Ripple Cushion & Bolster in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 9488 - Downloadable PDF

Ripple Cushion & Bolster in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK – Pattern 9488

This downloadable PDF crochet pattern (pattern number 9488) from Stylecraft presents two easy crochet designs for the home: a classic square Ripple Cushion and a coordinating Ripple Bolster. Both pieces feature the much-loved ripple stitch texture, making them a beautiful and achievable project for beginner and near-beginner crocheters who want to add a handmade, tactile touch to their living space.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two distinct cushion designs worked in the ripple stitch technique:

• Ripple Cushion: A square cushion measuring 40cm x 40cm (15¾in x 15¾in), designed to fit a standard 40x40cm cushion pad. The cover fastens with 4 buttons approximately 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, giving it a neat, polished finish.
• Ripple Bolster: A cylindrical bolster cushion measuring 45cm (17¾in) long x 17cm (6¾in) in diameter, designed to fit a standard bolster pad of the same dimensions.

Both designs are rated as Easy, making this pattern an ideal choice for beginners who have a basic understanding of crochet and are ready to tackle a satisfying, practical home accessory project.

Techniques Used

The defining technique throughout both designs is the ripple (or chevron) crochet technique. This classic method creates a wave-like or zigzag texture by strategically increasing stitches at the peaks and decreasing stitches at the valleys of each row. The result is a rhythmic, undulating fabric that is both visually striking and wonderfully tactile.

• Ripple/Chevron construction: Stitches are worked in a repeating sequence of increases (multiple trebles into a single stitch) and decreases (trebles worked together) to form the characteristic wave pattern across every row.
• Turning rows: The pattern is worked in flat rows, with a turning chain at the beginning of each row. Importantly, the 3-chain turning chain counts as a treble, while a 1-chain turning chain does not count as a stitch — a key detail for stitch counts.
• Lace row variation: Row 4 introduces an open lacework row using chain spaces and missed stitches, adding a delicate, airy detail to the ripple fabric and breaking up the solid texture beautifully.
• Button band finishing: The cushion cover incorporates a button fastening, requiring basic finishing and assembly skills.

Stitches Used

• Treble crochet (tr): The primary stitch used throughout both designs, worked in the standard UK crochet convention (yarn over hook before inserting into stitch).
• tr3tog (treble 3 together): A special decrease stitch where three treble stitches are worked together into consecutive stitches, leaving only one stitch on the hook. This creates the valley points of the ripple pattern.
• tr2tog with space: A variation of the treble decrease used in the lace row, working two trebles together across a chain space for a more open effect.
• 3tr in next stitch: An increase worked by placing three treble stitches into a single stitch, forming the peak points of the ripple wave.
• Chain (ch): Used for the foundation chain and within the lace row to create open spaces.
• Double crochet (dc): Referenced in the abbreviations, likely used in finishing or edging sections of the pattern.
• Slip stitch (ss): Used for joining and finishing.

Materials – Yarn

Both designs are worked in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK, a variegated DK-weight yarn that produces beautiful, self-striping colour effects without the need to change yarns. Each project requires just one 200g ball, making this an economical and satisfying one-skein project.