What I love about crochet is that it is more than just a craft—it’s an art form that brings texture, colour, and warmth into your home. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced crocheter, granny squares offer endless possibilities for creative expression. Today, I’ll show you how to make a vibrant, versatile pillow using my Happy Petal Pillow Granny Square pattern.
This project is inspired by the popularity of my Happy Petal Granny Square Tutorial. The original version of the square features eight rounds, but for this pillow, we’ll use a scaled-down version with only the first four rounds. This not only makes the project quicker but also leaves plenty of room for customization with colours and yarn textures.
Why the Happy Petal Pillow is a Must-Make
Granny square pillows are a fantastic way to add a pop of colour to any room. They’re a great blend of traditional crochet techniques and modern design, allowing you to personalize your home décor with ease. The Happy Petal Pillow, in particular, stands out because of its floral-inspired design and the joyful burst of texture and colour it brings to your space.
Materials You’ll Need
For the Happy Petal Pillow, I opted for easy-care materials that are practical yet beautiful. Here’s what you’ll need:
Yarn: 100% acrylic yarn in several colours for a vibrant look. Acrylic yarn is not only affordable but also machine washable, which is perfect for items like pillows that get a lot of use. I used 1 main colour for my flowers ( Parchment ) and 9 Contrasting Colours ( CC ) for the squares and centers.
The Colours and Brands I used for the Happy Petal Pillow are listed below.
- Parchment – Bernat Premium
- Clay – Bernat Super Value
- Lettuce – Red Heart With Love
- Forest Green – Bernat Super Value
- Green Lagoon – Impeccable by Loops and Threads
- Terracotta – Lion Brand Pound of Love
- Cinnabar – Lion Brand Pound of Love
- Faded Brick – Caron One Pound
- Caramel – Bernat Premium
- Toasted Almond – Crafts Smart Value by Loops and Threads
Other Supplies:
-
Crochet Hooks: I used both a 5 mm ( US 8 / H ) and 5.50 mm ( US 9 / I ) crochet hook. The smaller hook is for the squares, which provides just the right balance between the softness of the stitches and the firmness needed for a pillow cover.
Then I use a 5.50 mm ( US 9 / I ) for joining the squares to give a little breathing space to get through two pieces of fabric and allow the seam some ease of stretch. - Pillow Form: A 16″ square pillow form is ideal for this project. Make sure it’s washable to keep your pillow looking fresh.
- Tapestry Needle: This is essential for weaving in your ends and sewing the pillow top back and front together at the end.
-
Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is a must for clean cuts when you finish your yarn ends.
My fav hook is the Susan Bates Silvalume Ergonomic – this is the one I used in the tutorial
Gauge & Finished Sizes:
Happy Petal Crochet Square – Rounds 1 – 4 = 4 ″ x 4 ″ / 10cm x 10cm
Finished Happy Petal Pillow Top – 16 ″ x 16 ″ / 40cm x 40cm
f you’re eager to dive deeper into experimenting with colour combinations for your squares, I’d love for you to check out my Instagram and Pinterest pages. I’m always trying out new ideas and playing with different colour palettes, and I regularly post pictures of my latest experiments. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, fresh ideas, or just enjoy seeing how colours can transform a design, you’ll find plenty of creative content there. I really enjoy sharing my work and connecting with others who love to play with colour as much as I do. So, if you’re in need of some vibrant inspiration or just want to see what I’m currently working on, feel free to hop over and explore!
If you’d like to get the ad-free PDF version of the Happy Petal Square pattern, complete with symbol charts, you can find it available in my shop right HERE
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
st(s)– stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
lp(s) – loop(s)
yo– yarn over
rnd – round
beg – beginning
prev – previous
sp – space
sk – skip
rep – repeat
dec – decrease
Cont – continue
Col – Colour
CC – Contrast Colour
Special Stitches
Double Crochet Cluster –[ DC CL ] : * Yarn over, insert hook into ch-space and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops on hook, rep from * once more, yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook
Beginning Double Crochet Cluster – [ Beg DC CL ]: ch 2, yarn over, insert hook into ch-space, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through all three loops on hook
More Information on Hooks Sizes, Yarn Weights and Crochet Language
Here are some of my go-to resources online to assist you with your crochet journey. These websites provide valuable information on hook sizes, yarn weights and a good explanation of the difference in crochet terms between UK and US terms.
All my patterns are written in US Crochet Terms.
Hook Sizes see the Craft Yarn Council’s Page Here
For Standard Yarn Weight Information See this Page
A Handy PDF from Annie’s on the difference between UK and US Crochet Terms
A Nice Explanation from LoveCraft’s on The UK and US differences
Step-by-Step Instructions for The Happy Petal Pillow
Part 1: Making the Happy Petal Granny Squares
We’ll start by creating 16 Happy Petal Squares, which will form the front of your pillow. As I mentioned, these squares will only use the first four rounds of the original Happy Petal pattern, so they work up quickly and allow for plenty of creativity with colour choices.
