Wrap your little one in sunshine with the Radiant Rays Baby Blanket! Colourful and cheerful, the FREE Pattern for this Sunburst Granny Square Blanket bursts with joy in every stitch.
The instructions and video tutorial below will guide you through every step of making this pretty blanket. If you’d like a keepsake version to crochet from your favourite chair, I’ve made a beautiful, ad-free PDF you can purchase here.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bright & Cheerful Design: The colourful sunburst granny squares are so charming and bring instant joy.
- Beginner-Friendly: If you can crochet the basic stitches (US crochet terms), you can make this blanket!
- Video Tutorial Included: Follow along step-by-step with the full YouTube video tutorial—perfect if you’re a visual learner.
- Exact Colour Combinations & Granny Square Placement: So you can recreate the look exactly as shown.
- Endlessly Customizable: Use the suggested colours, or get creative and plan your own coordinated colour scheme.
- Customizable Size: Double up the yarn quantity and number of squares to make a full-sized throw—ideal for snuggling under on the couch.
- Handmade Gift Worth Treasuring: A classic, cozy blanket that’s sure to become a keepsake for years to come.
Fun To Crochet
There’s something magical about a crochet project that bursts with colour and joy—and the Radiant Rays Baby Blanket does just that! Made from classic sunburst granny squares, this design combines playful pops of bright shades with timeless crochet charm.
The result is a blanket that’s as cheerful as it is cozy—perfect for babies, toddlers, or anyone who could use a little sunshine in their life.
About The Design
The Radiant Rays Baby Blanket is built from individual sunburst granny squares, each starting with a vibrant, textured center and working outward into neat square edges.
By mixing and matching bold, happy colours, you can create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Whether you love rainbow brights or pastel palettes, this blanket adapts beautifully to your style.
Part Of The Sunshine Set!
The Radiant Rays Baby Blanket is just one piece of a cheerful crochet collection designed to brighten little ones’ days.
Pair it with the Delightful Days Dress, a sweet and breezy crochet outfit that’s as fun to make as it is to wear. It’s perfect for sunny outings, special occasions, or everyday adventures.
Top off the set with the Sunny Stitches Hat. Bright and practical, it keeps little ones comfortable, while adding a burst of handmade charm to any outfit.
Together, these patterns make the perfect ensemble for gifting, photographing, or simply wrapping a baby in love and sunshine.
Yarn Options For The Radiant Rays Blanket
For this blanket, I used Sirdar Stories DK (60% cotton, 40% acrylic). This smooth yarn gives the squares lovely stitch definition and a soft, lightweight feel.
Any Weight 3 / DK yarn will work beautifully, so you can easily choose colours and textures you love.
Yarn Substitutes
For my international readers, I’ve also included some suggested yarn substitutes to help you find the perfect match if Sirdar Stories DK isn’t available in your area:
Print This Pattern
Prefer a Printable Version? You can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF of this sunburst granny square blanket pattern! It includes all the same information as the free version + lots more. It’s just in a more convenient, easy-to-read format… perfect for crocheting on-the-go (or on the couch!).
This children’s crochet dress pattern is also part of a matching bundle available in my Etsy shop! The bundle includes the Sunny Stitches Hat, Delightful Days Dress, and Radiant Rays Blanket—perfect for handmade gifts or a complete summer look.
Ad-Free Download
PDF PRINTABLE PATTERN
- Enlarged-type
- Print-friendly
- Bonus sections: Sunburst motif, diagrams & extra colour photos
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Pin Me For Later!
Ready to make this sunburst granny square blanket? Scroll down for the free pattern, gather your favourite yarn colours, grab a cozy spot, and start crocheting your way to a bright, beautiful blanket!
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2025 by Maisie and Ruth Limited. All rights reserved. This sunburst granny square blanket pattern for the Radiant Rays Blanket is for personal viewing only. You may view it for free on this blog, but it is protected under applicable copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary (including but not limited to intellectual property) rights.
You may not copy (including screenshots), redistribute, or sell this pattern in any form, including digital, printed or photographic formats without permission. Sharing this pattern (in whole or in part) on social media, websites, or messaging platforms is strictly prohibited. This is a theft of the author’s intellectual property, which may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Thank you for respecting my work and for your continued support — it truly means a lot!
