Sunny Granny Square

I designed the Sunny Granny Square as part of the bigger Log Cabin style block pictured above. However, I think it's a very versatile little square in its own right and could be used for all sorts of other projects.

For this project, I'm make my Sunny Granny Squares using 3 shades of Stylecraft Special DK :: Citron, Spice and Gold. This yarn requires a 4mm hook as standard - if you know your own crochet tension is maybe a little bit loose or tight, you will need to change your hook size accordingly. I've given gauge/tension advise at the end of the pattern.

The Sunny square is crocheted in five rounds, using cluster stitches to make the circular sun motif, then a mixture of half trebles, trebles and double trebles (UK terms) to form the straight sides of the square. I'm writing this pattern using UK crochet terms as follows ::

sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

htr [half treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US hdc stitch)

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

dtr [double treble] :: yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (four loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (three loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US tr stitch)

2tr-cl [two stitch treble cluster] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same space/stitch, yarn over, pull a loop back through (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops. (note :: this is equivalent to a US 2dc-cl stitch)

3tr-cl [three stitch treble cluster] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same space/stitch, yarn over, pull a loop back through (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same space/stitch, yarn over, pull a loop back through (5 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all four loops. (note :: this is equivalent to a US 3dc-cl stitch)

4tr-cl [four stitch treble cluster] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same space/stitch, yarn over, pull a loop back through (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same space/stitch, yarn over, pull a loop back through (5 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same space/stitch, yarn over, pull a loop back through (6 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (5 loops on hook),yarn over and pull through all five loops. (note :: this is equivalent to a US 3dc-cl stitch)

:: Round 1 :: use Citron yarn

Chain 4, sl st into first chain to form a ring. Chain 3; 1 tr into ring, chain 1 (as in above picture)

Now lets go through working a 2-treble-cluster (2tr-cl), which is basically two incomplete treble stitches pulled together at the top. Use the above pictures as a guide, as follows::

1) yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (3 loops on hook)

2) yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook)

3) yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (4 loops on hook)

4) yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook)

5) yarn over, pull through all three loops (1 loop on hook)

The above picture shows what your treble cluster should look like. You will chain 1 after every cluster.

*2tr-cl into the ring, chain 1*

Repeat between *** 3 more times so that you have 6  treble clusters in total, separated by chain-1 spaces.

Slip stitch in 3rd chain of beginning ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off.

:: Round 2 :: use Spice yarn

Insert hook into the ch-1 space and pull through a loop of the new colour (as in above picture)

Chain 3, then work a 2tr-cl into the same ch-1 space, chain 1 (as in above picture)

In this round you will be crocheting 3tr-clusters. So in the same ch-1 space as the previous stitches, work a 3tr-cluster as follows ::

1) yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (3 loops on hook)

2) yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook)

3) yarn over, insert hook into same space, yarn over, pull a loop back through (4 loops on hook)

4) yarn over, pull through two loops (3 loops on hook)

5) yarn over, insert hook into same space yarn over, pull a loop back through (5 loops on hook, as in above picture)

6) yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook)

7) yarn over, pull through all four loops.

8) Chain 1.

The above picture shows your beginning cluster, plus a 3tr-cluster all worked out of the same ch-1 space. Note that there is a chain-1 separating the two cluster groups, and a chain-1at the end of the second cluster group.

In the next ch-1 space, work  *3tr-cl, chain 1, 3tr-cl, chain 1* (as in above picture).

Repeat between ** four more times, remembering to make a chain space after each cluster group.

Slip stitch into 3rd chain of beginning ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off. You should have made 12 treble clusters in total, each one separated by a ch-1 space.

:: Round 3 :: use Citron yarn

Insert hook into the ch-1 space and pull through a loop of the new colour, then chain 3 (as in above picture)

Work a 3tr-cl into the same ch-1 space, chain 2 (as in above picture)

In this round you will be crocheting 4tr-clusters, separated by chain-2 spaces. So in the next ch-1 space, work a 4tr-cluster as follows ::

1) yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull a loop back through (3 loops on hook)

2) yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook)

3) yarn over, insert hook into same space, yarn over, pull a loop back through (4 loops on hook)

4) yarn over, pull through two loops (3 loops on hook)

5) yarn over, insert hook into same space yarn over, pull a loop back through (5 loops on hook, as in above picture)

6) yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook)

7) yarn over, insert hook into same space yarn over, pull a loop back through (6 loops on hook, as in above picture)

8) yarn over, pull through 2 loops (5 loops on hook)

9) yarn over, pull through all five loops.

