7 Vintage Sunburst Granny Square: Retro Pattern Tips
Whether you are just starting out or looking to try something new, this tutorial covers everything you need — from materials to the final stitch.
\nVintage Sunburst Granny Square at a Glance
- Topic: vintage sunburst granny square
- Skill level: intermediate
- Main goal: help the reader crochet a vintage sunburst granny square with a textured BPdc border for a retro look
- Related topics: classic sunburst granny square, back post double crochet, bobble stitch, textured crochet patterns
Quick Answer
A vintage sunburst granny square is a 5-round crochet motif that features the classic sunburst center with an added BPdc (back post double crochet) border round. The raised post stitches create a textured, dimensional frame that gives the square its vintage character.
\nTip: Work your BPdc stitches loosely — tight post stitches will pull the edges inward and make your square curl.
At a Glance
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Time needed: 45-60 minutes per square
- Best yarn: DK or sport weight (5 colors for the retro look)
- Hook size: 3.00mm (US C/2)
Common Mistakes to Quick Fixes
- BPdc stitches too tight: Keep relaxed tension — post stitches naturally pull tighter than regular dc
- Losing stitch count in Round 5: Use a stitch marker at each corner to track your 16-stitch sides
- Corners not laying flat: Make sure your 2dc + ch2 corner spaces are generous enough
Mini Glossary
dc (double crochet), hdc (half double crochet), tr (treble crochet), ch (chain), sl st (slip stitch), ch-sp (chain space), BPdc (back post double crochet), 3-hdc-puff (3 half double crochet puff), 4-dc-bo (4 double crochet bobble), yo (yarn over)
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The vintage sunburst granny square takes the beloved sunburst design and adds a sophisticated textured border that gives it a charming retro feel. The combination of a bold sunflower center with a raised BPdc (back post double crochet) border creates a dimensional square that looks like it stepped straight out of a 1970s crochet pattern book.
What makes the vintage sunburst granny square special is the contrast between the soft, puffy center and the structured, ridged border. This textural interplay is what gives the square its vintage character — it looks handmade in the best possible way. If you have already tried the classic sunburst granny square, this version will take your skills to the next level.
What Materials Do You Need for the Vintage Sunburst Granny Square?
You will need the same basic supplies as other sunburst patterns, plus 5 colors of yarn to create the layered vintage look. The BPdc border round uses its own color, which is what creates the striking frame effect.
- Yarn: 5 colors of DK or sport weight yarn (center, puff rays, bobbles, square round, BPdc border)
- Crochet hook: 3.00mm (US C/2)
- Darning needle: for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers: highly recommended for Round 5
The Craft Yarn Council recommends matching your hook to your yarn weight. If your hook feels too small or too large, check our crochet hook size chart for the full reference.
How to Crochet the Vintage Sunburst Granny Square Step by Step
The vintage sunburst granny square uses 5 rounds. Rounds 1 through 4 are the same as the classic pattern (center, puff stitches, bobble stitches, and square conversion). Round 5 is the unique BPdc border that gives this square its vintage character.
Round 1: The Center
Start your vintage sunburst granny square with the standard 16-dc center worked into a magic ring. This round creates the solid sun core.
Pattern: ch3 (counts as dc) + 15 dc in a magic ring, sl st to top of ch3, fasten off. You should have 16 dc total.
- Start with a magic ring
- ch3 as your standing stitch (counts as 1 dc)
- Work 15 dc into the ring
- Pull the magic ring tail tightly to close the center
- Slip stitch to the top of the first ch3, fasten off
Round 2: Puff Stitch Sun Rays
Round 2 creates the first layer of sun rays using 3-hdc-puff stitches. This round is identical to the classic version and works into each of the 16 dc stitches from Round 1.
Pattern: Join new yarn 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.
Round 3: Bobble Stitch Layer
Round 3 adds 4-dc-bobble stitches in each chain space from Round 2. These bold bobbles create the dramatic sunbeam effect that defines the sunburst look.
Pattern: Join new yarn in any ch-sp, ch2 (counts as incomplete dc) + 3 more incomplete dc to form a 4-dc-bo, ch2, [4-dc-bo + ch2 in next ch-sp] repeat 15 times. Sl st to top of first bobble, fasten off.
