Circle in the Square Crochet Pillow : Free Crochet Pattern

This easy crochet pattern and tutorial will show you how to make a crochet pillow cover that will make any space cute and inviting. Use up some yarn scraps and learn how to make the circle in a square granny square to create a great home decor accessory!

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Materials

One 12” x 16” (30.4 cm x 40.6 cm) pillow insert (I used an insert from Loops and Threads)

2 skeins (2.5 oz, 70.9 g; 120 yds, 109 m) Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 4 ply worsted 100% cotton in Ecru

Scrap yarn, varying amounts, size 4 (worsted weight)

5 mm crochet hook (size H / 8)

Yarn needle

Gauge

4″ (10cm) = 12 dc and 5 rows, unblocked (each granny square measures 6″ x 6″)

Abbreviations

ch = chain

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

sk = skip

sl st = slip stitch

st = stitch

sts = stitches

Pattern Notes

This pattern uses US crochet terms.

Use stitch markers to help keep count of the number of rows you have completed.

The turning chain at the beginning of each row counts as a stitch.

Instructions

Circle in the square granny squares: (make 12)

Beginning with scrap yarn, make an adjustable loop (alternatively, ch 4, then sl st to the first ch, forming a loop).

Round 1: Chain 3, 11 dc into loop (12 dc)

Slip Stitch into top of ch 3, (at this point you can pull the adjustable loop tight)

Round 2: Ch 3, 1 dc into the same stitch

2 dc into the next stitch and in each stitch around (24 dc)

Slip stitch into top of ch 3

Round 3: Ch 3, 1 dc into the same stitch, [1 dc into next stitch, 2 dc into next stitch]* 11 times, 1 dc into next stitch (36 dc), Slip stitch into top of ch 3

 Fasten off and begin next round by joining second yarn color, if desired

Round 4: ch 3, hdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, ch 2, 2 dc in the same st (One side and one corner completed)

[dc in the next st, hdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, (2 dcs, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next st] 3 times (56 sts)

Join to top of ch 3 with a sl st

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in the next 10 sts, [dc, ch2, dc] in the chain 2 space 

(Dc in the next 13 sts, [dc, ch2, dc] in the chain 2 space) 3 times

Dc in the next 2 sts, join to top of ch 3 with slip stitch (68 sts)

Fasten off, weave in loose ends.

To make the pillow cover:

Arrange squares in two sections of 3 x 2 rectangles. Using 24″ of yarn and a yarn needle, sew together to create two panels. Sew panels together, leaving one side open, and place the pillow inside. Sew the opening together if you wish.

I’d love to see your finished projects! Leave a comment below, or connect with me on Instagram, Ravelry, or Pinterest by tagging #crochetconfidential.

© 2025 by Candice Lynn (Crochet Confidential). This pattern is for personal use only. You may use this pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You are free to sell the items you make with this pattern. Do not distribute this pattern or the photos in any form — if you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link: https://crochetconfidential.com/circle-in-the-square-crochet-pillow-free-free-crochet-pattern