Easy Sunburst Granny Square Tutorial for Beginners!
• Christa Patel

Easy Sunburst Granny Square Tutorial for Beginners!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet a beautiful granny square? This tutorial is perfect for beginners! I'll guide you through creating a stunning sunburst granny square step by step. You'll learn all the basics and be crocheting gorgeous squares in no time! Plus, you can use any yarn you like, so raid your stash and let's get started! A written pattern is also available on The Secret Yarnery website if you prefer to follow along that way.

What You'll Need

To make your own sunburst granny square, you'll need just a few simple supplies:

  • Yarn: Scraps of any yarn weight will work wonderfully. I used a four-weight worsted acrylic for this project, but don't let that limit you. The yarn collection at The Secret Yarnery can provide inspiration.
  • Crochet Hook: A 6mm crochet hook is what I used, but you should choose a hook size appropriate for the yarn you select.
  • Needle: You'll need a needle with a sharp tip for weaving in your ends securely. I find that sharp tip needles really help with this.

You might find a few other crochet must-haves helpful, like quality crochet hooks or handy stitch markers. Now, let's get started!

Making the Magic Ring

The very first step in creating our sunburst granny square is making a magic ring. If you're not familiar with this technique, don't worry, I'll walk you through it!

  1. Hold the yarn tail on your ring finger of your non-dominant hand.
  2. Wrap the yarn around two fingers, making an "X."
  3. Bring it around all three fingers and loop it underneath your thumb.
  4. Turn your hand over. You will have a short strand (the tail) and a long strand (the working yarn).
  5. Grab your crochet hook, hook facing down, and slide it underneath the short strand, grabbing the long strand and bringing it under.
  6. Point the hook towards yourself and relax your thumb a little bit so that long strand can slide just like that.
  7. Grab the long strand and bring it through the loop on your hook.
  8. Chain one to secure the ring.

Note: If you prefer, you can absolutely use a chain-three ring instead of a magic ring. It's all about what you find most comfortable!

Round 1: Creating the Center

Now that we have our magic ring, we can start building the center of our granny square. This round is all about double crochets!

  1. Work into the magic ring, going over both tails of the yarn to secure them.
  2. Make 15 double crochets into the ring. Remember, the initial chain does not count as a stitch, so you need to make a full 15 double crochets.
  3. Once you have your 15 double crochets, gently tug on the tail to tighten the magic ring and close the center. This creates a nice, snug circle.
  4. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet. This is that little stitch on the side.
  5. Chain one.
  6. Cut the yarn, pull the loop up, and pull the yarn through to secure.

Tip: If you need more space in the ring as you work your double crochets, just keep tugging on that tail a little bit to open it up.

Securing the Center Tail

To ensure our magic ring stays put, we need to secure the center tail. This is a quick and easy step that will prevent your granny square from unraveling later on.

  1. Thread the center tail onto your needle.
  2. Sew in the tail by going forward a couple of times through the stitches on the back of the work.
  3. Reverse direction and go back the other way a couple more times. This back-and-forth motion will really lock that tail in place.
  4. Cut off the excess tail close to the work.

Round 2: Adding the Sunburst

Time to introduce a new color and create that beautiful sunburst effect! This round involves creating clusters of double crochets with chains in between.

  1. Join your new yarn color to the stitch after the join from round one. To do this, pop your hook in the stitch, make a loop with your new yarn, bring it through, and slip stitch with both strands to join.
  2. Chain one.
  3. Make one more double crochet into the same stitch.
  4. Chain one.
  5. In the next stitch, create a two-double-crochet cluster:
    • Start a double crochet, leaving the last two loops on the hook.
    • Start another double crochet in the same stitch, leaving the last loop on the hook.
    • You should now have three loops on your hook.
    • Yarn over and pull through all three loops.
  6. Chain one.
  7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 around the entire circle.

Important: Don't forget to chain one after each cluster! This creates the spaces that give the sunburst its distinctive look.

Dealing with the Join

When you get back to where you started, you'll need to pay close attention to the join from the previous round. We want to make sure our stitch count stays correct.

  1. Work into the stitch before the join.
  2. Work into the stitch after the join.
  3. This turns your join into two stitches, essentially evening out the circle. You should have a total of 16 clusters at the end of this round.

Finishing Round 2

Once you've completed all your clusters and chains:

  1. Slip stitch to join at the top of the first cluster.
  2. Chain one to secure.
  3. Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail for weaving in.
  4. Pull the loop through and tighten.

Round 3: Creating the Petals

In this round, we're adding the "petals" to our sunburst, which will really start to give it that flower-like appearance. We'll be working into the chain spaces from the previous round.