Round 4: Square Conversion
Round 4 converts your circular sunburst into a square shape. This round uses dc, hdc, and treble crochet clusters to form the four corners.
Pattern: Join new yarn 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 first ch3, fasten off.
Round 5: The BPdc Border (The Vintage Touch)
This is the round that makes the vintage sunburst granny square unique. Instead of a plain border, you will work BPdc (back post double crochet) stitches around the posts of the dc stitches from Round 4. This creates a raised, ridged texture that frames the sunburst beautifully.
How to make a BPdc stitch: Yarn over, insert your hook from right to left around the vertical post of the stitch (go behind the post, not through the top loops), yarn over and pull through, then complete as a normal dc (yo, through 2 loops, yo, through 2 loops). The stitch pops toward the back of your work.
Pattern: Join new yarn in any corner space, ch3 (counts as dc) + dc, 15 BPdc, 2 dc + ch2 in next corner space. [2 dc in same corner, 15 BPdc, 2 dc + ch2 in next corner] repeat 3 times. Sl st to top of first ch3, fasten off.
Key tips for Round 5:
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- Work BPdc around the post (vertical bar) of each dc stitch, not through the top loops
- Keep your tension relaxed — BPdc naturally pulls tighter than regular dc
- Use a stitch marker at each corner space so you do not lose count
- Each side should have exactly 15 BPdc stitches between corner spaces
The finished vintage sunburst granny square measures approximately 3.75 inches by 3.75 inches. The BPdc border adds about a quarter inch of width compared to the plain square. If you need help with tension issues, our guide to how to fix crochet tension has practical solutions.
Color Suggestions for the Vintage Sunburst Granny Square
Color choice is everything when it comes to the vintage sunburst granny square. The right palette transforms this square from pretty to gorgeous. Here are some retro-inspired combinations:
- 70s retro: Burnt orange center, golden yellow rays, cream bobbles, brown square, black-and-cream BPdc border
- 50s diner: Cherry red center, bubblegum pink rays, mint bobbles, cream square, pink BPdc border
- Victorian elegance: Deep burgundy center, dusty rose rays, sage bobbles, cream square, ivory BPdc border
- Modern vintage: Teal center, coral rays, navy bobbles, white square, gray BPdc border
The key to achieving an authentic vintage look is choosing slightly muted tones rather than bright, saturated colors. If you are unsure about color theory, our guide to crochet tips that make projects look expensive covers color pairing principles.
What Can You Make with Vintage Sunburst Granny Squares?
The vintage sunburst granny square works beautifully in projects that showcase individual squares, since the BPdc border adds definition to each piece. Here are some project ideas that highlight the vintage character of this design:
- Retro throw blanket: 25-30 squares in muted vintage tones for a cozy boho look
- Decorative cushion covers: 4 squares per cushion for a textured, dimensional pillow
- Market tote bag: 6 squares joined for a sturdy, stylish bag
- Table runner: 8-10 squares in a row for a charming dining table accent
For more granny square ideas, explore our granny square pattern collection and our solid granny square pattern for a simpler alternative. The easy crochet blanket pattern for beginners is another great project to try with joined squares.
Vintage Sunburst Granny Square FAQ
What makes a sunburst granny square vintage?
The vintage sunburst granny square gets its vintage character from the BPdc (back post double crochet) border round. The raised post stitches create a textured, dimensional frame that gives the square a retro, handcrafted appearance reminiscent of 1970s crochet designs.
Is the vintage sunburst granny square hard to make?
The vintage sunburst granny square is rated as intermediate difficulty. Rounds 1 through 4 are beginner-friendly, but Round 5 requires the BPdc technique. If you can do regular double crochet, you can learn BPdc with a little practice. Our how to crochet for beginners guide covers the basics that will help.
Can I use the same colors as the classic sunburst granny square?
Yes, you can use any color combination you like for the vintage sunburst granny square. However, adding a contrasting border color in Round 5 is what really makes the vintage frame effect pop. Try using a neutral like cream, black, or gray for the BPdc border to make the sunburst center stand out.
How do I fix curling edges on my vintage sunburst granny square?
If your vintage sunburst granny square edges curl, it usually means your BPdc stitches are too tight. Try going up half a hook size for Round 5 only, or consciously relax your tension when working post stitches. A gentle steam blocking after finishing will also flatten any minor curling.
