Welcome to The Granny Square Fair, where each stitch feels like a prize ribbon waiting to be won! Today we’re working up a Single Color Sunburst Granny Square — a cheerful, textured classic that shines in every yarn and hue.
This pattern is perfect for confident beginners who want to explore the magic of circle-to-square construction without juggling too many colors. With just one shade, the beautiful texture really takes center stage, giving you a square that’s rich in detail but simple in execution.
Jump to:
Skill Level
Confident Beginner — If you’re comfortable with the basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet, and puff stitch) and can work in the round, you’ll be right at home here.
Stitch Abbreviations Used in the Pattern (U.S. Terms)
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| pffst | puff stitch: (yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop)x3, yarn over and draw through all loops on the hook and chain 1 |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sp | space |
| rep | repeat |
| dc2tog/dc3tog | double crochet 2 (or 3) together: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 (incomplete double crochet) again yarn over and insert into the same stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 (repeat once more for dc3tog) yarn over and pull through all loops on hook to complete the decrease. |
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Any weight yarn you love - I used a wool blend 3 weight (sport weigh) yarn.
- Hook: Use a hook that matches your yarn label’s recommendation (or one size up for a softer drape).
- Notions: Scissors, a cozy seat in the shade.
Gauge & Size
Don't fuss about gauge and use any yarn weight and hook size you'd like! A 3 weight yarn and recommended needle size yields a square about 4" across. A 4 weight yarn and corresponding hook yields a square about 5 inches across.
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is worked in the round, joining at the end of each round.
- We will not turn our work at the start of each round.
- The single color version lets the raised stitches and textured petals really shine.
Sunburst Granny Square round-by-round Instructions
To begin, ch4. Sl st to the first ch to make a little ch4 ring. Alternatively, you could use a magic circle.
Round 1
Ch3 (counts as 1dc), make 15 more dc into the center of the ch4 ring. Sl st to the 3rd ch of the starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (16dc)
Round 2
Ch2, puff stitch ((yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop)x3, yarn over and draw through all loops on the hook and chain 1).
Continue working a pffst in each dc from the prev rnd. Sl st to the top of your starting ch2 to complete the rnd. (16pffsts, 16chs)
Round 3
Ch3 (counts as 1dc), dc2tog (yarn over, insert hook in ch sp, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 ((incomplete double crochet)) again yarn over and insert into the same stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2. Yarn over and pull through the 3 loops on your hook. Ch 1.
Into the next ch sp between puffs, work a dc3tog (similar to dc2tog, but work 3 incomplete dcs) and ch1. Continue dc3tog, ch1 in each ch sp of the prev rnd. Sl st to top of starting ch3 to complete the rnd. (16dc3togs, 16ch1s)
Round 4
To "square the circle" first sl st into the next ch sp to reposition your working yarn. Ch2 (counts as 1dc) and make 2 more dcs in the same ch sp. 3dc in the next ch sp.
To work a corner, into the next ch sp make 3tr, ch2, 3tr in the same ch sp. *(3dc in the next ch sp)x3, 3tr ch2, 3tr* repeat between ** to the last ch sp and work 3dc in that last ch sp. Sl st to the top of the starting ch2 to complete the rnd.
Finishing Touches
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Give your square a light blocking if you like — a little steam or a gentle pin-out will help those corners sit flat and proud.
Try this pattern with variegated or marled yarns, it really shows them off beautifully!
Your sunburst square is ready to shine! Keep those hooks happy and your yarn basket full. May your yarn never tangle and your corners stay square. See you next time at The Granny Square Fair!