A sunflower’s dark seed head must remain visible beneath two separate rings of raised petals. This sunflower granny square blanket pattern recreates that structure with chocolate-brown centers, golden-yellow inner petals, cream outer petals, and olive-green leaf accents. Use DK or worsted-weight yarn with a suitable 4.5–5 mm hook. The intermediate-to-advanced project uses individual motifs that can be joined into a bedspread and matching decorative pillow covers.
The Design: What Makes This Sunflower Bedspread Different
The photographed bedspread uses layered sunflower motifs rather than flat floral appliqués. Each flower begins with a dark circular center, develops a ring of golden petals, and finishes with a larger cream petal layer. This arrangement gives the flowers their three-dimensional appearance.
The second structural decision is the placement of olive-green leaves near the corners. These details create contrast between the flowers and the cream framing rounds while reinforcing the botanical design.
The third feature is the continuous geometric grid. Every square must finish at the same dimensions so the crochet sunflower bedspread can be joined without irregular seams.
A common mistake when making a 3D sunflower crochet blanket is adding too much tension to the outer petal layer. Tight petals pull the square inward and distort its corners.
Project Info at a Glance
| Skill Level | Construction | Published Square Reference | Hook | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate to advanced | Layered flower squares joined into a panel | 12–15.2 cm in comparable patterns | 4.5–5 mm | Bedspreads, throws, pillow covers |
The published measurements are references from other sunflower granny square patterns. The larger, more elaborate squares in the photograph may finish at different dimensions.
Make one complete sample and measure it after blocking before calculating the blanket size.
Materials and Tools
Yarn
- Dark chocolate-brown DK or worsted yarn — sunflower centers.
- Golden-yellow DK or worsted yarn — inner petals.
- Warm cream DK or worsted yarn — outer petals, square frames, joining, and blanket border.
- Olive-green DK or worsted yarn — leaves and botanical accents.
- Optional mustard-yellow yarn — contrasting border details.
Use yarns with comparable thickness and fiber content. Mixing substantially different yarn weights can change the size of individual flower layers.
For a bedspread, buy the full yarn quantity only after making and weighing a completed square. The amount required depends on the final motif size, number of squares, joining method, and border width.
Tools
- 4.5–5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats
- Rustproof pins
- Two square pillow inserts
- Optional fabric lining
Abbreviations
- MR — magic ring
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- hdc — half double crochet
- dc — double crochet
- tr — treble crochet
- sp — space
- st/sts — stitch/stitches
- BLO — back loop only
- RS — right side
- WS — wrong side
An invisible decrease is unnecessary for the main squares because their dimensions are controlled through evenly spaced corner increases.
Special Stitches
Puff Stitch
Yarn over and insert the hook into the indicated stitch.
Pull up a long loop.
Repeat the yarn-over and loop-pull sequence twice more in the same stitch.
Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.
Ch 1 to secure the puff.
Keep every elongated loop approximately the same height.
Three-Double-Crochet Cluster
Yarn over and insert the hook into the indicated space.
Pull up a loop.
Yarn over and pull through two loops.
Repeat twice more in the same space, leaving the final loop of each double crochet on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through all remaining loops.
Ch 1 to secure the cluster.
Picot
Ch 3.
Insert the hook into the first chain.
Work one sl st to close the small decorative point.
Picots can be added to selected petal tips or along the blanket border.
Sunflower Granny Square Pattern — Step by Step
The square begins with a dark center and develops two contrasting petal layers before being converted into a cream-framed square.
Work the central rounds as joined rounds. Starting chains do not count as stitches unless otherwise stated.
Round 1 — Dark Sunflower Center
Yarn: dark chocolate brown.
Make an MR.
Ch 2.
Work 16 dc into the ring.
Join with sl st to the first dc.
Stitch count: 16 dc.
Pull the ring closed, leaving a small opening if desired.
Fasten off.
The dark center should remain flat before the raised stitches are added.
Round 2 — Textured Brown Seed Head
Yarn: dark chocolate brown.
Join yarn in any stitch.
Ch 1.
Work one puff stitch into the first dc.
Ch 1.
Repeat around:
1 puff stitch in next dc, ch 1.
Join with sl st to the first puff.
Stitch count: 16 puff stitches and 16 ch-1 spaces.
Fasten off.
The raised brown puffs form a textured center resembling the sunflower’s seed head.
Round 3 — Golden-Yellow Inner Petals
Yarn: golden yellow.
