Free Pattern – Sunshine Square
Soak in the sunshine while you can with this fun, sunny square! The sun in the middle really pops out thanks to front post stitches. This pattern was designed for the 2015 Mystery Lapghan CAL (#MysteryLapghanCAL2015). If this is the first you’ve heard about it, don’t worry – we’ve only just started, so there’s plenty of time to catch up! You can read more about it here, and you may also want to check out the official Mystery Lapghan FAQ on Crochet Memories.
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Sunshine Square
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Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn – I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
- 20 yds main color (A) – I used Mustard
- 20 yds background color (B) – I used Silver Blue
- Size I / 9 (5.5 mm) hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn or tapestry needle
Difficulty:
Intermediate – Worked in the round, post / cable stitches, working into front loop or back loop only.
Size:
6″ square.
Gauge:
First 3 rounds (the sun) should measure 3.5″ in diameter.
Abbreviations used:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- csdc = chainless starting double crochet
- fptr = front post treble
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp(s) = space(s)
- sk = skip
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Notes:
- The magic circle technique is recommended, for a more solid center with no gap. If you prefer, you can chain 4 and join with a sl st to form a loop instead.
- The chainless starting double crochet (csdc) is recommended for a less visible join. If you prefer, you can chain 3 (counts as a dc) instead.
- For cleaner color changes, change colors in the last step of the previous stitch (i.e. when pulling through the last 2 loops to finish the stitch)
- For some rounds you will need to turn your work, and for others you won’t. Do not turn unless specifically specified in the instructions.
Recommended Resources:
- How to Make the Magic Ring by Dorianna Rivelli (same thing as magic circle)
- Chainless starting double crochet by Moogly
- Chainless Starting Double Crochet in the Magic Ring by Moogly
- Front and Back Post Stitch Crochet by Jessie at Home (video shows several post stitches, including fptr)
- How to Seamlessly Change Colors in Crochet by Petals to Picots
- Tapestry Crochet by Moogly (shows how to carry the non-working color as you go)
- How to Crochet into the Front Loops and Back Loops Only by Fiber Flux
Instructions:
Rnd 1 (RS): With A, inside a magic circle, work (csdc, 11 dc), join with sl st in 1st st. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Do not turn. Csdc in first st, fptr around same st, (dc in next st, fptr around post of same st) 11 times, join with sl st in 1st st, changing to B. (24 sts)
Note: Do not fasten off A. For Rnd 3 you will be switching back and forth between colors. Carry the non-working color along as you go.
Rnd 3: Do not turn. With B, ch 1, csdc in first st, dc in next st, switching to A. *With A, fptr around post of same st, switching to B.** With B, dc in next 2 sts, switching to A. Repeat from * 11 more times, ending at ** on last repeat. With B, join with sl st to first st. Fasten off A. (36 sts)
Rnd 4: Do not turn. With B, csdc in first st, dc in same st, *hdc in next 3 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 3 sts,** (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, repeat from * 3 more times, ending at ** on last repeat, (2 dc, ch 2) in same st as first st, join with sl st to first st. (48 sts, 4 ch 2 sps)
Rnd 5 (WS): Turn, sl st into ch sp, changing to A. Fasten off B. With A, ch 1, 2 hdc in same sp, *hdc in front loop only of each st across to next corner ch sp,** (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc) in ch sp, repeat from * 3 more times, ending at ** on last repeat, (2 hdc, ch 2) in starting ch sp, join with sl st to 1st st. (64 sts, 4 ch 2 sps)
Rnd 6 (RS): Turn, sl st into ch sp, changing to B. Fasten off A. With B, ch 1, csdc in ch sp, dc in same ch sp, *dc in back loop only of each st to corner,** (2 dc, ch 2, 2dc) in ch sp, repeat from * 3 times more, ending at ** on last repeat, (2dc, ch 2) in starting corner sp, join with sl st to 1st st. (80 sts, 4 ch 2 sps)
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
I hope you enjoy the pattern! A downloadable pdf of this pattern is also available in my Craftsy store for a $1 fee. The fee for the pdf format is to offset the advertising revenue lost when you print or download the pattern rather than viewing it online.
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5 Comments
Alexandra
This sun is so cool! I LOVE it! I haven’t started working on the blocks yet, as I am still trying to work on my design and some other projects but I will definitely be working up my own blanket, and not just drooling over everyone else’s as usual. Hehe. Looks great!
Joyce Rasmussen
Have been looking for the Sunshine with the rays, for of a treeskirt! I appreciatebeing able to see this beautiful pattern! Joyce
Pia Thadani
Very cool! Are you putting multiple suns on a tree skirt? or making the whole tree skirt one big sun?
Elizabeth Broyles
Thank you so much for this pattern! I had seen one for the Moon on Pinterest and they had pictures of a similar Sun Square, but no pattern.
I have lots of irons in the fire right now so will be saving this for later, but I am so very happy to have found it.
If I make anything to sell using this pattern I will definitely give you credit and pass on your Ravelry link.
Elizabeth
Pia Thadani
perfect, thanks, and I’m glad you like it! 🙂