10) Chain 2.

*In the next ch-1 space work a 4tr-cl, chain 2*

Repeat between ** 9 more times.

Slip stitch into 3rd chain of beginning ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off. You should have made 12 treble clusters in total, each one separated by a chain-2 space.

:: Round 4 :: use Gold yarn

Insert hook into the ch-2 space and pull through a loop of the new colour, then chain 6 (counts as 1 dtr, plus a ch-2 corner space)

In this round we will be using 3 different stitches to form a square around the sunny circle. It's important that you follow the pattern closely with this round. I've explained the different stitches at the start of this pattern, so make sure you are familiar with htr (half trebles), tr (trebles) and dtr (double trebles). Remember these are UK terms.

We start with a double treble, so yarn over twice (as in above picture)....

Insert your hook into the ch-2 space, yarn over and pull a loop back through. You should have 4 loops on your hook (as in above picture).

Complete the dtr stitch as follows : yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. This makes a tall crochet stitch (as in above picture).

In the same ch-2 space, work 2 tr (as in above picture).

Work 3 htr in the next ch-2 space, 3 htr in next ch-2 space (as in above picture)

In the next ch-2 space you will make a corner group, as follows ::

(2 tr, 1 dtr, chain 2, 1 dtr, 2 tr)

Work 3 htr in the next ch-2 space, 3 htr in next ch-2 space (as in above picture)

*In the next ch-2 space work (2 tr, 1 dtr, chain 2, 1 dtr, 2 tr)

Work 3 htr in the next ch-2 space, 3 htr in next ch-2 space*

Repeat between ** once more (as in above picture)

You now need to complete the first corner group. See where my needle is in the above picture? It's the very first ch-2 space you crocheted into.

Work 2 tr's into this space so that they sit next to the beginning ch-6.

Slip stitch into the 4th chain of the beginning ch-6 to close the round (as in above picture). Do NOT fasten off!.........

:: Round 5 :: continue with Gold yarn

Slip stitch into the corner space where you closed the last round. This will make sure you are in the right place to start this round. 

The stitches for this round are all htr (half trebles).

Chain 4 (counts as 1 htr plus a ch-2 space)

Work 2 htr into same corner space (as in above picture)

We will now be working into the stitches of the previous round. See where my needle is in the above picture? That's where your first htr will go, into that first stitch.

Work 1 htr into each stitch along the first side - there will be 12 htr's in total.

Work (2 htr, chain 2, 2 htr) into the ch-2 corner space (as in above picture)

Now back to working htr's into the stitches along the second side....make sure you don't miss the very first stitch, sometimes it likes to hide itself away under the stitches you just made! In the above picture I'm showing you the first stitch.

Work 1 htr in the first stitch, then 11 more htr along the side (12 htr in total).

*Work (2 htr, chain 2, 2 htr) into the ch-2 corner space.

Work 1 htr into each of the next 12 stitches*

Repeat between ** once more - you should be back to the beginning now.

You now need to complete the first corner group. Work 1 htr back in the same ch-2 corner space where you started this round, so it sits directly next to the beginning chain-4.

Now slip stitch into the 2nd chain of the beginning chain-4 to close the round. Fasten off.

Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!! One neat little Sunny Granny Square!

If you've not darned your ends in at the end of each round, time to do it now. Get all those pesky ends darned in securely and neatly whilst attempting to think loving and happy thoughts. You can do it!

A quick word about tension, which is important if you are making this square as part of the Sunny Log cabin blanket.

Crochet tension and size can vary enormously between each individual, and for blanket making this generally isn't a problem. But if you are using a yarn pack with a set quantity of yarn, you don't want to run out! So please, please do take the time to measure your first square and be prepared to re-make it using a different hook size if necessary.

We are using Stylecraft Special DK yarn for the Sunny blanket and the standard hook size for this yarn is a 4mm. Your finished five-round Sunny granny square will need to measure approximately 10cm across. If your square comes out bigger than 10cm, you will need to switch to a smaller hook size (try a 3.5mm or even a 3mm if your tension is very loose). If your square comes out smaller than 10cm, you are a tight hooker (yes you are!) and will need to switch to a bigger hook size (try a 4.5mm or a 5mm).

SUNNY LOG CABIN CAL

Once you have got your hook size and tension sorted, you will need to make a total of 16 Sunny Granny Squares.

Here is the abbreviated pattern for this square for you to copy/paste/print and tuck in your crochet bag...