  1. Join your next color into any space.
  2. Slip stitch to join.
  3. Chain one.
  4. Into that same space, make a cluster of four double crochets:
    • Start four double crochets, leaving the last loop of each on your hook.
    • You will have five loops on your hook.
    • Yarn over and pull through all five loops.
  5. Chain two.
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 in each space around the circle.

Completing Round 3

Once you've gone all the way around:

  1. Slip stitch to join at the top of the first cluster.
  2. Chain one to secure.
  3. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.
  4. Pull through and tighten.

Sunburst Crochet Granny Square – Vibrant and Easy Pattern.

Round 4: Squaring It Up!

This is where the magic truly happens! We're going to transform our circle into a square, giving it that classic granny square shape.

  1. Pull the tail forward from the beginning of round three to keep track of where you joined your yarn.
  2. Count three spaces forward from the tail.
  3. Join your new color into the fourth space before the join. This might seem a little confusing, but it's important for aligning the corners correctly.
  4. Slip stitch to join.
  5. Chain three (this counts as your first treble crochet).
  6. Make two more treble crochets into the same space.
  7. In the next space, make three double crochets.
  8. In the next space, make three half-double crochets.
  9. In the next space, make three double crochets.
  10. Now we're at our corner space.

Creating the Corners

The corners are what make a granny square a square! Here's how to create them:

In the corner space:

  • Make three treble crochets.
  • Chain two.
  • Make three more treble crochets into the same space.

Working the Sides

Now we'll work along the side of the square. This involves a sequence of double crochets and half-double crochets.

In the next space, make three double crochets. In the next space, make three half-double crochets. In the next space, make three double crochets.

Repeating for Each Side

Repeat the "three doubles, three half-doubles, three doubles" sequence for each side of the square. This will create the flat edges of the granny square.

More Corners!

When you reach the next corner space:

  • Make three treble crochets.
  • Chain two.
  • Make three more treble crochets into the same space.

Finishing the Final Corner

When you get back to where you started:

  • Slide the first stitches forward to make room in the corner space.
  • Make three treble crochets into the same space to complete the corner.

Joining Options: Continuing the Square

If you want to continue the granny square, making it larger with the same color:

  • Chain one.
  • Single crochet into the top of the initial chain three. This ends you in the 2 chain space.
  • Chain three, turn your work, and put two double crochets into the 2 chain space.
  • Then continue with 3 treble crochets into each space all the way around.

Joining Options: Ending the Square

If you're finished with this color:

  • Chain two.
  • Slip stitch into the top of the initial chain three.
  • Chain one to secure.
  • Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
  • Pull through and tighten.

Weaving in the Ends

The final (and sometimes least favorite) step is weaving in all those pesky ends! This is essential for a neat and professional-looking finish.

  • Thread each end onto your needle.
  • Weave the ends through the stitches on the back of your work, making sure to go in different directions to secure them.
  • Trim any excess yarn close to the work.

Congratulations!

You've just completed your first sunburst granny square! How does it feel? With these basic steps, you'll be whipping up loads of beautiful crochet projects in no time. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be an expert!

Different Yarn Textures

Remember, I mentioned using different colors and textures of yarn. Don't be afraid to experiment! Try using chunky yarn for a more textured look, or silk yarn for a softer, more luxurious feel. You can really let your creativity shine!

The Nemesis Pillow

If you want to see how these squares can come together, check out my Nemesis pillow! It uses a variety of sunburst granny squares with different colors and yarn textures.

Written Pattern Availability

For those who prefer a written pattern, you can find one on The Secret Yarnery website.

Plain English Pattern

All my patterns are written in plain English, so they're easy to understand, even if you're new to crochet patterns. I try to make them as clear and straightforward as possible!

Left-Handed?

Video Timestamps

Need to jump to a specific part of the video? Use these timestamps to quickly navigate:

  • Round 1: 1:05
  • Round 2: 4:33
  • Round 3: 8:25
  • Round 4: 11:26
  • Join & Continue: 17:23
  • Join & End: 18:02

Subscribe to The Secret Yarnery!

Want to stay up-to-date on new free crochet patterns and tutorials? Make sure to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery on YouTube!

Free Crochet Patterns

Looking for more free crochet patterns? You can find a whole bunch right here!

Crochet Must-Haves

Here's a list of useful crochet tools and accessories to enhance your experience:

Other Projects

I've got so much more here at The Secret Yarnery to explore, from simple scarves to more advanced sweaters. There's truly something for everyone, no matter your skill level.

Beginner Friendly

Don't be intimidated! This tutorial is designed with beginners in mind. I break everything down into easy-to-follow steps so you can succeed.

Share your Projects!

I'd absolutely love to see your finished sunburst granny squares! Share them with the crochet community online and tag me so I can admire your work.

More Crochet Resources

Explore even more patterns, tips, and tricks on the Secret Yarnery website and YouTube channel.