Free Pattern: Sunburst Granny Square Blanket
Please carefully read all the information below in order to make the Radiant Rays Blanket – a free sunburst granny square blanket pattern.
Level
“Projects may include simple stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping”.
Source: Craft Yarn Council of America’s www.YarnStandards.com
Watch The
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Crochet along with me to make the Radiant Rays Blanket! Just click on the play button below (you can view the full tutorial on the Maisie and Ruth YouTube channel).
Pattern Notes
- US crochet terminology used throughout.
- A step-by-step video tutorial is available on YouTube.
- You can use any #3 / light worsted / DK / 8 ply yarn for this project, providing you meet the gauge as detailed below.
- The sunburst granny square and border are worked in rounds.
- For a neater look, you can substitute the ch2, ch3 or ch4 at the start of rounds with a stacked double crochet or stacked treble crochet stitch. Please see the video tutorial for a demo on how to work these stitches.
- For beginners, it will be helpful to place a stitch marker in the first stitch made at the beginning of each round.
- When joining the squares together, keep your tension fairly loose. Or move up half a hook size to an H (5mm) crochet hook.
- Support for my crochet patterns is available exclusively through my Facebook Group. If you’d like help or have questions while working through a pattern, I encourage you to join the group, connect with other members, and support one another along the way!
- Please note: if you wish to modify the patterns in any way, you’ll need to make those changes on your own, as I’m unable to provide assistance for alterations.
Materials
Yarn
DK / #3 / 8 Ply
Sirdar Stories, 153 yds / 1.8 oz (140m / 50g) in the following colours:
Yarn A – Glowsticks (yellow): 1 ball
Yarn B – Chill (blue): 2 balls
Yarn C – Dreamers (purple): 2 balls
Yarn D – Bestie (pink): 3 balls
Yarn E – Invite (off-white): 2 balls
Crochet Hook
Size 7 (4.5mm)
Extras
1x stitch marker; yarn needle for weaving in ends; scissors; measuring tape
Yarn Substitutes
If using a substitute, remember to check your gauge / tension (details below) and adjust your hook size up or down.
Premier Yarns Cotton Fair 3.5oz. / 317 yds (100g / 290m)
Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK 3.5oz. / 268yds (100g / 245m)
Rico Baby Cotton Soft 1.8oz. / 137 yds (50g / 125m)
Brava Sport 3.5oz. / 340 yds (100g / 310m
Gauge / Tension
Test your gauge (tension) with a sample sunburst square before you begin.
With a Size 7 (4.5mm) crochet hook, each sunburst square measures 5 x 5in / 12.5 x 12.5cm.
If your tension is tight and your square is smaller (by more than ¼ inch / 1cm), try using a larger hook. If your tension is loose and your square is larger (by more than ¼ inch / 1cm), use a smaller hook.
Finished Size
Finished width – 33.5 IN (85 CM)
Finished Length – 28 IN (71 CM)
Blanket Construction
- Begin by making 30 sunburst granny squares (5 each of squares A – F).
- Join the squares – first horizontally, then vertically, to form a large rectangle. The slip stitch seam is used (or use your favourite joining method)
- Add a Border: A simple edging ties everything together for a polished finish.
- Tidy up by weaving in all yarn tails securely. Block the blanket (optional).
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
beg – beginning
ch(s) – chain(s)
dc – double crochet
Excl – excluding.
EXdc – Extended double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
sp(s) – space(es)
st(s) – stitch(es)
StDC – stacked double crochet (see video tutorial for a demo)
StTR – stacked treble crochet (see video tutorial for a demo)
tr – treble crochet
tr2tog – treble crochet two together
2dcCL – 2 Double Crochet Cluster
3dcCL -3 Double Crochet Cluster
4dcCL – 4 Double Crochet Cluster
* to * – Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed.
( ) – Sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch or space.
[ ] – The total number of stitches at the end of a row.
Colourways
SQUARE A
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour D
Round 3 – colour B
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour D
SQUARE B
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour B
Round 3 – colour D
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour B
SQUARE C
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour C
Round 3 – colour D
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE D
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour D
Round 3 – colour C
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour D
SQUARE E
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour C
Round 3 – colour B
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE F
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour B
Round 3 – colour C
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour B
Instructions
Sunburst Granny Square
Make 30 squares: 5 each of squares A – F. (Colourways of squares A-F are detailed in the ‘Colourway’ section above).
