7 Large Sunburst Granny Square: Easy Pattern Tips
Looking for a pattern that actually works? You are in the right place. This guide breaks everything down step by step so you can finish your project with confidence.
\nLarge Sunburst Granny Square at a Glance
- Topic: large sunburst granny square
- Skill level: beginner to intermediate
- Main goal: help the reader crochet a large sunburst granny square with an extra bobble round for a bigger, bolder design
- Related topics: classic sunburst granny square, bobble stitch, puff stitch, crochet blanket patterns
Quick Answer
A large sunburst granny square is a 5-round version of the classic sunburst pattern that adds an extra bobble stitch round before converting to a square. The finished square measures approximately 6 inches, making it perfect for blankets and larger projects.
\nTip: Use 5-dc-bobble stitches in Round 4 — the larger bobble size creates more dramatic sun rays that make this square really pop.
At a Glance
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
- Time needed: 45-60 minutes per square
- Best yarn: DK or sport weight (5 colors)
- Hook size: 3.00mm (US C/2)
Common Mistakes to Quick Fixes
- Round 4 bobbles too flat: Make sure to complete all 5 incomplete dc before pulling through
- Square looks uneven: Count your ch-spaces carefully — each round must have exactly 16
- Color transitions look messy: Fasten off completely between rounds for the cleanest color changes
Mini Glossary
dc (double crochet), hdc (half double crochet), tr (treble crochet), ch (chain), sl st (slip stitch), ch-sp (chain space), 3-hdc-puff (3 half double crochet puff), 4-dc-bo (4 double crochet bobble), 5-dc-bo (5 double crochet bobble), yo (yarn over)
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The large sunburst granny square takes everything you love about the classic sunburst design and supersizes it. By adding an extra round of larger bobble stitches before converting to a square, this version produces a gorgeous 6-inch motif that is perfect for statement blankets, oversized cushion covers, and bold tote bags.
If you have already mastered the classic sunburst granny square, this pattern will feel familiar. The first three rounds are identical to the classic version. The magic happens in Round 4, where larger 5-dc-bobble stitches create an extra layer of dramatic sunbeams. Round 5 then converts the larger circle into a generous square shape.
What Materials Do You Need for the Large Sunburst Granny Square?
Gathering your supplies before starting the large sunburst granny square will make the process smoother. You will need 5 colors of yarn for this version — one more than the classic pattern — because the extra bobble round uses its own color.
- Yarn: 5 colors of DK or sport weight yarn (center, puff rays, first bobble round, second bobble round, border)
- Crochet hook: 3.00mm (US C/2)
- Darning needle: for weaving in ends
- Scissors
For help choosing the right yarn weight, the Craft Yarn Council provides a helpful standard weight system. Our guide to the best yarn for beginner crochet is also a great resource if you are just starting out.
How to Crochet the Large Sunburst Granny Square Step by Step
The large sunburst granny square uses 5 rounds instead of the classic 4. Rounds 1 through 3 are the same as the classic pattern, Round 4 adds an extra layer of larger bobbles, and Round 5 converts the circle into a square.
Round 1: Make the Center
Start your large sunburst granny square with the same center as the classic version. This round creates the solid core using 16 dc stitches in a magic ring.
Pattern: Magic ring, ch3 (counts as dc), 15 dc, tighten the tail, sl st to top of ch3, fasten off. You should have 16 dc total.
- Start with a magic ring
- ch3 as a standing stitch (counts as dc)
- 15 dc into the ring
- Pull the magic ring tail tight
- Slip stitch to top of ch3, fasten off
Round 2: Puff Stitch Sun Rays
This round is identical to the classic version. Work 3-hdc-puff stitches into each of the 16 stitches from Round 1, with ch1 between each puff stitch.
Pattern: Join new color in any stitch, ch1 (counts as incomplete hdc), 2 more incomplete hdc to form a 3-hdc-puff, ch1. [3-hdc-puff + ch1 in next stitch] repeat 15 times. Sl st to top of first puff, fasten off.