Crochet Blankets Inspiration

Dreaming of a cozy crochet blanket? These granny squares are a great place to start! You can combine them to create a stunning and unique blanket design.

Stylish Sweaters

Take your crochet skills to the next level and learn how to incorporate granny squares into stylish sweater designs. The possibilities are endless! Check out the sweaters & shawls section for inspiration.

Cute Amigurumi Plants

Looking for something a little different? Why not use your crochet skills to create adorable amigurumi plants? It's a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow the detailed step-by-step instructions in this tutorial for easy learning and a successful crochet experience.

Clear Demonstrations

Watch clear demonstrations of each technique to improve your understanding and master the art of crochet.

Helpful Tips

Benefit from helpful tips and tricks shared throughout the tutorial, designed to make your crochet journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Learn with Ease and Confidence

Learn how to crochet stunning projects with ease and confidence, knowing that you have the support of a welcoming and knowledgeable community.

Crochet Design

Dive into the world of crochet design and learn how to create your own unique projects. Let your imagination run wild and see what you can create! This Easy Crochet Granny Square Pattern for Absolute Beginners is available on the Secret Yarnery website here.

Easy Crochet Granny Square for Absolute Beginners.

Thank you for following along with this tutorial! I hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet a Sunburst granny square. Now grab your hook and yarn, and let's get crocheting!

FAQs

1. Can I use different yarn weights for the sunburst granny square?

Absolutely! While the tutorial uses a four-weight worsted acrylic yarn, you can experiment with different yarn weights. Just make sure to select a crochet hook appropriate for your chosen yarn weight. Using a thinner or thicker yarn will alter the size and texture of your square.

2. What is the magic ring, and is it necessary?

The magic ring is a technique used to start projects in the round with a tight center. It is optional—you can use a chain-three method instead if you find it easier. Both options work well; it’s all about personal preference.

3. My square doesn't look perfectly square—what went wrong?

This could be due to uneven tension or missed stitches. Check your stitch count carefully in each round, especially at the corners. Proper blocking can also help shape your granny square if it looks irregular.

4. Is this tutorial suitable for complete beginners?

Yes! This tutorial is designed to be beginner-friendly. Each step is explained in detail, and the accompanying video offers visual demonstrations to make it even easier to follow along.

5. Can I make these squares into a blanket?

Yes! Sunburst granny squares are perfect for blankets. Simply make multiple squares and join them together using your favorite method, like slip stitching or sewing. You can also play with different colors and arrangements for your blanket.

6. How do I make my square larger?

To make the square larger, continue adding rounds following the same sequence established in Round 4. Add more double crochet and treble crochet clusters on each side to expand the square, and always increase at the corners by adding "three treble crochets, chain two, three treble crochets."

7. How do I securely weave in my ends?

Thread your ends onto a needle and weave them back and forth through the stitches on the backside of your work. Make sure to change directions at least once to ensure the ends don’t slip out over time.

8. What’s the best way to join multiple granny squares?

You can choose from several joining methods, such as slip stitching, sewing with a needle, or crocheting them together. For a flat join, slip stitching along the back loops works well. Explore the method that fits your project best.

9 What do I do if I accidentally skip a stitch?

If you catch the skipped stitch early, you can undo your work back to that point and fix it. If it’s too late, consider adjusting the next few stitches to even out the project, but this is only recommended for minor skips.

Christa Patel is the creative mind behind The Secret Yarnery, a vibrant hub for crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Christa combines her love for crocheting with a passion for teaching, empowering beginners and seasoned crocheters alike through her easy-to-follow tutorials, patterns, and tips.

With over two decades of experience in crocheting and designing, Christa has become a trusted resource in the crochet community. She is best known for her ability to break down complex patterns into simple, approachable steps, ensuring that everyone—from absolute beginners to crochet veterans—can enjoy the art of yarn crafting.

Through her YouTube channel, website, and engaging social media presence, Christa shares free crochet tutorials, innovative designs, and helpful techniques. Her expertise spans a wide variety of projects, from granny squares and cozy blankets to stylish clothing and unique home decor.

Christa is not just a teacher but also an inspiration, encouraging her followers to experiment with colors, textures, and patterns. Her down-to-earth personality and hands-on teaching style make her tutorials both enjoyable and educational. Whether you’re looking to master the basics or take on advanced crochet challenges, Christa’s resources, like this sunburst granny square tutorial, are here to boost your confidence and creativity.

When she’s not busy crocheting or sharing tutorials, Christa enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the local markets for yarn inspiration, and participating in global crochet projects. Her mission is simple: to make crochet accessible, fun, and fulfilling for everyone.

Discover more of Christa’s tutorials, patterns, and tips at The Secret Yarnery, or follow her YouTube channel for a treasure trove of crochet knowledge.

Previous Next

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published.