Foundation: With First CC, Make a Magic Ring
OR alternate foundation: { Ch 4, sl st in first ch, to form a ring. }
Rnd 1: Continue with Same CC, ch 3 { counts as first dc }, dc 11 times into ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3, fasten off. { 12 dc }
Rnd 2: Join Parchment with a sl st in any st of prev rnd, work a beg dc cl in same st as join, ch 2, ( dc cl in next st, ch 2 ) 11 times, sl st in top of beg dc cl of rnd, fasten off. { 12 dc cl, 12 ch-2 sp }
Rnd 3: Join Next CC with a sc in any ch-2 sp of prev rnd, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, [ ( sc, ch 1, sc ) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1 ] 11 times, sl st in first sc of rnd. { 24 sc, 24 ch-1 sp }
Rnd 4: Continue with Same CC, sl st in first ch-1 sp of prev rnd, ch 1, sc in same ch-1 sp, ch 1, ( sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1 ) twice, * hdc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, ( hdc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, hdc ) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, hdc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, ** ( sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1 ) 3 times, rep from * 2 more times, then from * to ** once more, sl st in first sc on rnd, fasten off. { 16 hdc, 4 dc, 12 sc, 32 ch-1 sp }
By repeating these steps for each of your 16 squares, you’ll quickly have a stack of vibrant granny squares ready to be assembled.
See the Original Happy Petal Square Post Here with Full Video Tutorial
Part 2: Joining the Squares
Once your squares are ready, it’s time to join them. I prefer to arrange my 16 squares in a 4×4 grid before joining. This allows me to visualize the final layout and ensures that I’m happy with the colour arrangement before I start crocheting them together.
I like to join my squares using a slip stitch from the wrong side of the work. This method creates a subtle ridge on the right side, adding a bit of texture without being too obvious. You can also use a single crochet stitch if you prefer a more prominent seam.
How to Join:
- Lay your squares out in a 4×4 grid with the right sides facing up. This helps you see how the colours and patterns will look when the pillow is finished and to know which square comes next while you are joining them.
- Crochet the seams from the Wrong Side placing your squares Right Sides together as you go.
- Work the horizontal seams first by slip stitching across the edges of the squares.
- Once the horizontal rows are joined, move on to the vertical seams.
Part 3: Creating the Back of the Happy Petal Pillow
You have two options for the back of the pillow: you can either make an identical set of Happy Petal Squares, or you can mix it up with another granny square design. I opted for a different look on the back, using four Mystic Harmony Squares arranged in a 2×2 grid. This adds a bit of contrast and gives you the option to flip the pillow for a completely new look.
Part 4: Finishing the Happy Petal Pillow
Once both the front and back pieces are finished, it’s time to join them. I prefer to use a whip stitch to sew the edges together. This creates a sturdy seam while keeping the look neat and clean. I like to work this seam from the Right Side, so I can see the finishing edges.
To finish:
- Place the front and back pieces together with the right sides facing out.
- Using a tapestry needle and a length of yarn, whip stitch around the edges of the pillow, making sure to leave an opening on one side to insert the pillow form.
- After inserting the pillow form, sew the remaining seam shut.
- Another option would be to work a single crochet around the entire pillow from the Right Side, this gives a different look to your finished pillow and is a great alternative.
Since both the pillow form and yarn are washable, you won’t need to worry about removing the cover—just toss the entire pillow into the wash if it needs cleaning!
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about this project is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to help you make the Happy Petal Pillow your own:
- Play with Colours: Granny squares are a great way to experiment with bold colour combinations. Try mixing contrasting shades or sticking with a monochromatic palette for a more modern look.
- Add Texture: If you want to add a bit of texture to your pillow, consider using different types of yarn. A mix of wool, cotton, and acrylic can give your squares a unique feel.
- Use Different Granny Square Patterns: While the Happy Petal Square is perfect for this project, you can mix and match other granny square designs for a completely unique pillow.
- Make it Larger or Smaller: Depending on the size of your pillow form, you can easily adjust the number of squares to fit. For a larger pillow, try using bigger squares or adding more rows of squares.
Why Granny Squares are Timeless
Granny squares have been a crochet staple for decades, and for good reason. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and offer endless possibilities for creativity. Whether you’re making a blanket, a pillow, or even a piece of clothing, granny squares are the perfect way to add a handmade touch to your home or wardrobe.
This timeless appeal is why granny squares continue to be popular among crocheters of all skill levels. Their versatility allows for creative freedom, whether you’re making traditional square blankets or turning them into trendy garments. The Happy Petal Pillow is just one example of how you can take a classic motif and turn it into something fresh and modern.
Watch the Full Happy Petal Pillow Tutorial Video Here
In this video tutorial, I’ll guide you through the basics of creating the Graceful Diamond Crochet Square, step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure you feel confident as you work through each stage of the pattern
Final Thoughts
The Happy Petal Pillow is a fantastic way to bring a splash of color and texture to your home décor. With its simple construction and endless customization options, this project is perfect for both beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and check out the links below for more detailed instructions on the supplies and techniques I used. I’d love to see your finished pillows, so feel free to share your creations with me on social media!
Check out my Shop where I regularly release new patterns using all my squares.
Patterns in my shop include a symbol chart version of the square, along with various colourway diagrams. These additional resources will help you easily navigate your projects and inspire your own unique colour combinations. Happy crafting!
Thanks for joining me and getting creative. ~ Jane ~
“I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
