10 Best Sunny Spread Crochet Ideas
Some designs inspire creativity like no other. Today’s featured pattern is the Sunny Spread Blanket by Ellen Gormley, first published in 2008 and recreated in dozens of versions throughout the years. Blankets made with squares are nothing new, but Ellen’s design features a textural sun-shaped motif in the middle. This free crochet pattern inspired many to experiment with colors, yarn types, and composition, and we are here today to celebrate just that!
In this article, you will find the most interesting versions of the Sunny Spread free crochet pattern.
If you want to learn more, read my articles, check out my Roundup Series, or try my Free Crochet Patterns and Stitch Tutorials!
Want to see more inspiring projects? Check out my articles about these iconic designs:
- Nature’s Walk Blanket by Sandra Paul
- Dune Blanket by Lucy of Attic 24
- Dutch Rose Blanket by Rachele Carmona
- 6 Day Kid Blanket by Betty McKnit
The Original Free Crochet Sunny Spread Pattern
As the name suggests, the original version of this blanket features an amazing golden-colored yarn. Ellen’s textured sun motif is definitely what makes this blanket so eye-catching – post stitches play with light and shadows. Although this pattern looks complex, it’s easy to grasp and very fun to follow.
The project consists of three distinct elements: the central motif – the sun, the squared frame around it, and the border. In the original, squares are joined with an invisible stitch, but crocheters explore other options in their versions.
photo by Crochet Today! on ravelry.com
The original free pattern is available on yarnspirations.com, but you can read more about it on ravelry.com.
The Best Sunny Spread Versions
Below you will find a selection of Sunny Spread blanket crochet pattern ideas. All are based on the original project but may include modifications that are not part of the original pattern.
Sunny Spread Baby Blanket Version by Billie’s Crochet
Now this is a fun baby blanket, isn’t it? Squares joined on the bias, playful shades of yellow and blue, and amigurumi balls attached like tassels! The crocheter behind Billie’s Crochet made many modifications to the original pattern, but the beauty of the sunny square remains untouched.
photo by @billies.crochet on Instagram: source
photo by @billies.crochet on Instagram: source
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Sunny Spread Version by Hookery Crochet
In this version, colors play the main role. Kerry used Ice Yarns Magic Light Rainbow yarn and got uniquely colored circles – no two look the same! With such a colorful starting point, her choice to keep the background white is understandable. This way, the suns are the center of attention.
photo by @hookerry_crochet on Instagram: source
photo by @hookerry_crochet on Instagram: source
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Scrappy Circles / Sunny Spread Version by kallaene
Fans of scrap projects will look for every opportunity to use up those yarn ends, right? Kallaene’s stash buster approach resulted in a super fun bunch of circles, each with a different vibe and personality. Her autumnal palette features scrap yarn from various brands, but all roughly the same weight – a very important detail when tackling such a project.
photo by kallaene on ravelry.com
photo by kallaene on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Sunny Spread Version by Marie Deligny
I can’t stop myself from sharing a work in progress if I can already clearly see that it’s going to be amazing! Marie’s light and cheerful Sunny Spread version combines juicy colors with pastel hues. Drops Alpaca yarn isn’t the most obvious choice for a baby blanket because it has a delicate fuzz, but it’s soft to the touch and feels luxurious.
photo by Marie Deligny on ravelry.com
photo by Marie Deligny on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Sunny Spread Version by rin2
When you give a creative person an idea, they run with it and create something you wouldn’t ever think of. Rin2 used the main motif of the Sunny Spread and turned it into a truly unusual dining set. They created an airy table runner by combining sunny circles with smaller dots in between. For the placemat, they simply continued enlarging the circle until it was the right size to accommodate the plate.
photo by rin2 on ravelry.com
photo by rin2 on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Baby Playmat Sunny Spread Version by Vanini
This version by Vanini uses very heavy cotton yarn for the maximum texture and weight. As the name suggests, the finished piece isn’t a blanket, but a playmat, and it will surely serve its purpose. It’s sturdy, tactile, and easily washable – everything a baby needs. You can see in the photos that the colors work very well together.
photo by vanini on ravelry.com
photo by vanini on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Ancient Suns in Anagram / Sunny Spread Version by Leah J Arthur
Leah’s version is the perfect example of how a simple change in yarn can totally modify your outcome. She chose Premier Yarns Puzzle yarn in the colorway Anagram – a stunning mix of autumnal browns with hints of blue and orange. No two squares are the same, and yet they all belong to the same lot. What an easy and fun way to make a unique accessory!
photo by LeahJArthur on ravelry.com
photo by LeahJArthur on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Sunny Spread Throw Version by LMcDo
If you’re craving a rather monochromatic blanket, but with an interesting twist, go for an ombre yarn. Subtle color changes within one shade are enough to make it look original, but delicate enough not to distract the eye from the texture. As you can see in the photos below, LMcDo’s pink blanket is a truly wonderful creation.
photo by LMcDo on ravelry.com
photo by LMcDo on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Round and Round Noro / Sunny Spread Version by eLoomanator
To create stark contrasts, try out the stained glass effect. The colorful dots become almost luminescent on the black background, as if there’s a source of light behind. eLoomanator used a multicolored Noro yarn for the circles and plain black for the rest. A simple scalloped edging ties it all together beautifully.
photo by eLoomanator from ravelry.com
photo by eLoomanator from ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
Dots for Dotty / Sunny Spread Version by filoknits
Square blankets are fun to work on because you can arrange the blocks once they’re ready. The crocheter behind the name filoknits decided to use a mix of pastel colors and darker hues – dark pink, vibrant blue, and dusty green. Such a color palette is timeless and gender-neutral, which makes it the perfect choice for a baby shower gift.
photo by filoknits on ravelry.com
photo by filoknits on ravelry.com
The original Sunny Spread free pattern is linked in the first part of the article.
That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with much more inspiring projects and free patterns. Like, share, and subscribe if you like what you see. Stay tuned!