Join yarn in any ch-1 space.
Ch 2.
Work one three-double-crochet cluster into the same space.
Ch 1.
Repeat around:
1 cluster in next ch-1 space, ch 1.
Join with sl st to the first cluster.
Stitch count: 16 clusters and 16 ch-1 spaces.
Fasten off.
These clusters create the first raised petal layer.
Round 4 — Cream Outer Petals
Yarn: warm cream.
Join cream in any ch-1 space between the yellow clusters.
Work the following petal group into the same space:
(sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, ch 1).
Repeat the same sequence in every remaining ch-1 space.
Join with sl st to the first sc.
Stitch count: 16 cream petal groups, each containing 5 worked stitches, and 16 ch-1 spaces.
There are 80 worked stitches in the cream petal groups.
Fasten off.
The cream petals should sit outside the yellow layer without pulling the flower center inward.
Round 5 — Turning the Sunflower into a Square
Yarn: warm cream.
Join yarn in any ch-1 space between the cream petals.
Work the first corner:
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space.
Work 3 dc in each of the next three ch-1 spaces.
In the following space, work another corner:
(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
Repeat this structure around the flower, placing corners in the first, fifth, ninth, and thirteenth spaces.
Join with sl st.
Stitch count: 60 dc and four ch-2 corner spaces.
The four corners contain 24 dc. The twelve remaining spaces contain another 36 dc.
The sunflower now has four clearly defined corners.
Round 6 — First Cream Frame
Join cream in any corner space.
Work:
(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the corner.
Work one dc in each stitch along the next side.
Repeat the corner treatment at every following corner.
Continue around the entire square.
Join with sl st.
Stitch count: 76 dc and four ch-2 corner spaces.
Round 7 — Second Cream Frame
Continue with cream.
Work one dc in every stitch along each side.
At each corner work:
(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).
Join with sl st.
Stitch count: 92 dc and four ch-2 corner spaces.
Round 8 — Final Square Frame
Continue with cream.
Work one dc in each stitch around.
At every corner work:
(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).
Join with sl st.
Stitch count: 108 dc and four ch-2 corner spaces.
Fasten off, leaving a tail approximately 15 cm long if the square will be sewn to another motif.
The completed square has a layered sunflower center and a regular cream frame.
Making the Olive-Green Leaves
The photograph includes green leaf shapes positioned near the corners of each sunflower square.
These details are separate decorative elements in this reconstruction.
Make four leaves for each square if you want a similar botanical appearance.
Leaf Pattern — Make Four per Square
Yarn: olive green.
Ch 9.
Beginning in the second chain from the hook, work:
1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 2 hdc, 1 sc.
Work 3 sc into the final chain.
Rotate the foundation chain and continue along the opposite side.
Work:
1 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc.
Join with sl st.
Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm sewing tail.
The leaf should have a rounded base and a tapered upper section.
Make the remaining leaves using the same stitch sequence.
Positioning the Green Leaves
Place the completed sunflower square on a flat surface.
Position one leaf diagonally between the flower and each corner.
Keep the leaf tips directed toward the corners.
Pin all four leaves before sewing.
Check that the arrangement is symmetrical.
Use the yarn tails to stitch the leaves to the square.
Attach the leaves through their center sections, leaving their outer edges slightly raised if desired.
Do not sew through the corner chain spaces.
Those spaces are needed for joining and later framing adjustments.
Creating More Dimensional Sunflower Petals
The photographed flowers have deeper, more sculpted petals than a basic flat sunflower square.
For additional height, work a separate cream petal layer and attach it behind the existing cream petals.
Use the same sixteen-petal arrangement.
Make each additional petal slightly longer by replacing its central dc with a tr.
Keep the petal bases aligned with the original flower.
Attach the second layer only around its inner edge.
Leave the outer tips free to sit above the square background.
This optional technique increases thickness and yarn consumption.
Test it on one sample before adding it to every motif.
Blocking the Sunflower Squares
Block every square before joining.
Place the first completed motif on a blocking mat.
Pin the four corners.
Measure both diagonals.
Adjust the corners until the diagonals match.
Arrange the cream framing rounds without flattening the flower petals.
Position the green leaves so they remain visible.
Allow the square to dry completely before removing the pins.
Record the finished width and height.
Use the blocked sample as a template for the remaining motifs.
Planning the Sunflower Bedspread
The photograph shows sunflower squares arranged in a continuous grid across the bed.
Each flower faces upward.