With Colour A (all squares):
Make a magic ring or ch6 and sl st to 1st ch to form a ring.
Round 1. Ch2 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC (see video tutorial above), 15dc into ring, sl st to top of beg ch2 or StDC to join, [16 sts].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Attach next colour to any st with a sl st.
Round 2. Ch2 (does not count as your first st), 1dc in same st (ch2 & 1dc count as 1st 2dcCL), ch1, *2dcCL in next st, ch1*, repeat from * to * 15 times in total, sl st to 1st dc to join, [1dc, 15x 2dcCL sts, 16x ch1 sps].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Attach next colour to any ch1 sp with a sl st.
Round 3. Ch2 (does not count as your first st), 3dcCL in same ch1 sp (ch2 & 3dcCL counts as 1st 4dcCL), ch2, *4dcCL in next ch1 sp, ch2*, repeat from * to * 15 times in total, sl st to 1st 3dcCL st to join, [1x 3dcCL, 15x 4dcCL sts, 16x ch2 sps).
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
With Colour E (all squares), attach yarn to any ch2 sp with a sl st.
Round 4. Ch4 (counts as your first st) or make a StTR (see video tutorial), 2tr in same ch2 sp, (3dc in next ch2 sp) 3 times, *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch2 sp, (3dc in next ch2 sp) 3 times*, repeat from * to * 3 times in total, 3tr in 1st ch2 sp of round, ch1, sl st to top of beg ch4 or StTR to join, [12x groups of dc sts, 8x groups of tr sts, 4x ch2 spaces].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Attach next colour to any ch2 sp in the corner with a sl st.
Round 5. Ch3 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC, 2 EXdc in same ch2 corner sp (3dc in sp in between each group of 3dc) 4 times, *(3EXdc, ch2, 3EXdc) in next ch2 corner sp, (3dc in sp in between each group of 3dc) 4 times*, repeat from * to * 3 times in total, 3EXdc in 1st ch2 corner sp of round, ch1, sl st to top of beg ch3 / StDC or make an invisible join, [16x groups of dc sts, 8x EXdc sts, 4x ch2 sps].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Arrangement of Squares
Arrange your squares as seen in the diagram below:
Joining Your Squares
You will join the squares – first horizontally, then vertically – to form a large rectangle. The slip stitch seam is used (or use your favourite joining method).
Use a size 7 (4.5mm) hook and keep your tension looser. OR size up half a hook size (I used a H / 5mm hook).
Attach yarn to the back loop of the ch2 in the corner of the first square to be joined. Ensure that you work the slip stitch seam through the outside loops of each stitch. Please refer to the video tutorial for a detailed demo.
Border
Once you have joined your squares, you will then finish your blanket off with a border consisting of 4 rounds.
With Colour D and a 4.5mm hook, attach yarn to the ch2 corner sp in the top right hand corner of the blanket.
NOTE: For round 1 below, the space refers to either a ch2 corner space or the space found between two groups of 3dc stitches.
Round 1. Ch3 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC, (2dc, ch1) in same sp,
*(3dc, ch1) in each sp until next ch2 corner sp, ensuring that you work (1tr, tr2tog, 1tr, ch1) over the ch2 sps at each seam, (3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) in next ch2 corner sp*, repeat from * to * around blanket, at end of round work (3dc, ch1) in beg ch2 corner sp, sl st to 1st dc at beg of round to join.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Change to Colour E and attach yarn to any ch2 corner sp.
Round 2. Ch3 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC, (2dc, ch1) in same sp, *(3dc, ch1) in each sp until next ch2 corner sp, (3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) in next ch2 corner sp*, repeat from * to * around blanket, at end of round work (3dc, ch1) in beg ch2 corner sp, sl st to 1st dc at beg of round to join.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Change to Colour D and attach yarn to any ch2 corner sp.
Round 3. Repeat round 2, but sc to 1st dc at beg of round to join.
NOTE: In round 4 below, count the ch1 as a regular stitch.
