The Sunburst Meadow C2C Blanket: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Gradient Throw

Introducing the Sunburst Meadow C2C Blanket

Imagine wrapping yourself in a cozy, textured throw that captures the gentle beauty of a spring meadow. The Sunburst Meadow C2C Blanket is a modern corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet pattern that uses the stunning color gradients of Caron Big Cakes yarn to create a field of soft, organic colors. The unique texture comes from front post double crochet (FPdc) stitches worked into the center of each block on the return rows, giving the blanket a subtle, raised, meadow-like feel. This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters looking for a rewarding project that results in a stunning, one-of-a-kind throw.

Materials Needed

To create your own Sunburst Meadow C2C Blanket, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn: Caron Big Cakes (Color: 'Springtime' or a similar gradient yarn) – 2 cakes (approximately 1200 yards total). The gradient effect is key to the meadow look.
• Hook: Size J/10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Gauge: 4 C2C blocks = 4 inches in pattern (each block is a ch-3 and 3 dc)
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

This blanket is worked diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner using the corner-to-corner (C2C) technique. Each 'block' consists of a chain-3 and 3 double crochets. The unique texture comes from working a front post double crochet (FPdc) in the center of each block on the return rows.

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• dc: double crochet
• FPdc: front post double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Instructions

Increasing Section (Building the Diagonal)

Row 1 (Increase): Ch 6. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in the next 2 chs. (This is your first block.) Turn.

Row 2 (Increase): Ch 6. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in the next 2 chs. (Block 1 of this row). Sl st into the ch-3 space of the previous row's block. Ch 3, work 3 dc in the same ch-3 space (Block 2). Turn.

Row 3 (Increase): Ch 6. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in the next 2 chs. (Block 1). *Sl st into the next ch-3 space, ch 3, work 3 dc in the same space.* Repeat from * across to the end. Turn.

Continue increasing in this manner until your blanket reaches the desired width. For a throw, aim for about 40-45 blocks on the longest side. Each row adds one more block than the previous row.

Adding the Texture (Starting on the First Decrease Row)

Once you have reached the widest point, you will begin decreasing on one side while continuing to increase on the other until you reach the opposite corner. To add the meadow texture, on every return row (the rows where you are working back across the blocks), work a FPdc around the center dc of each block. Here's how:

Decrease Row (First side): Sl st across the first 3 dc of the first block. Sl st into the ch-3 space. Ch 3, work 3 dc in the same space. Continue across the row as before (sl st, ch 3, 3 dc in each space). At the end of the row, do NOT work the last block. Turn.

Texture Row (Return): Sl st into the first ch-3 space. Ch 3, work 2 dc in the same space. *FPdc around the center dc of the block you just made. Work 3 dc in the next ch-3 space.* Repeat from * across. At the end, work 3 dc in the last ch-3 space. Turn.

Continuing the Decrease

Next Decrease Row: Sl st across the first 3 dc of the first block. Sl st into the ch-3 space. Ch 3, work 3 dc in the same space. Continue across the row as before (sl st, ch 3, 3 dc in each space). At the end of the row, do NOT work the last block. Turn.

Next Texture Row (Return): Sl st into the first ch-3 space. Ch 3, work 2 dc in the same space. *FPdc around the center dc of the block you just made. Work 3 dc in the next ch-3 space.* Repeat from * across. At the end, work 3 dc in the last ch-3 space. Turn.

Continue decreasing on one side and working the texture row on the return until you have only one block left. Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Block lightly if desired to even out the stitches and open up the texture. Your Sunburst Meadow C2C Blanket is now ready to enjoy!