Sunburst Granny Square Bedspread & Pillow Crochet Pattern

Introduction

If you’re looking to brighten your bedroom with a handmade touch, this sunburst granny square bedspread and pillow set is the perfect crochet project. The main features of this set are the lush, overlapping squares, each radiating in shades of white, yellow, light and dark green. The color transitions evoke a soft sunrise or spring meadow, creating a welcoming and restful atmosphere. The texture is plush yet structured, with each square bordered in a bold dark green, providing a striking contrast and a classic granny square look. Matching pillows add a coordinating flourish, tying the entire room together.

This project stands out as both visually impressive and practical. The modular construction lets you adapt the final size, from throws to oversized bedspreads, and provides a portable, approachable way to tackle a large project one square at a time. If you love crisp geometric designs, soothing colors, and textural variety, you’ll find this a rewarding and enjoyable pattern to make. Plus, this set is perfect as a handmade gift, heirloom, or centerpiece for your own home.

Project Overview

The bedspread and pillow covers are made from separate granny squares, each worked in the round. Every square showcases a sunburst effect created by color changes in each round, moving from white at the center to yellow, two shades of green, and a deep green border. Once you crochet the individual squares, they are joined together using a join-as-you-go or traditional seaming method. The pillow covers use the same type of square, usually two per pillow, seamed on three sides with an envelope-style or buttoned opening for easy pillow insertion.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner. This pattern incorporates basic granny square techniques, color changes, and seaming. If you’re comfortable with double crochet and joining squares, you’ll find this a manageable project. Beginners can tackle it by practicing their stitching and color transitions on a few sample squares first.

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or soft cotton blend yarn for durability and easy care.
Colors Used: White, Bright Yellow, Light Green, Olive Green, Deep Forest Green (border/outer round).
Approximate Quantities for a Queen Bed (64 squares at 20 cm/8 in):
- White: 350 g (12.4 oz)
- Yellow: 200 g (7 oz)
- Light Green: 250 g (8.8 oz)
- Olive Green: 250 g (8.8 oz)
- Deep Forest Green: 450 g (15.9 oz)
Crochet Hook: US size H-8 (5.0 mm) or size needed for gauge
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and joining squares
Scissors
Stitch Markers: Optional, for marking corners when joining
Pillow Inserts: 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 cm), or adjust to square size

Finished Size

Each granny square measures approximately 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) after blocking. For a queen-sized bedspread (240 x 240 cm / 95 x 95 in), use an 8 x 8 square layout (64 squares). Pillow covers use two squares each, fitting an 18 x 18 inch (45 x 45 cm) insert. You may adjust the finished size by making more or fewer squares or by varying the number of rounds per square.

Gauge

One finished sunburst granny square (6 rounds + border) should measure about 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in) after gentle blocking. Adjust hook size to achieve the correct dimensions. Slight differences in gauge will affect overall size and yarn usage.

Stitches and Abbreviations

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
sp: space
st: stitch
beg: beginning
RS/WS: right side/wrong side

Pattern Notes

Work each square in joined rounds; at the end of each round, join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting ch-3.
Ch 3 at the start of a round counts as the first double crochet.
Change colors by completing the final yarn-over of the last dc of the round with the new color and continue as indicated.
Keep the right side facing throughout, unless otherwise stated.
Weave in ends after each color change to keep work tidy.
If making the join-as-you-go method, complete final round as you join squares together.
Stitch markers may help in marking each corner of your squares.