Round 4. Ch3 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC, 3dc in same sp, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, *sk next 2 sts, 5dc in next st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st*, work from * to * around blanket, ensuring that you work 8dc in the ch2 sps of the next 2 corners of the blanket, end with 4dc in beg ch2 corner sp, sl st to 1st dc at beg of round to join.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
I hope you enjoy making the Radiant Rays Baby Blanket as much as I loved designing it. With its colourful sunburst squares and cheerful finish, it’s a project that’s sure to bring joy to both the maker and the recipient.
Remember that for your convenience, I’ve created a beautifully formatted, ad-free PDF version of this pattern that you can purchase here.
Happy crocheting, and may your stitches always shine bright!
PATTERN SUPPORT
Need Help with a Pattern?
We’re here to help—but only in the right places! 😊 Pattern support is offered only through our Facebook Group. That’s where you can ask questions, share your progress, and cheer each other on! You can also follow along with the detailed, step-by-step YouTube tutorial (where most of your questions should hopefully be answered).
Thinking of changing up the pattern? That’s totally fine—but any modifications will need to be done on your own, as we don’t offer support for custom changes.
Come join the Facebook group and be part of a fun, creative community of makers just like you!
SHARE YOUR WORK!
I really hope that you enjoyed this free crochet pattern! I would LOVE to see photos of your completed project… please tag me on Instagram using @maisieandruth and / or #maisieandruth
And remember to pin this pattern for later if you can’t make it right now!
FAQs – Sunburst Granny Square Blanket
Q: What skill level is this pattern suitable for?
A: The Radiant Rays Baby Blanket is perfect for beginners and confident crocheters! If you can make chains, single crochets and double crochets, you’ll have no trouble following along.
Q: Is there a video tutorial for this blanket?
A: Yes! You can start watching the video above. The full step-by-step video tutorial is on my YouTube channel. In the tutorial I show you how to crochet the squares, join them, and finish with a neat border.
Q: What yarn did you use?
A: I used Sirdar Stories DK, a soft and vibrant blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. It gives the blanket lovely stitch definition and a lightweight drape. You can substitute with any Weight 3 / DK yarn you love (substitute yarn recommendations are above in the ‘Materials’ section).
Q: Can I make this blanket in a different size?
A: Absolutely! Just add or remove squares to adjust the width and length. The pattern is easy to customize for stroller blankets, baby throws, or even a full-sized afghan.
Q: How much yarn will I need?
A: Yarn quantities are included in the pattern to help you plan ahead.
Q: Is there a printable version of the pattern?
A: Yes! You can purchase the ad-free printable PDF in my Etsy shop or Fourthwall store for easy reference while crocheting offline.
Q: Does this blanket match other patterns?
A: It sure does! The Radiant Rays Blanket is part of the Sunshine Set 🌞, which also includes the Delightful Days Dress and Sunny Stitches Hat — perfect for a coordinated handmade gift.
Q: Can I sell items made from this pattern?
A: Yes, you’re welcome to sell finished blankets made using this pattern — just please credit me as the designer and link back to the pattern when possible (mass production or factory manufacturing of items using this pattern is not permitted). 💛
Hi, I’m new to crochet but I’m excited to try this beautiful pattern. I really like your videos.
Hi Autumn! I’m so glad you’re here— welcome to the world of crochet! Happy to hear you enjoy my videos 🤗 Take your time, enjoy the stitches, and don’t worry if it feels a little tricky at first. You’re going to do great!💖
love Amanda’s patterns & her tutorials. she is a great teacher & explains thoroughly. thank you Amanda!
Thank you so much for your glowing words, Charlotte! 🥰 It truly means the world to know that you’re enjoying my patterns and tutorials. I’m so touched that you find my teaching helpful— that’s exactly what I hope for when I share my work. Hope you enjoy working on this blanket! 💕
so beautiful.
I’m still learning crocheting.
Will try to make this .
I really will try this.
Thanks for sharing your creativity with the world.
Thank you for your sweet comment about my new pattern, Lucy! 😊 I’m so happy to hear you’ve just started learning crochet — it’s such a rewarding hobby! It can feel tricky at first, but each stitch builds confidence. Remember that you can follow me step by step in the YouTube video as I make this blanket. Good luck, I’ll be cheering you on! 💝
Beautiful can’t wait to make this 😍
Thanks, Cathy! Have fun making it! 🧶😘🌸