares that radiate warmth and charm. Have fun experimenting with different colors and designs, and happy crocheting!
