Sunburst Meadow Granny Square Free Pattern

Sunburst Meadow Granny Square: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Cheerful, Handmade Blanket

Brighten your home with the vibrant, textured beauty of the Sunburst Meadow Granny Square. This free crochet pattern captures the essence of a sunlit meadow, combining a cheerful sunburst center with dimensional petals and a clean, modern border. Whether you're crafting a cozy blanket, a decorative cushion cover, or a boho wall hanging, this square is a joy to make. The pattern is beginner-friendly, uses basic stitches, and results in a rich, textured fabric that feels as wonderful as it looks. Let's dive in and create a little piece of sunshine!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your materials. This project uses worsted weight yarn and a standard hook, making it easy to source supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 5 colors:
  • Sunburst Yellow (A) – for the center
  • Petal Pink (B) – for the flower petals
  • Leaf Green (C) – for the scalloped edge
  • Sky Blue (D) – for the first border round
  • Cream (E) – for the final border round
• Hook: 5.5 mm crochet hook (US I-9)
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Gauge: One finished square measures 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm). Gauge is important for consistent sizing if you plan to join multiple squares.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your Sunburst Meadow Granny Square. The pattern is worked in rounds, and you will always have the right side facing you. Remember, ch 3 counts as a double crochet (dc) throughout the pattern.

Round 1: The Sunburst Center

With color A (Sunburst Yellow), make a magic ring.

1. Ch 3 (counts as your first dc).
2. Work 11 dc into the magic ring.
3. Pull the ring tight to close the center.
4. Slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join. You should have 12 dc stitches total.

Round 2: Growing the Circle

1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then make 1 dc in the same stitch (this is your increase).
2. Work 2 dc in each dc around the circle.
3. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join. You should now have 24 dc stitches.

Round 3: Shaping the Sunburst

1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then make 1 dc in the same stitch.
2. Dc in the next dc.
3. Repeat the following sequence around: *2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next dc.*
4. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join. You should have 36 dc stitches.
5. Fasten off color A and weave in the end.

Round 4: Creating the Petals

Join color B (Petal Pink) in any dc stitch from the previous round.

1. Ch 1, then make 1 single crochet (sc) in the same stitch.
2. Skip the next 2 dc.
3. Work 5 dc in the next dc (this forms your first petal).
4. Skip the next 2 dc.
5. Sc in the next dc.
6. Repeat the sequence around: *Skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next dc, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc.*
7. End the round by making a sl st to the first sc you made. You should have 6 beautiful petals.
8. Fasten off color B and weave in the end.

Round 5: The Green Scallop Base

Join color C (Leaf Green) in the sc stitch located between any two petals.

1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then make 2 dc in the same stitch.
2. Ch 2.
3. Work 3 dc in the next sc (this forms a corner).
4. Ch 2.
5. Repeat the sequence around: *3 dc in next sc, ch 2, 3 dc in next sc.*
6. For the last repeat, after the final 3 dc, ch 2 and sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join. You should have 12 clusters of 3 dc.
7. Fasten off color C and weave in the end.

Round 6: The Sky Blue Border

Join color D (Sky Blue) in any ch-2 corner space.

1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then make 2 dc in the same corner space.
2. Ch 1.
3. Work 3 dc in the next ch-2 space (this is a side space).
4. Ch 1.
5. In the next ch-2 corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
6. Repeat the sequence around: *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space.*
7. End the round with ch 1 and sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
8. Fasten off color D and weave in the end.

Round 7: The Cream Finish

Join color E (Cream) in any ch-2 corner space.

1. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then make 2 dc in the same corner space.
2. Ch 1.
3. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space.
4. Ch 1.
5. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space.
6. Ch 1.
7. In the next ch-2 corner space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
8. Repeat the sequence around: *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner space.*
9. End the round with ch 1 and sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
10. Fasten off color E and weave in all ends.

Finishing Touches

To ensure your square lies perfectly flat and measures exactly 6x6 inches, it's essential to block it. Soak the square in lukewarm water for a few minutes, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay it flat on a blocking mat. Pin the corners to 6x6 inches and allow it to dry completely. This step will define the corners and even out the stitches for a professional finish.

Congratulations! You've completed your Sunburst Meadow Granny Square. Make several and join them together for a stunning blanket, or use a single square as a vibrant cushion cover. The possibilities are endless with this cheerful, boho-inspired design.