The cream frames create straight horizontal and vertical lines between motifs.
Before joining, decide how far the finished blanket should extend over the sides and foot of the mattress.
Measure the mattress width and length.
Add the desired side drops to the width.
Add the foot drop to the length.
Divide the resulting dimensions by the blocked square size.
Round up to a complete number of squares.
How Many Sunflower Squares Are Needed?
Suppose a blocked sunflower square measures 18 cm.
An arrangement of eight squares across and ten squares down contains 80 motifs.
Before joining and border allowances, that panel measures approximately 144 × 180 cm.
A ten-by-twelve arrangement contains 120 motifs and measures approximately 180 × 216 cm.
A twelve-by-fourteen arrangement contains 168 motifs and measures approximately 216 × 252 cm.
These figures are planning examples, not measurements of the photographed bedspread.
The final dimensions will depend on the actual square size, joining method, and border width.
Joining the Sunflower Granny Squares
Arrange the blocked squares in the intended layout.
Check that every sunflower faces the same direction.
Use cream yarn for the joining seams.
Place two squares right sides together.
Insert the hook through corresponding edge loops.
Work loose slip stitches along the seam.
Join the squares into horizontal rows first.
Then join the completed rows into a rectangular panel.
Check the blanket after every joined row.
If the seams begin to pucker, loosen the joining tension before continuing.
Decorative Joining Variation
The photograph contains cream joining details that are more decorative than a basic seam.
For a raised join, work single crochet through corresponding edge stitches with the right sides facing outward.
This creates a visible ridge between neighboring squares.
Keep the ridge consistent across the entire blanket.
At four-square intersections, work carefully so the seams meet without forming a bulky knot.
Test the method on four squares before assembling the full bedspread.
A decorative join adds texture but may also increase the overall panel dimensions.
Adding the Blanket Border
Once the squares are joined, work a continuous border around the outside edge.
Join cream yarn at any corner.
Work one sc into each suitable edge stitch.
At each outside corner, work three sc.
Join with sl st.
For the second round, work one dc into each stitch.
At every corner, work three dc into the corner stitch.
Join with sl st.
Add another cream round if the bedspread requires a wider outer frame.
Decorative Scalloped Edging
The photographed bedspread has a rounded decorative finish along the lower edge.
A shell border can reproduce that effect.
Work one sc into the first suitable stitch.
Skip two stitches.
Work five dc into the next stitch.
Skip two stitches.
Work one sc into the following stitch.
Repeat around the blanket.
Adjust the spacing near corners so the shells lie flat.
For a color accent, work a narrow mustard-yellow round before the final cream scallops.
Fasten off and weave in the tail.
Matching Sunflower Crochet Pillow Covers
The photograph includes two square pillows with large raised sunflowers.
The pillow flowers use the same dark brown, golden yellow, cream, and olive-green palette as the bedspread.
Begin with one sunflower square.
Add cream framing rounds until the panel reaches the required pillow dimensions.
Keep the sunflower centered.
Attach four green leaves near the corners.
Block the completed front panel.
Measure it before choosing a pillow insert.
Make a second front panel using the same instructions.
Making the Pillow Backs
A solid crochet back supports the raised flower without introducing additional openwork.
Ch enough stitches to match the width of the blocked pillow front.
Work rows of hdc until the panel reaches the required height.
Alternatively, make two shorter rectangles that overlap to create an envelope closure.
Place the front and back with wrong sides together.
Join around the edges using sc.
Leave the envelope opening accessible if the insert will be removable.
Fasten off and weave in the remaining tails.
Adding a Decorative Pillow Border
The photographed pillows have cream edging around the square sunflower panels.
Join cream yarn at one corner of the completed cover.
Work one round of sc around the perimeter.
At each corner, work three sc.
For a textured finish, add a second round using small shells or picots.
Keep the edging narrow enough that it does not obscure the green leaves.
Repeat the same border on the second pillow.
Assembly — 10 Steps
- Complete the dark brown sunflower center and verify the 16-stitch foundation.
- Work the textured brown round, golden-yellow clusters, and cream outer petals.
- Convert the flower into a square and complete the cream framing rounds.
- Make four olive-green leaves and attach them near the corners.
- Block the sample square and record its finished dimensions and yarn consumption.
- Calculate the required number of squares for the bedspread.
- Make the remaining motifs using the same colors, hook, and round counts.
- Join the squares into rows, connect the rows, and add the outer border.
- Make two matching sunflower pillow covers with coordinated backs and edging.