SUNNY GRANNY SQUARE

htr – half treble

tr - treble

dtr – double treble

2tr-cl - two stitch treble cluster

3tr-cl - three stitch treble cluster

4tr-cl - four stitch treble cluster

 

Round 1 (citron)

Note : work out of the ring for this round

Ch 4; sl st in 1^st ch to form a ring.

Ch 3; 1 tr into ring; ch 1; *2tr-cl, ch 1*

Repeat between ** 4 more times.

Sl st into 3^rd ch of beg ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off [6 x 2tr clusters]

 

Round 2 (spice)

To begin : join yarn in any ch-1 space to start

(Ch 3; 2tr-cl; ch 1; 3tr-cl; ch1) in first ch-1 space.

*(3tr-cl; ch 1; 3tr-cl; ch1) in next ch-1 space*

Repeat between ** 4 more times

Sl st into 3^rd ch of beg ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off [12 x 3tr clusters]

 

Round 3 (citron)

To begin : join yarn in any ch-1 space to start

(Ch 3; 3tr-cl; ch 2) in first ch-1 space

*(4tr-cl; ch 2) in next ch-1 space*

Repeat between ** 10 more times

Sl st into 3^rd ch of beg ch-3 to close the round. Fasten off [12 x 4tr clusters]

 

Round 4 (gold)

To begin : join yarn in any ch-2 space to start

Ch 6 (counts as 1 dtr plus ch-2); *1 dtr; 2 tr;

3 htr in next ch-2 space; 3 htr in next ch-2 space;

*(2 tr; 1 dtr; ch 2; 1 dtr; 2 tr) in next ch-2 space;

3 htr in next ch-2 space; 3 htr in next ch-2 space*

Repeat between ** twice more.

2 tr in first ch-2 space to complete corner.

Sl st into 4^th ch of beg ch-6 to close the round. Do not fasten off – sl st into the ch-2 corner space directly where you closed this round so that you are in the correct place for starting Round 5.

 

Round 5 (gold)

Note : work out of the stitches for this round

Ch 4 (counts as 1 htr plus ch-2); 2 htr in ch-2 corner space;

1 htr in each of the next 12 sts;

*(2 htr; ch 2; 2 htr) in corner space; 1 htr in each of the next 12 sts*

Repeat between ** twice more

1 htr in first ch-2 space to complete corner.

Sl st into 2^nd ch of beg ch-4 to close the round. Fasten off and darn in all ends.

 *edit : Round 4 >> this 1 dtr was omitted when the pattern was first published, I am so sorry! If you copy/paste/print this pattern please make sure you have that 1 dtr in!!

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Some useful links for you if you are following the Crochet-ALong (CAL) ::

Sunny Blanket CAL Introduction

Sunny Blanket CAL Part 1

 

 

 

Comments

[a]

Hi, is this available as a pdf to download at all? :)

[Mel]

On Round 1 I think it needs to be changed to:
'Repeat between ** 4 more times so that you have 6 treble clusters in total, separated by chain-1 spaces.'
I kept getting not enough clusters, 5 instead of 6, and then when I looked at your printable summary it says Repeat between ** 4 more times.'
Just a heads up in case anyone else getting stuck and confused like me!
Thanks again for the pattern xx

[margaret]

do you have the colors for square 3@4 or do we make up our own

[Jessica]

Hi Lucy, Im relatively new to crochet and know this is a bit of a mammoth project but I can't resist giving it a go! Ive just started my first sunny granny square and already a bit confused....in the detailed step by step instructions you say to repeat part of round one "3 more times", but in the abbreviated pattern you say to repeat that part "4 more times".

Please would you clarify before I waste too much wool?!

Thank you, Jessica

[kardan]

hi Lucy
You are gorgeous. I've just found this stunning blog!! Salutation for your inspires.
Nooshin
from Tehran-IRAN

[Charlotte Mandel]

I am thinking of these two squares:
- Little coat square
- Sunny Granny Square

Charlotte.

[Charlotte Mandel]

Hi Lucy!
I hope I can reach you this way.
I am a member of a danish Facebook-group where we crochet a new square every sunday. For the group I would like to translate one or two of your squares - and maybe some tecniques. Of course including links to your wonderful blog and your Facebook-page.
Is that okay with you?
Kind regards, Charlotte Mandel
Denmark

[Pam Weldon]

Just started my sunny squares. Going slow as I have problems with my hands. Looking forward to finishing 16 so I can start the next stage.

