Sage Stripe Granny Square Cushion Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Sage Stripe Granny Square Cushion is a modern take on a classic motif, and it is a wonderful project for anyone who has mastered the basic double crochet and wants to make something they will actually use every day. Nine solid granny squares in alternating sage green and cream are arranged in a checkerboard layout, giving the cushion a calm, contemporary look that suits a sofa, a reading chair, or the end of a bed. Because each square is a closed solid granny square, the fabric is dense and smooth with tiny ch-2 openings only at the corners, so it feels sturdy and looks tidy. The simple single-crochet border and cream envelope back keep the finishing clean and unfussy, and the whole cushion works up quickly from small, portable squares.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (3), cotton or acrylic. Sage green (A): 200 yards. Cream (B): 200 yards.
• Hook: 4 mm (G-6), or the size needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, rust-proof pins, blocking mat and spray bottle or steamer.
• Insert: 30 cm x 30 cm (12 in x 12 in) cushion insert.
• Finished size: 30 cm x 30 cm (12 in x 12 in).

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sp: space
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rep: repeat

Gauge

Each finished square measures 10 cm x 10 cm (4 in x 4 in) after blocking. Work one square first, block it, and measure it; if it is larger than 10 cm, go down a hook size, and if it is smaller, go up a hook size.

Tips Before You Start

• Make one square and block it before crocheting the rest. Nine squares that all measure 10 cm will join easily; squares of slightly different sizes will fight each other at the seams.
• Keep your turning chains consistent. The ch-3 at the start of each round counts as the first dc, so the first real dc of the round goes into the same stitch as the join on the previous round.
• Work all five sage squares first, then all four cream squares, so you can check your tension is even across the set before you join anything.
• When joining, use the same color as the squares you are seaming so the seams disappear into the fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Granny Squares (make 5 with A, 4 with B)

Set-up: With A or B, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

R1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

R2: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

R3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 4 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 7 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

R4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 6 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 11 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Block each square to 10 cm x 10 cm.

Joining the Front

Arrange the nine squares in a 3x3 grid, alternating A and B in a checkerboard so that no two squares of the same color touch side by side. With right sides facing, whipstitch or sc the squares together through the back loops only, using matching color. Join the squares into rows first, then join the rows together into columns.

Border

With right sides facing, join A with a sl st in any corner ch-2 sp.

R1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. (Approx 124 sc)

R2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Back Panels (make 2 with B)

With B, ch 31.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (30 sc)

Rows 2-30: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (30 sc)

Fasten off. Make a second panel the same way.

Assembly and Finishing

Place the joined front piece right side up on a flat surface. Place the two cream back panels right side down on top of it, overlapping their inner edges so the pair covers the back of the cushion and leaves an envelope opening; pin in place. With A, sc around the outer edge through all layers to join the front and back, working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off and weave in all ends. Spray or steam block the finished cushion to 30 cm x 30 cm, pinning the edges straight and letting it dry fully before you insert the cushion pad through the envelope opening.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the palette: use two shades of the same color, such as soft blue and pale gray, for a tonal checkerboard, or add a third color for a scrappier look.
• For a firmer, more structured cushion, work the back panels in linen stitch or a slightly smaller hook so the envelope closure holds its shape.
• Add a simple button and loop closure at the center of the envelope opening if you prefer a secure fastening to a plain overlap.