Checkerboard and Stripes Pillow in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Microbial - M23009BSAM - Downloadable PDF

Checkerboard and Stripes Pillow Crochet Pattern – Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial (M23009BSAM)

This free downloadable crochet pattern from Lion Brand guides crafters through creating a charming 16 x 16 inch (40.5 x 40.5 cm) decorative pillow featuring two distinct visual panels: a classic checkerboard design on one half and bold horizontal stripes on the other. Rated Easy skill level, this project is an excellent choice for beginner crocheters looking to practice color changes and basic stitch work while producing a functional, decorative home accessory.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a square decorative throw pillow measuring approximately 16 x 16 inches (40.5 x 40.5 cm). The pillow is constructed from a single crocheted rectangle that is worked flat, then folded in half, seamed along the open edges, and stuffed to create a plump, finished cushion. The two-sided design means the pillow showcases a colorful checkerboard block pattern on one section and a clean striped layout on the other, making it visually interesting from multiple angles.

Construction Technique

The pillow is worked back and forth in rows as one continuous flat rectangle — a beginner-friendly construction method that avoids complex shaping or multiple separate pieces. Once the rectangle is complete, it is simply folded and seamed using a large-eyed blunt needle, then filled with either fiberfill stuffing or a 16 x 16 inch pillow form. This one-piece, fold-and-seam approach keeps finishing steps minimal and accessible for newer crocheters.

A key technique throughout the pattern is yarn color changing, which is used to create both the stripe sequence and the checkerboard block arrangement. Color changes in crochet are typically made on the last pull-through of the stitch before the new color begins, ensuring clean, crisp color transitions — a skill that this pattern provides excellent practice for.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch used throughout the pillow panels, worked in rows to build up the fabric
• Seaming stitch – used with a blunt needle to close the pillow edges after folding

The gauge for this pattern is 16 double crochet stitches and 8 rows = approximately 4 inches (10 cm), so checking gauge before beginning is recommended to ensure the pillow reaches the correct finished dimensions.

Color and Design Details

One of the most appealing aspects of this pattern is its rich, multi-color palette. The design calls for six colors of yarn, all from the same yarn line, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. The colors used are:

• #133 Clay (Color A) – a warm terracotta tone
• #124 Hazelwood (Color B) – a rich earthy brown
• #178 Maize (Color C) – a soft golden yellow
• #172 Olive Branch (Color D) – a muted, natural green
• #144 Lavender Mist (Color E) – a soft, cool lavender
• #147 Lilac (Color F) – a deeper purple-toned lilac

These six shades are rotated across the stripe and checkerboard sections, producing a warm, earthy palette with gentle purple accents — well suited to modern bohemian, cottagecore, or eclectic home décor styles.

Materials and Tools

The pattern is designed specifically for Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Microbial (Art. #204), a worsted weight yarn that offers both practicality and softness. As the name suggests, this yarn features anti-microbial properties, making it a smart choice for home accessories like pillows that benefit from added hygiene protection. One ball of each of the six colors listed above is required.

• Crochet hook: Lion Brand H-8 (5 mm)
• Finishing needle: Lion Brand large-eyed