Crochet Pattern Instructions

Sunburst Granny Square (Make the required number for your bedspread and pillows)

With White, make a slip knot and ch 4. Join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1 (White): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc into ring, ch 2, [3 dc into ring, ch 2] repeat 3 more times (4 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 corners total). Join to top of beg ch-3 with sl st. Fasten off white, join yellow to any ch-2 sp. (12 dc)
Round 2 (Yellow): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner made), [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] repeat 3 more times, ch 1, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off yellow, join light green to any ch-2 corner. (8 groups of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 3 (Light Green): Ch 3, 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] repeat 3 more times, ch 1, 3 dc in remaining ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st. Fasten off light green, join olive green to any ch-2 corner. (12 3-dc clusters, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 4 (Olive Green): Ch 3, 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp as needed, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] around, ending with ch 1, join with sl st. Fasten off olive green and join dark green to any ch-2 corner. (16 3-dc clusters, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 5 (Deep Green/Bold Border): Ch 3, 2 dc in same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp (corner), [ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 sp along the side, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp] for remaining sides, maintaining consistent clusters and spaces. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (20 3-dc clusters, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 6 (Deep Green/Scallop Edge): Ch 1, sc in same st as join, skip next dc, [(5 dc) in next ch-1 sp, skip next dc, sc in next dc] repeat around each side. In each corner ch-2 space, place (5 dc, ch 2, 5 dc). Continue this pattern, join with sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends. (This creates a gentle scalloped edge.)

Note: The precise number of side clusters will depend on your square’s round count; always maintain the symmetrical structure and spacing.

Joining the Squares

Arrange finished squares in your preferred layout for the bedspread and pillows.
With dark green and RS facing, seam squares together using whip stitch, mattress stitch, or join-as-you-go (by slip stitching or single crocheting through back loops only of adjacent squares in the final round).
Work row by row, then join the rows together for a flat, tidy join.

Pillow Assembly

For each pillow cover, make two squares.
With RS together, seam three sides of two squares together using single crochet, slip stitch, or whip stitch with dark green.
Turn the cover RS out, insert pillow form, then seam or close the fourth side as desired. For an envelope closure, create extra rows of single crochet on one square’s edge for overlap before seaming; for buttons, add buttonholes along one edge with matching buttons.

Assembly and Finishing

Blocking Squares: Gently block each square before joining. Pin to shape on a blocking mat, spray with water, and allow to dry. This equalizes size and produces sharp corners.
Joining: Arrange all squares in final layout. Join rows horizontally, then join rows vertically for consistency. Make sure corners align for a flat, even result.
Weaving in Ends: Use tapestry needle to securely weave in all yarn ends. Weave ends back and forth a few times for durability.
Finishing Edges: For a neat border, work a final round of single crochet or reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around the finished bedspread and pillow edges using dark green. This gives added structure and a professional look.
Shaping: After assembly, do a final gentle block of the finished bedspread and pillow covers.

Customization Ideas

Try different color arrangements for a spectrum, sunset, or ombré effect by using more shades of a single color.
Use lighter weight yarn for a summer throw or baby blanket, or chunky yarn for a heavier winter blanket (adjust hook and gauge accordingly).
Make a smaller or larger project by increasing or reducing the number or size of squares.
Individual squares can also be made into bags, wall hangings, or table runners for a coordinated look.

Troubleshooting

Curling: If your squares are curling inward, check your stitch count at the corners and ensure looseness; switch to a larger hook if needed.
Uneven Edges: Always block your squares so they are uniform in size before joining. Skipped stitches can cause irregular shaping—review your round instructions.
Too Large/Small: If your squares are not matching the intended size, adjust your hook size and check your tension. Keep gauge swatches handy.
Loose Color Changes: When changing colors, pull the new color snug and weave in the tail as you work the next stitches to secure transitions.
Uneven Tension: Keep your yarn tension even throughout, especially when changing between different brands of yarn. Practice on sample pieces if you notice inconsistency in your stitches.

Care Instructions

Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with similar colors and mild detergent. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low. For added longevity, place the items in a mesh laundry bag. Do not bleach. If ironing is needed, use a low temperature and a pressing cloth.

Final Notes

Check your stitch count at the end of each round to maintain the correct shape and size. Adjust your tension as needed for a neat finish. Use the project photo as a layout guide, but feel free to add your own personal flair with color and size variations.