Sunburst Granny Square Crochet Pattern (Beginner Friendly Tutorial)

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to:

• use your squares in larger projects
• crochet a sunburst granny square from the center out
• square off a circular motif neatly
• add an optional finishing round for cleaner edges

Mix And Match Details

• Yarn weight: #3 Light, with 12 WPI (wraps per inch)
• Hook size: 4mm
• Finished size: 4.5 x 4.5 inches (11.5 x 11.5 cm)
• Number of rounds: 4
• Stitch count per side: 15 stitches and chain 2 corners

This square are perfect for building classic granny square blankets and mix-and-match projects. See all our 4 inch granny square patterns collection.

Materials

• DK or worsted weight yarn (cotton or acrylic both work well)
• Crochet hook suitable for your yarn (commonly 4.0mm-5.0mm)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Note: for this sample we used #3 light and a 4mm hook.

Suggested colors (example):

• Center: color A - claret or deep rust
• Petal, round 2, color B - shrimp
• Petal, round 3,- color C sun gold
• Square base, round 4, color D - pasture green
• Optional, round 5, color E - dark brown

Stitches And Abbreviations - US Terms

• ch - chain stitch
• col - color
• dc - double crochet
• dc4cl - double crochet 4 cluster (see special stitches below)
• hdc - half double crochet
• hk - hook
• puff - puff stitch
• rnd - round
• rpt - repeat
• sl st- slip stitch
• sp/sps - space/spaces
• st/sts - stitch/stitches
• tr - treble crochet
• YO - yarn over hook
• [ ]  - at the end of a round indicates the number of stitches in that round

Special Stitches

Double crochet 4 cluster (dc4cl)
YO, insert hk in a st, YO, pull up loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, (YO, insert hk in same st, YO, pull up loop, YO, pull through 2 loops) three times, YO, pull through all 5 loops on hk,

Colour Planning for a Beautiful Sunburst Effect

Colour placement is just as important as stitch work in sunburst granny squares.

A strong visual flow usually follows this structure:

Recommended colour progression

• Centre: deep or rich tone (claret, rust, deep gold)
• First petal round: mid-warm contrast (shrimp, coral, soft orange)
• Second petal round: lighter or brighter tone (sun gold, warm yellow)
• Square base: grounding neutral or muted green (pasture, sage)
• Optional frame: deep neutral (walnut brown, chocolate, charcoal)

Why this works

This creates:

• natural depth (dark - light - grounded edge)
• clear separation between floral layers
• stronger "sunburst" definition
• better visibility when squares are joined

Common mistake

Using colours that are too similar in value can make the flower lose definition and look flat.

Pattern Overview

This square is worked in two stages:

1. Sunburst circle (floral center)
2. Square shaping rounds

The final result is a structured granny square with a decorative floral centre.

How To Make A Sunburst Granny Square

Center Ring

Form a magic ring or a chain ring. Double crochet stitches are worked into the ring, then joined with a slip stitch and fastened off.

Foundation, col A - MR or ch4, sl st into 1^st st to make a ring.

Rnd 1 - ch2 (not counted as a st), 16dc into ring, sl st into 1^st st to join, cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. [16dc]

First Petal Round

Puff stitches are worked into the double crochet stitches, then joined with a slip stitch into the top of the 1^st puff stitch and fasten off.

Start the first puff stitch in a round, by pulling up the loop slightly then make your first puff.

Learn how to make a puff stitch.

Rnd 2, col B - sl st new yarn col into any ch-1 sp, -puff into ch-1 sp, then make a puff in each ch-1 sp around, and sl st into the top of 1^st puff to join, cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. [16puff]

Second Petal Round

In this round double crochet four clusters (DC4CL) are made into the spaces between the puffs of the previous round, they are spaced apart with two chain stitches.

To start the first cluster of the round you will need to create a chain 2 (this will count as the first double crochet of the cluster).

Refer to our special stitches section above to learn how to make a DC4CL

Rnd 3, col C - sl st new col into any sp between puffs, ch2 (counts as 1^st dc of DC4CL), (DC4CL, ch2) in same sp as ch2, *(DC4CL, ch2) in next sp, rpt from * 15 times, sl st into top of 1^st DC4CL to join, cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. [16DC4CL]

Learn how to make a double crochet 4 cluster

Granny Square Shaping

This is where your circle becomes a square. This round is made up of treble crochets and chain stitches in the corners, with double crochet and half double crochet clusters worked in to the chain 2 spaces of the previous round.

Rnd 4, col D - sl st new col into any ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as 1tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) into same sp as ch3, 3dc in next ch-2 sp, 3hdc, in next ch-2 sp, 3dc in next ch-2 sp, * (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, 3dc in next ch-2 sp, 3hdc, in next ch-2 sp, 3dc in next ch-2 sp, rpt from * 3 times, sl st into top of ch-3 to join, cut yarn fasten off and weave in ends. [24tr, 24dc, 12hdc, 4xch2]

15 stitches each side with ch-2 corners

Optional Finishing Round (Dark Brown Frame)

This is a design variation used in many finished projects.

This round is consists of single crochet stitches and it:

• Sharpens the square edges
• Prepares the squares for joining
• Adds contrast and definition

Rnd 5, col E (optional) - sl st new col into any ch-2 sp, ch1 (not counted as a st), (2sc, ch2, 2sc) in same sp as ch-1, 1sc in next 15-sts. *(2sc, ch2, 2sc) in next ch-2 sp, 1sc in next 12-sts, rpt from * 3 times, sl st into 1^st sc to join, cut yarn fasten off and weave in ends. [76sc, 4xch2]

How to Join Granny Squares

This pattern is often used in larger projects, so joining is an important next step.

Full joining methods are covered in detail in my dedicated guide: How to Join Granny Squares Guide

Here's a quick overview of common approaches:

Flat slip stitch join

• minimal bulk
• clean modern look

Whip stitch join

• nearly invisible seam
• flexible and beginner-friendly

Join-as-you-go (JAYG)

• joins squares during final round
• very efficient for large projects

Decorative join

• adds texture (great for boho projects)
• can become a design feature

What to Make With Sunburst Granny Squares

Once you've made your squares, you can use them in many projects:

• Crochet Table Runner - Perfect for showcasing repeated floral motifs in a structured layout.
• Tote Bag - A great way to turn squares into wearable art.
• Cushion Covers - Ideal for highlighting individual sunburst motifs.
• Blankets - Combine multiple squares for a larger heirloom piece.

Suggested Project Link

If you'd like to turn your squares into a finished project, see: crochet granny square table runner tutorial (coming soon).

Granny Square FAQs

Final Notes

The sunburst granny square is a versatile motif that can be styled in many ways depending on colour and finishing choices.

Adding an optional framing round (like dark brown) creates a more structured, professional finish - especially for projects like table runners and bags.