Sunburst stitch

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 The sunburst stitch (most popularly known as the Sunburst or Sunflower Granny Square) is a textured, circular flower motif that gets "squared off" at the edges. It uses a combination of basic stitches, puff stitches, and cluster stitches to create a beautiful, blooming center. [1, 2, 3, 4]




A simple, step-by-step 4-round guide walks you through the process, using US crochet terms. [5]

Round 1: The Center Ring
  1. Start: Chain 4 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring (or use a Magic Ring).
  2. First Stitches: Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet). Work 15 more double crochets into the center of the ring. (Total: 16 stitches).
  3. Slip stitch into the top of your initial chain 3 to close, fasten off, and weave in your ends. [5, 6, 7]
Round 2: The Puff Stitches
  1. Join New Yarn: Attach a new color into any stitch from the previous round. Chain 2.
  2. Puff Stitch: Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, and pull up a loop to the height of a double crochet. Repeat this two more times into the same stitch. You should have 7 loops on your hook.
  3. Finish Puff: Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops. Chain 1 to lock the stitch.
  4. Repeat this puff stitch and chain 1 in every stitch around. (Total: 16 puff stitches and 16 chain 1 spaces). Join with a slip stitch, fasten off, and weave ends. [5]
Round 3: The Cluster Stitches
  1. Join New Yarn: Attach a new color into any chain 1 space from Round 2.
  2. Cluster Stitch: Chain 2 (counts as a partial double crochet). Work 3 partial double crochets into the same space (you will leave the final loop of each on your hook). Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook.
  3. Repeat & Space: Chain 2. Work a cluster stitch into the next chain 1 space. Repeat all the way around. (Total: 16 clusters). Join with a slip stitch, fasten off, and weave ends. [5]
Round 4: Squaring It Off
  1. Join Yarn: Attach your final "squaring" color (often a neutral or border shade) into any chain 2 space.
  2. Corner 1: Chain 4 (counts as a treble crochet). Work 2 more treble crochets into the same space.
  3. First Side: In the next 3 spaces, work 3 double crochets in each space.
  4. Corner 2: In the next space, work 3 treble crochets, chain 2, and 3 more treble crochets.
  5. Repeat: Alternate working 3 double crochets in the next 3 spaces, and a corner group (3 treble crochets, chain 2, 3 treble crochets) in the 4th space until you are back to your starting corner.
  6. Finish your first corner by adding 3 treble crochets and a chain 2, then join with an invisible join or slip stitch. [5]

For a visual guide following these exact rounds, you can refer to the How to Crochet a Sunburst Granny Square tutorial on YouTube. [5]




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