[Ann Brixey]

Hi Lucy, I've just started my Sunny log cabin and finished my first centre. I also thought the centre was cupping but I carried on. It looks flat, neat and 10cms. I'm very chuffed. Fifteen more to go. Thank you so much for your wonderful instructions and photos.

[Sue]

Hi Lucy
I just love your patterns and designs and have just started the sunny log cabin. I am a bit concerned that the granny square in the middle is cupping rather. I've checked my tension and it comes out exactly 10cm with the 4mm. I tried with the 4.5mm and the cupping is a bit less (but still there) with that, but then it measures 12cm. Wonder what I am doing wrong? Don't want to go on to all the surrounding colours until I've got this right. Would be very grateful if you could either reassure me that it all flattens out when it's finished, or what I could do to put it right. Thanks so much for all your help on my crochet journey.

[Linda]

Just got my Sunny Pack this past weekend. A late Christmas present from my daughter. So worth the wait!! And okay since I had a couple of other projects to finish.
It was only in my hands about an hour before I made the first center square. Moved down to a 3.75 hook and measuring just over 10 cm. I think I could get to exact measurements by maybe using a single crochet instead of hdc on the final row. I was a bit worried about some slight cupping of this square but after looking at some of the pics, it appears to be normal.
So, very anxious to complete the first of the squares. This is going to be such a fun project with an amazing acrylic yarn!!
Thank you Miss Lucy for your beautiful design.
From Linda, another crocheter from the States.

[Kath Lyle]

Have ordered my pack (or rather my husband has for my birthday), so in anticipation of it's arrival I have done a practice Granny square and have managed to get the tension correct.... So far! But intend to practice some more.....ok, I'm addicted lol.

Have got to commend you on your instructions, I'm very new to crocheting and found it easy to grasp, thank you :)

[Claudia Smith]

This pattern is written so amazingly well that I was able to make my first square without any problems!I haven't touched a hook in over 30 years so I am very happy and excited seeing it all come together so nicely. I am making this beautiful, fun blanket for my granddaughter..can't wait for her to see it. Thank you so much for being so efficient.

[Sheila J.]

The Sunny Log Cabin Blanket pack arrived next day from Woolwarehouse so have just printed off the pattern instructions and looking forward to making the first granny square to test my tension. This is my first Crochet Along. :)

[Jill]

I've been working on my squares this week. After two squares, I think I got the hook size and tension right to come up with pretty squares measuring 10 cm. since I did my practice squares with the yarn from the pack, do you think I will need to order extra? I could frog those practice squares, I suppose. Also, the first 3 rounds seem to want to curl up a bit? Is this normal? Are you turning your work? The cupping diminishes with the addition of rows 4 and 5, but I'm still wondering if I'm doing something wrong. Love your work Lucy! This is my first CAL ever--what fun!

[Robin Summers]

I love the sunny granny square. I have one Sunny Pack and I just ordered the second pack for the granny stripe blanket. Thanks for the wonderful talent you share with all of us. Much love to you and the family.

Robin from across the pond

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[SAMANTHA]

Eek I started with a 3,5mm because I know I am a loose hooker. It measures 12cm across. Do you recommend a 3 then. Only hook I don't have. Argh. Love how it has come out though. Really excited about this project.

[Cathy Grover]

I'm going to make this...your work is beautiful, absolutely beautiful! This will be my fist ever crochet along so I'm a bit excited about it, feel very grateful I found you and your style, it's just happy, and I need that, so thank you so much for what you do.

[Elke]

I love your designs, your colours and your great tutorials, so it's the first time I'mpart of your Cal. Just waiting when my yarn pack arrive to Germany. Only thing I miss, is a printer friendly version. Please think about this

happy crochet, Elke

[Moorecat]

Oops! My fingers just slipped and I ordered the Sunny yarn pack. I wonder how long it will take to arrive in Australia?

[Kadi]

Just making a tester square, and got a bit confused on round 4. In the picture instructions it says that at the start of the round is a ch 6, a dtr, then 2tr (then at the end of the round you make 2tr in the same space to complete the corner.

In the written instructions it looks like maybe a dtr is missed out at the beginning. Otherwise the completed corner is 2tr, 1dtr (a ch4), ch 2, 2tr.

Or am I reading it wrong?

[Kadi]

Thanks for the pattern, Lucy! I'm waiting for my Sunny Pack to arrive, so for the time being I'm writing this up and will test it our with some spare Stylecraft to get the tension right, so I can smash out my 16 granny squares as soon as my lovely pack arrives!