Granny Square Cushion Covers in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 9487 - Downloadable PDF

Granny Square Cushion Covers in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK – Pattern 9487

This downloadable PDF crochet pattern (Stylecraft pattern number 9487) contains two easy crochet cushion cover designs, both sized to fit a standard 40 cm x 40 cm (15¾ in x 15¾ in) cushion pad. The pattern is rated as beginner-friendly and is worked in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK, a self-striping double knit yarn that creates beautiful colour transitions without the need to change yarns mid-row. Both designs make excellent introductory projects for anyone new to crochet, as well as satisfying makes for more experienced crafters looking for a relaxing, colourful project.

Design 1: The Granny Square Cushion Cover

The first design is a classic granny square cushion front, constructed as a single large granny square that grows outward from a central ring to fill the full 40 cm x 40 cm dimensions. This is one of the most iconic and recognisable techniques in crochet, and this pattern provides an ideal opportunity to master it at a generous scale.

Construction and Techniques

• The square begins with a foundation chain of 4 stitches joined into a ring using a slip stitch, forming the central starting point.
• Each round is worked outward from this ring, building the classic granny square structure with treble crochet clusters separated by chain spaces at each corner and along each side.
• The pattern works over 15 rounds (Rounds 1–15) to reach the finished cushion front size.
• A 3-chain turning equivalent counts as the first treble crochet throughout, a standard granny square convention clearly noted in the pattern instructions.
• Each round is joined with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain, keeping the work neat and the corners well defined.
• Corner spaces are formed with a (3tr, 3ch, 3tr) cluster arrangement, while side spaces are filled with 3tr groups separated by single chain spaces — the hallmark structure of a traditional granny square.

Stitches Used

• Slip stitch (ss) – used to join rounds and to move across stitches to reach corner spaces
• Chain (ch) – used throughout for foundation, corner spaces, and side spaces
• Treble crochet (tr) – the primary stitch forming all cluster groups

Yarn and Materials

• Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK, 200 g (1 ball)
• Colour used: Blue Ocean 3732
• Hook size: 4 mm (UK 8 / US G/6)
• A 40 x 40 cm cushion pad is required to finish the project

The self-striping nature of Batik Swirl DK means the colour shifts organically as the rounds increase in size, creating a unique and eye-catching gradient effect across the square without any yarn joins for colour changes. An alternative yarn noted in the pattern is Special Candy Swirl, though crafters are advised to check meterage carefully if substituting.

Design 2: The Granny Ripple Cushion Cover

The second design in this pattern is a Granny Ripple Cushion Cover, which combines the beloved ripple (or chevron) crochet technique with granny-style cluster stitches. This creates a textured, wave-like surface with a distinctly vintage yet contemporary feel. The ripple pattern produces a series of peaks and valleys across the fabric, giving the cushion cover a dynamic, structured appearance that contrasts beautifully with the colour shifts of the Batik Swirl yarn.

Construction and Techniques

• The design incorporates a special bobble stitch, which is defined in the pattern's special abbreviations. The bobble is formed by working into the base of a 3-chain, drawing up loops with yarn-over sequences, and drawing through all loops together — creating a compact, raised cluster that adds texture and