Sunburst Bloom Cushion Cover Free Pattern

Bring Sunshine Home: The Sunburst Bloom Cushion Cover

Are you ready to add a pop of cheerful color to your living space? The Sunburst Bloom Cushion Cover is the perfect project for crocheters who want to create a stunning, handmade accent piece. This beginner-friendly pattern combines the classic granny square technique with a vibrant sunflower-inspired motif, resulting in a textured, boho-chic pillow that will brighten any room. Whether you're new to crochet or looking for a relaxing weekend project, this pattern is designed to be both enjoyable and rewarding.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through every step—from gathering your materials to the final button closure—so you can confidently create a beautiful 16-inch cushion cover that looks like it came straight from a boutique.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Golden Yellow (for the sunflower petals)
  • Warm Brown (for the center of the sunflower)
  • Cream (for the granny square border and assembly)
• Approximately 300 grams total (about 100g of each color, though you may use slightly less of the brown)

Hook & Notions

• G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook – This size is perfect for worsted weight yarn to create a firm, durable fabric.
• Stitch markers (at least 2) – Essential for keeping track of your rounds.
• Yarn needle – For weaving in ends and sewing the pieces together.
• Scissors
• 3 large buttons (wooden or any style you prefer) – These will be the functional and decorative closure.
• 16-inch (40 cm) cushion form – To stuff your finished cover.

Gauge

4 rounds of the granny square = 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. This gauge ensures your final square will be the correct size for a 16-inch cushion. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly—a smaller hook for a tighter gauge, a larger hook for a looser one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, meaning you do not join at the end of each round with a slip stitch. Instead, you'll work in a spiral. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as you go to keep your place.

You will be making two identical squares—one for the front and one for the back of the cushion. Let's get started!

Sunflower Motif (Make 2)

Round 1: The Center

With warm brown yarn, make a magic ring. If you're not familiar with this technique, it's a way to start crochet in the round with a tightly closed center—simply wrap the yarn around your fingers, insert your hook, and pull up a loop. Then, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail to tighten the ring completely closed. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Increase

Work 2 single crochet (sc) in each stitch around. This is a standard increase round. (12 stitches)

Round 3: Increase Again

*Sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the next stitch*—repeat this pattern around. This creates a flat circle. (18 stitches)

Round 4: Final Increase

*Sc in the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch*—repeat around. Your brown circle should now be about 2.5 inches in diameter. (24 stitches)

Round 5: Creating the Petal Base

Switch to golden yellow yarn. You can do this by finishing the last stitch of Round 4 with the yellow yarn (pull the yellow loop through the last two loops of the brown stitch). Now, *Chain 5, skip 1 stitch, sc in the next stitch*—repeat this sequence around. You will create 12 chain loops that will form the base for your petals. (12 chain loops)

Round 6: The Sunflower Petals

In each of the 12 chain loops from the previous round, work the following sequence to create a petal:

• 1 single crochet (sc)
• 1 half double crochet (hdc)
• 3 double crochet (dc)
• 1 half double crochet (hdc)
• 1 single crochet (sc)

This creates a rounded, textured petal. Complete this sequence in each chain loop around. (12 petals)

Round 7: Transition to Square

Switch to cream yarn. *Chain 3, sc between the petals*—repeat around. You'll be working into the spaces between the yellow petals. (12 chain spaces)

Round 8: Forming the Corners

This is where the magic happens—we start turning your circle into a square. In each chain space from the previous round, work: 2 double crochet (dc), chain 2, 2 double crochet (dc). This cluster of stitches with a chain-2 space in the middle will become the corners of your square. (12 corner clusters)

Round 9: Expanding the Square

*In the corner space (the chain-2 space from the previous round), work (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc). Then, work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc from the previous round.* Repeat this sequence around. You're now building the sides of your square. (The square is taking shape!)

Round 10: Continue Building

*In the corner space, work (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc). Then, work 1 dc in each of the next 6 dc from the previous round.* Repeat around. Your square is growing larger and more defined.

Round 11: Final Round

*In the corner space, work (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc). Then, work 1 dc in each of the next 10 dc from the previous round.* Repeat around. Your square should now measure approximately 16 inches across. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle.

Repeat Rounds 1-11 to create a second identical square.

Assembly: Putting It All Together

Now that you have two beautiful sunflower squares, it's time to turn them into a cushion cover.

Step 1: Sew the Sides

Place the two squares together with right sides facing each other (the pretty sides facing inward). Using your cream yarn and a whip stitch, sew together three sides of the square. Leave the fourth side completely open—this will be the opening for your cushion.

Step 2: Turn and Insert

Carefully turn the cover right side out through the open side. Gently push out the corners to make them sharp and defined. Now, insert your 16-inch cushion form into the cover. It should fit snugly.

Step 3: Create the Button Closure

Along the open edge, fold the fabric over slightly to create a neat, finished edge. Use a slip stitch to secure this fold and create a clean opening.

Now, for the buttons: Evenly space and sew 3 large buttons along one edge of the opening. On the opposite edge, create corresponding button loops by making a small chain of stitches (about 6-8 chains) at each button location. Sew these loops securely in place. When you button it up, the loops should easily slip over the buttons to close the cushion.

Step 4: Final Touches

Weave in any remaining loose ends with your yarn needle. Give your cushion a gentle fluff and shape. Congratulations—you've just created a stunning Sunburst Bloom Cushion Cover!

Tips for Success

• Stitch Markers Are Your Friend: Because this pattern is worked in continuous rounds, it's incredibly easy to lose your place. Always use a stitch marker and move it up at the start of each round.
• Count Your Stitches: After each round, take a moment to count your stitches. This will prevent any accidental increases or decreases that could distort your square.
• Blocking (Optional): If your square looks a bit wavy or uneven, you can block it. Simply wet the square, gently squeeze out excess water, and pin it to the correct dimensions on a flat surface until dry. This will give your cushion a professional, crisp finish.

This pattern is a wonderful way to practice your granny square skills while creating something beautiful and functional. The sunflower motif is timeless, and the warm, sunny colors will bring joy to any space. Happy crocheting!