- Weave in all tails, inspect the seams, and complete the final blocking.
The completed set consists of a sunflower granny square bedspread and two coordinated decorative pillow covers.
7 Technical Tips
- Count all 16 center stitches before starting the puff round. A missing stitch changes the spacing of the petals and prevents the four corners from aligning correctly.
- Keep every puff stitch at approximately the same height. Unequal loops produce an uneven seed head and can cause the flower center to cup.
- Verify the 16 yellow clusters before adding the cream petals. An extra cluster changes the spacing of the outer flower layer.
- Check that the square has four matching ch-2 corners. A misplaced corner makes the motif lean diagonally and complicates joining.
- Compare blocked squares within approximately 5 mm. Larger differences accumulate across multiple rows and create uneven blanket edges.
- Pin all four green leaves before sewing. Leaves placed at different distances from the corners make neighboring squares look inconsistent.
- Weave yarn tails through at least 4–5 cm of matching-color stitches. Dark brown tails carried behind cream sections may show through the lighter fabric.
Choosing Yarn for a Sunflower Bedspread
The photograph shows clearly defined stitches and thick raised petals.
DK and worsted yarns are both suitable starting points.
A published DK sunflower square measures approximately 12 cm using a 3.5 mm hook.
Another published worsted-weight design measures approximately 15.2 cm with a 5 mm hook.
Those examples show how yarn weight and hook size affect the finished motif.
For a large bedspread, choose yarn with enough drape to hang over the mattress without becoming excessively stiff.
Make one complete square before purchasing the full quantity.
Calculating Yarn Requirements
A bedspread with layered sunflower petals requires more yarn than a flat granny square blanket of similar dimensions.
Weigh one finished square, including its leaves and cream framing rounds.
Record the yarn used for each color separately.
Multiply those quantities by the number of squares required.
Add yarn for the joining seams, outer border, and pillow covers.
For example, if one complete square weighs 35 g and the blanket requires 120 squares, the motifs alone would require approximately 4,200 g.
The 35 g figure is a calculation example, not a verified measurement for the photographed design.
Use your actual sample weight for purchasing decisions.
Preventing Uneven Sunflower Squares
Raised flowers can distort their surrounding frames if the petal tension is too tight.
Inspect the square after every major color change.
If the center cups, check the puff-stitch height and cluster tension.
If the cream frame ruffles, inspect the corner increases.
If the square lies flat but the joined blanket waves, review the joining tension.
Do not attempt to correct a large stitch-count error through blocking alone.
Correct the sample before repeating it across the full project.
Keeping the Sunflower Colors Consistent
The photograph uses a repeated color arrangement across the entire bedspread.
Dark brown remains concentrated in the center.
Golden yellow forms the inner petal ring.
Cream creates the larger outer petals and square frame.
Olive green provides the leaf accents.
Repeat the same sequence for every square.
Changing the order between motifs can make the blanket appear patchwork rather than continuous.
For a more muted version, replace bright yellow with warm mustard while keeping the dark center and cream framing.
Adjusting the Bedspread Size
Measure the mattress width and length.
Decide how far the bedspread should hang over the sides and foot.
Add those measurements to the required panel dimensions.
Divide the result by the blocked square size.
Round up to complete rows and columns.
Check the planned arrangement before making every motif.
For a symmetrical result, use the same number of squares in corresponding rows.
Account for the joining seams and outer border when calculating the final dimensions.
Care and Washing
Follow the care instructions for the selected yarn.
Large crochet bedspreads become heavy when wet, especially when made from cotton.
Support the entire fabric when moving it after washing.
Avoid hanging the wet blanket from one narrow edge.
The weight can stretch the joining seams and distort the flower squares.
Dry flat whenever practical.
Reshape the corners and decorative border while the fabric is damp.
Check the raised petals after drying and adjust any that have folded beneath neighboring stitches.
Conclusion
The dark centers, golden petals, cream outer flowers, and olive-green leaves define this sunflower granny square blanket pattern. Begin with one complete sample, verify the stitch counts, and block it before calculating the bedspread dimensions. Next, weigh the finished square to estimate yarn requirements for the blanket and matching pillow covers. Test the joining method on four motifs before assembling the larger panel. Keep the flower colors consistent and use the same blocking measurements throughout. Share the completed sunflower bedroom set on Pinterest or Instagram with #SunflowerGrannyBedspread. For this particular design, would you keep the outer petals cream or make both petal layers golden yellow?
