How to Crochet a Sunburst or Starburst Granny Square

Amongst the ever so popular Granny Square, there has been another style of square that has been popping up a lot here lately.  And, that would be the Starburst Granny Square, which is also referred to as Sunburst Granny Square.

One of my favorite things about the starburst granny square is all the fun colors that you can mix and match to give each square a unique look.  Every round you can add in a new color and make so many different variations of squares.

This particular type of square may look intimidating to crochet, but it’s not as hard as it may look.  These sunburst squares only consist of 4 rows.  You will use a couple of different fun crochet stitches like the puff stitch and the cluster stitch along with some basic crochet stitches.

A traditional granny square is made using only chain and double crochet stitches.  It has more of a checkered look and this is what a classic granny square looks like.

You can find the tutorial for the classic granny square IN THIS POST!

Is a Sunburst Granny Square and a Starburst Granny Square the Same?

Yes, a starburst granny square and a sunburst granny square are made the same way but can be referred to as either.  While there are a couple different variations of crocheting this type of square, both terms can be used interchangeably and mean the same thing.

When made with specific colors, a sunburst granny square can also be made into a sunflower granny square with this same pattern.  This is what your sunflower square will look like when made with black, brown and yellow yarn. 

What Yarn Works Best for Sunburst Granny Squares?

Any #4 worsted weight yarn works great for this pattern.  I chose to use Brava worsted for these sunburst squares.  Another great option is Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn.  Both of these yarn brands come in an array of different colors that coordinate really well.

There are so many fun color combinations that you can try when crocheting these square motifs.  Crocheting each round of this square with a different color is what really makes this square design pop!

Even a cotton yarn would work for making these squares.  You could even use a thicker yarn as long as you use the correct hook size with it.

This is a great project to help use up scrap yarn that you may have and you don’t know what to make with it.  Each round of the square doesn’t take very much yarn, so it’s the perfect scrap yarn project.  You could even work on making a bunch of squares over time and later turn them into a sunburst square blanket.

How to Join Granny Squares

There are many different ways to join granny squares, but a couple of my favorite ways to join them are

• The slip stitch method
• The join as you go method

I have included the written tutorial, along with some pictures and a full video tutorial for this easy starburst granny square tutorial (just in case you are a visual learner!) If you enjoy my tutorials, please be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube Channel! Thank you so much for your support!

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Learn another Crochet Stitch

• Circle Granny Squares
• Ripple Stitch
• Granny Stripe Stitch
• Lemon Peel Stitch
• C2C Moss Stitch
• Puff Stitch
• Bean Stitch
• Waffle Stitch in a Square
• Thermal Stitch
• Alpine Stitch

How to Crochet Sunburst Granny Squares

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Skill Level: Intermediate 

Things you will need:

• Brava Worsted Yarn (or any #4 Worsted Weight Yarn)
• J / 6.00mm Crochet Hook
• Yarn Needle / Tapestry Needle
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers (optional)

Abbreviation / Stitch Key:

• ch = chain
• st = stitch (es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• sk = skip
• mc = magic circle / magic ring
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet / triple crochet
• ps = Puff Stitch
• cl = cluster stitch
• sp = space
• yo = yarn over
• t = turn

Special Stitches:

• Puff Stitch – *yarn over and insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop (as if you were going to do a double crochet), you now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and insert hook into the same stitch and pull up another loop (5 loops on hook) repeat from * 2 more times until you have 9 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all 9 loops. Secure with a chain stitch.
• Cluster Stitch – *yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook* repeat * to * 3 more times, yarn over, pull through all 5 loops on hook.

Sunburst Granny Square Pattern:

Round 1: Make a MC and ch 3 (counts as the 1st dc), work 15 dc into mc, sl st into first dc (top of ch 3.)  You should have 16 stitches total

Change colors

Round 2: ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), work a puff stitch into every st around, sl stitch into top of the first puff stitch. You should have 16 puff stitches total

Change colors

I make a slip knot and attach the new yarn color into any chain 1 space.

Round 3: ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), * work a cluster st into next chain space (between puff stitches), ch 1* repeat * to * around, sl st to top of 1st cluster stitch.  You should have 16 cluster stitches.

Change to border color

I make a slip knot and attach it into any chain 1 space. Work all stitches in the ch-1 spaces between clusters

Round 4: ch 4 (counts as a tr stitch), ( 2 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in same ch 1 space, * 3 dc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, ( 3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in next space (ch-1 space) * repeat * to * 2 more times, 3 dc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, sl st into the top of the beginning ch 4

Cut yarn and weave in all ends. Repeat to make as many sunflower granny squares as you’d like.

Check out some Free Crochet Patterns while you are here!

• Iris Stitch Shawl
• Spiral Potholders
• Square Bean Stitch Potholders
• Bobble Baby Blanket
• Ripple Baby Blanket
• Grit Washcloth