Sunburst Popcorn Garden Throw Free Pattern – Crocheted Radiant Motif Blanket
Bring a Burst of Sunshine Home: The Sunburst Popcorn Garden Throw
Imagine wrapping yourself in a blanket that feels like a walk through a vibrant, blooming garden. The Sunburst Popcorn Garden Throw is exactly that—a radiant crochet masterpiece that combines the timeless charm of granny squares with the delightful, three-dimensional texture of popcorn stitches. This free pattern guides you through creating 42 individual motifs, each a little garden of joy, which are then joined together to form a cozy, modern, and undeniably beautiful throw. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a new project or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, this pattern is designed to celebrate the handmade charm and bring a pop of color to any living space.
This isn't just a blanket; it's a statement piece. The concentric rings of color—from the sunny yellow center to the sage green edges—create a stunning visual mosaic that is both boho and contemporary. The thick, worsted-weight yarn ensures a plush, snuggly texture, making it perfect for cozy evenings on the sofa. Let's dive into the details and get you started on creating your own radiant garden throw.
Materials Needed: Gathering Your Garden Palette
Before you begin, gather your supplies. The beauty of this project lies in its vibrant color palette, so choose yarns that make you happy. Here’s what you'll need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic blend in 5 colors. Approx. 1800-2200 yards total.
- Color A (Sunburst Yellow): For the center of the motifs and border.
- Color B (Coral Pink): For the first popcorn ring.
- Color C (Tangerine Orange): For the next cluster ring.
- Color D (Cream): For the following cluster ring and border.
- Color E (Sage Green): For the outer cluster ring and corners.
- Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
- Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers (optional but helpful).
Gauge: One motif measures 6 inches (15 cm) across after blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is key for joining. Try to keep your tension even throughout.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Motifs
This throw is constructed from 42 individual motifs (a 6 by 7 grid) that are joined as you go, then finished with a textured border. Each motif is worked in the round. Let's start with the heart of the blanket.
Motif Pattern (Make 42)
Round 1: With color A, make a magic ring. Work 12 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (12 dc)
Round 2: With color A, ch 3 (counts as dc), 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (24 dc)
Round 3: With color B, join with a sl st in any st. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in the same st, drop the loop from hook, insert hook from front to back into the top of the ch-3, pick up the dropped loop and pull through (this completes a popcorn stitch). Ch 1, skip next st, *5 dc popcorn in next st, ch 1, skip next st* repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first popcorn. (12 popcorns)
Round 4: With color C, join with a sl st in any ch-1 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same space, ch 1, *3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1* repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 clusters of 3 dc)
Round 5: With color D, join with a sl st in any ch-1 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 3 dc in same space, ch 1, *4 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1* repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 clusters of 4 dc)
Round 6: With color E, join with a sl st in any ch-1 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in same space, ch 2, *5 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 2* repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 clusters of 5 dc)
Round 7 (Corner Round): With color E, sl st into the next 2 dc to reach the ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc all in the same ch-2 space (corner made). *Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 space (corner)* repeat from * to * 2 more times. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends. (Each side has 3 clusters of 3 dc, with corners of 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)
Joining Motifs (As You Go)
Arrange your motifs in a 6 by 7 grid. Start with the bottom left motif. When working Round 7 of a new motif, join it to the adjacent motif(s) by replacing the ch-2 corner space with a sl st into the corresponding corner space of the already-completed motif. For side joins, replace the ch-1 space with a sl st into the corresponding ch-1 space of the adjacent motif. Join all motifs in rows, then join the rows together. This method creates a seamless, sturdy fabric.
Adding the Finishing Touch: The Border
With color D, join yarn in any corner ch-2 space of the entire throw.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space. *Work 3 dc in each ch-1 space and 3 dc in each cluster space along the side, and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space* repeat from * to * around the entire throw. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3.
Round 2: With color A, sl st into the next 2 dc to reach the ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner space. *Ch 1, skip 3 dc, 3 dc in next space* repeat along the side, working (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner. Join with a sl st.
Round 3: With color B, repeat Round 2, but work 3 dc in each ch-1 space from the previous round.
Round 4: With color C, repeat Round 2, but work 3 dc in each ch-1 space from the previous round.
Round 5: With color D, repeat Round 2, but work 3 dc in each ch-1 space from the previous round. Fasten off and weave in all ends. Block the throw to even out the motifs and enhance the stitch definition.
And there you have it—a stunning, handcrafted Sunburst Popcorn Garden Throw that is sure to be a treasured heirloom. The combination of vibrant colors and tactile popcorn stitches creates a piece that is as delightful to make as it is to snuggle under. Happy crocheting!
