How to Make a Granny Square Pillow + Free Pattern

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Learn how to crochet this simple crochet pillow with granny squares!

Discover how to make a simple crochet pillow using four granny squares through this free pattern and step-by-step guide. You can view the pattern completely free on this page, or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF from our shop.

UPDATED: JULY 27, 2023 BY BRITTANY
This post may contain affiliate links.

Skill Level | Easy
Finished Size | Fits 12″ x 12″ Pillow Forms


If you’re looking for a slightly more unique granny square pillow, look no further. This simple crochet pillow cleverly joins four granny squares to give it a modern twist.

Our Retro Granny Square Pillow seamlessly blends the charm of the past with a touch of modern design, resulting in a truly remarkable piece for your home decor.

About This Pattern

This simple crochet pillow is a fantastic opportunity to practice making granny squares. But here’s the twist: you’ll join them together on a diagonal, creating a whole new look that’s truly unique. Plus, you can unleash your creativity by experimenting with different color patterns in each square to customize the final result.

Before you get started, take a moment to read through this page carefully. We’ve put together a handy list of supplies you’ll need and provided simple explanations of common abbreviations. You’ll also find a video tutorial and step-by-step written instructions that will walk you through the entire project. We want to make sure you have everything you need to succeed!

Don’t know how to crochet a granny square yet? No worries! We have a beginner-friendly How to Crochet a Granny Square guide that’ll walk you through it step-by-step.


Pattern Overview:

You can view the pattern completely free on this page. But, if you prefer having a digital copy that you can save or print, we’ve got you covered with that option as well.

If you’d like to support our work here at B.Hooked, purchasing the digital pattern is a wonderful way to do so!

Buy the Digital PDF Pattern

Recommended Supplies


Abbreviations


This pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology.

  • Bet Between
  • Ch Chain
  • Cont Continue
  • Dc Double Crochet
  • Rem Remaining
  • Sc Single Crochet
  • Slst Slip Stitch
  • Sp Space
  • St(s) Stitch(es)

Pattern Notes


For the best results, we recommend blocking your granny squares before joining them. Blocking will perfect the shape of each square so they look better when joined. If you’re new to blocking or need a refresher, we’ve got you covered! Take a moment to read through our granny square blocking guide here.

There are many ways to crochet a classic granny square like the ones in this pillow. Crocheters have tried to perfect the overall look of their squares over time by trying different things.

After doing an extensive test of all the popular tips for crocheting the neatest granny squares, and publishing our findings here, you can be confident that our version of the granny square found in this pattern will give you a neat and tidy square.

Additionally, you should know that the chain 5 at the beginning of each square includes 2 corner chains and 3 chains for a double crochet.

Gauge:
4 rounds = 3.25″

Finished Size:
12″ x 12″

Retro Granny Square Pillow

Simple Crochet Pillow Pattern Instructions


Add Your Project to Ravelry!

Motif (Make 4)

Round 1: Ch 3. Join with a slst to the first ch. Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 2 throughout). In center of ring [3 dc, ch 2] 3 times. 2 more dc in center of ring and join with a slst in ch-5 sp. Optional: break color A and join color B in opposite corner.

Round 2: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. [In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)] 3 times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp. Optional: break color B and join color C in adjacent corner.

Round 3: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp. Optional: break color C and join color D in opposite corner.


A digital pattern is available in our shop so you can print out the pattern

Simple crochet pillow PDF preview

Buy the digital pattern here!


Round 4: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] twice. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] twice. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Round 5: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] three times. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] three times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Round 6: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] four times. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] four times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Round 7: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] five times. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] five times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Round 8: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] six times. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] six times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Round 9: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] seven times. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] seven times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Round 10: Ch 5. In ch-2 sp, 3 dc. *[In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] eight times. In next ch-2 sp (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Rep from * two more times. [In sp bet next 2 dc clusters, 3 dc] eight times. In first ch-2 sp make 2 dc. Join with a slst in ch-5 sp.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tip!
If your granny squares look less than perfect, no worries! It’s pretty common for the corners to be a little rounded and the sides to be a little wavy. But there’s an easy fix! Check out our post here to show you how.

How to Crochet a Perfect Granny Square for Our Simple Crochet Pillow


Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.

Right-Handed Tutorial on YouTube

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Finishing the Squares


If your granny squares look less than perfect, no worries! It’s pretty common for the corners to be a little rounded and the sides to be a little wavy. That’s why we recommend blocking them before you start joining them together.

This process will “set” the stitches into a perfectly square position so your bag will look more polished and professional.

For the best results, block the granny squares of your simple crochet pillow before joining them together.
If your squares look like these, no worries! Blocking your granny squares will make your squares look perfectly straight.

If you’re unfamiliar with the blocking process, check out our beginner-friendly guide and video here.

Joining the Granny Squares Together


Step 1:

Lay the squares on a flat surface to match the assembly diagram. Anywhere you see dotted lines, there will be a seam in the following step.

Pinning them together will be helpful as you seam them together.

Assembly diagram for the simple crochet pillow with granny squares.
Assembly Diagram

Step 2:

First, you’ll join along the grey dotted lines found in the assembly diagram. With the same color as your last round, fasten on at any starting point of the grey dotted line. Working in the front loops only, make 1 slst in each dc. Cont making 1 slst in each dc as you pass the center point. Fasten off and repeat for the other grey dotted line.

*The side of the work facing you as you make the join is the right side of the pillow form.

Step 3:

Flip the work to the right side is facing down. Lay pillow form in the middle of the new, single large square.

Fold each square on the fold lines so the four points come together in the middle, and wrap around the pillow form. (The green dotted lines represent how the inner seams come together). Fasten on at any remaining corner and working in the front loops only, make 1 slst in each dc. Cont making 1 slst in each dc as you pass the center point. Fasten off and repeat for the last open edge.

If you want your granny squares to have a “fused at the edges” look, use the invisible seam method we describe in this post. Alternatively, for something completely different, try one of the 5 joins in this article!


By using this pattern, you agree to our terms of use:
This pattern is for personal use only. You agree not to modify, publish, transmit, sell, create derivative works or in any way exploit any of the content within this page, in whole or in part. If you wish to share this pattern, share a link to this webpage only. You may sell finished items made from this pattern.
Copyright, B.Hooked Crochet, LLC

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Simple Crochet Pillow Pattern


Can I use a different yarn for my simple crochet pillow?

Sure, as long as it’s a #4 medium-weight yarn. Check your gauge and adjust as needed so the sizing comes out right. The recommended yarn amount will likely be different too.

Learn more about substituting a different yarn for a pattern like this in our comprehensive yarn substitution guide here.

If Caron Simply Soft Yarn isn’t available near you, you can check YarnSub.com for similar options.

How can I make my simple crochet pillow bigger?

There are two ways you can make this simple crochet pillow bigger. The first option is to use a thicker yarn and a bigger hook while following the same pattern. This method will increase the gauge of the stitches, resulting in bigger squares and therefore a bigger bag. You can learn more about gauge in our Ultimate Gauge Guide for Crocheters and Knitters here.

The other way you can make your granny square bag bigger is to add another round or two to your squares.

How can I make my simple pillow smaller?

The easiest way to make your pillow smaller is to make the squares with fewer rounds. Try using only 3 or 4 rounds and see if that gives you the size you want.

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