Remember to hold your loops together at the base before pulling through — this is the key to even, plump puff stitches on your large sunburst granny square.
Round 3: First Bobble Round
Round 3 introduces 4-dc-bobble stitches in each chain space from Round 2. These bobbles are the first layer of bold sunbeams.
Pattern: Join new color in any ch-sp, ch2 (counts as incomplete dc) + 2 more incomplete dc to form a 3-dc-bo, ch2, [4-dc-bo in next ch-sp, ch2] repeat 15 times. Sl st to top of first bobble, fasten off.
This round should have 16 bobble stitches total, each separated by 2 chain stitches. Count carefully — having the right number of bobbles is essential for the large sunburst granny square to look balanced.
Round 4: Extra Bobble Round (What Makes It Large)
This is the round that makes the large sunburst granny square different from the classic version. Instead of converting to a square, we add another round of even larger bobble stitches using 5-dc-bo (5 double crochet bobble).
Pattern: Join new color in any ch-sp, ch2 (counts as incomplete dc) + 4 more incomplete dc to form a 5-dc-bo, ch2, [5-dc-bo in next ch-sp, ch2] repeat 15 times. Sl st to top of first bobble, fasten off.
The 5-dc-bobble stitch is bigger and bolder than the 4-dc-bobble. When completed, each bobble should stand out prominently from the surface of your work. This extra layer is what gives the large sunburst granny square its impressive 6-inch finished size.
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Round 5: Converting to a Square
The final round converts your larger sunburst circle into a square using the same technique as the classic version. The stitch pattern is the same — only the number of stitches per side has increased due to the extra round.
Pattern: Join new color in any ch-sp, ch3 (counts as dc) + 2 dc in same ch-sp, 3 hdc in next ch-sp, 3 dc in next ch-sp, (3 tr + ch2 + 3 tr) in next ch-sp. Repeat [3 dc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, (3 tr + ch2 + 3 tr)] three more times. Sl st to top of ch3, fasten off and weave in ends.
The finished large sunburst granny square should measure approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. If your square is significantly smaller or larger, check your tension — even tension across all rounds is the key to consistent sizing. For tension help, see our guide on how to fix crochet tension.
Color Suggestions for the Large Sunburst Granny Square
The large sunburst granny square works beautifully with 5 colors because you have an extra round to showcase. Here are some color combinations that look particularly striking with the larger design:
- Sunset gradient: Yellow center, orange rays, coral bobbles, red extra bobbles, dark navy border
- Ocean depths: White center, pale blue rays, teal bobbles, navy extra bobbles, white border
- Garden party: Pink center, lavender rays, mint bobbles, sage extra bobbles, cream border
- Autumn harvest: Cream center, golden rays, burnt orange bobbles, brown extra bobbles, burgundy border
Large Sunburst Granny Square FAQ
What is the difference between classic and large sunburst granny square?
The large sunburst granny square has 5 rounds instead of 4. It adds an extra bobble stitch round (Round 4 with 5-dc-bobble stitches) before the square conversion round, making it approximately 6 inches instead of 4 inches.
How many colors do I need for a large sunburst granny square?
You need 5 colors of yarn for the large sunburst granny square: one for the center, one for puff stitches, one for the first bobble round, one for the extra bobble round, and one for the square border.
Can I use a larger hook to make it even bigger?
Yes, using a larger hook (such as 4mm or 5mm) with the same pattern will produce an even larger square. However, your stitches may be looser, so make sure to maintain even tension throughout all rounds.
What projects work best with large sunburst granny squares?
The large sunburst granny square is ideal for blankets (you need fewer squares to cover the same area), cushion covers, market tote bags, and even wall art when framed. Since each square is bigger, projects come together faster. For more granny square ideas, check out our granny square pattern collection and our easy crochet blanket pattern for beginners.
