Tropical Sunburst Circle Square Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Tropical Sunburst Circle Square is a joyful little motif that brings a burst of neon sunshine to any project. It's designed for advanced beginners who are comfortable with single and double crochet and are ready to try a circle-in-a-square construction. The center blooms in rings of yellow, orange, and pink, then gets framed by a crisp turquoise border that turns the circle into a tidy 6" square. The result is flat, sturdy, and full of color—perfect for blankets, pillows, or a bright summer bag.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn in four colors: 20 yds neon yellow (A), 20 yds orange (B), 20 yds pink (C), 40 yds turquoise (D).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional) to mark the first stitch of each round.
- Finished size: 6" x 6" (15 cm x 15 cm).
Abbreviations
- MR: magic ring—an adjustable loop used to start the circle.
- sc: single crochet.
- dc: double crochet.
- ch: chain.
- st(s): stitch(es).
- sp(s): space(s).
- inc: increase—work 2 sc in the same stitch.
- sl st: slip stitch.
- [ ]: work everything inside the brackets into the same stitch or space.
- * to *: repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times stated.
Gauge
First 3 rounds = 2.5" (6.5 cm) diameter. To check, crochet Rounds 1–3 of the Sunburst Circle and measure straight across the circle; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension relaxed and even—tight single crochets will make the circle cup instead of lying flat.
- Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a round so the new color begins cleanly.
- Count your stitches at the end of every round; the circle must reach 54 sts before you begin the square.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sunburst Circle (Colors A, B, C, D)
Rnd 1: With A, make a MR, 6 sc into the ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join (12 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc, inc] x6, join (18 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [2 sc, inc] x6, join (24 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 1, [3 sc, inc] x6, join (30 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 1, [4 sc, inc] x6, join (36 sts). Change to B.
Rnd 7: With B, ch 1, [5 sc, inc] x6, join (42 sts). Change to C.
Rnd 8: With C, ch 1, [6 sc, inc] x6, join (48 sts). Change to D.
Rnd 9: With D, ch 1, [7 sc, inc] x6, join (54 sts). Do not fasten off.
Square (Color D)
Rnd 10: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next st, *dc in next 11 sts, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next st; rep from * 2 more times, dc in next 8 sts, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in each st around, working [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in each ch-2 sp, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (76 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 12: Ch 1, sc in each st around, working [sc, ch 2, sc] in each ch-2 sp, join with sl st to first sc (84 sc, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, working each tail under a few stitches in its own color so it doesn't show through. If you're joining squares, place them right sides together and whipstitch or single crochet through both loops along the edges, matching the corner ch-2 spaces. Block the finished square by misting it lightly and pinning it to 6" x 6", then let it dry flat—this opens up the stitches and sharpens the corners.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the neon palette for pastels or a single ombré colorway for a completely different mood.
- Use a 4.5 mm hook for a denser, slightly smaller square that's ideal for bags and coasters.
- Join squares as you go by replacing the corner ch-2 with a ch 1, sl st into the neighboring square's corner, ch 1.
