The Ember Glow Waffle Stitch Pillow: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Modern Cushion

Wrap Your Home in Cozy Texture: The Ember Glow Waffle Stitch Pillow

Imagine sinking into your sofa after a long day, resting your head against a pillow that feels as luxurious as it looks. The Ember Glow Waffle Stitch Pillow is designed to bring that exact warmth and modern, handcrafted feel to your living space. Its deep, repeating squares create a plush, tactile surface that invites you to relax. This free crochet pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners who want to add a stunning, textured accent to their home decor. The rich heathered charcoal paired with a vibrant burnt orange border creates a striking, modern contrast that will complement any room.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (100% acrylic, worsted weight, 251 yds/230 m per 5 oz/142 g skein)
  • Color A (Main): 'Great Smoky Mountains' (rich, heathered charcoal) – 2 skeins
  • Color B (Border): 'Acadia' (deep, burnt orange) – 1 skein
• Hook: Size J-10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors, 16-inch x 16-inch pillow form

Gauge: 12 waffle stitches (one waffle = one front post double crochet + one double crochet) x 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in waffle stitch pattern. Always check your gauge to ensure your pillow fits the form perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pillow Front (Make 1)

Foundation Row: With Color A (charcoal), chain 37.

Row 1: Double crochet (dc) in the 4th chain from the hook (this counts as your first dc). Dc in each chain across. Turn your work. (35 dc total)

Row 2 (Waffle Stitch Setup): Chain 3 (counts as first dc). *Front post double crochet (fpdc) around the next dc, then dc in the next dc. Repeat from * across until you have 2 stitches left. Fpdc around the next dc, then dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn.

Row 3: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). *Dc in the next fpdc (the post stitch from the row below), then fpdc around the next dc (the regular dc from the row below). Repeat from * across until you have 2 stitches left. Dc in the next fpdc, then dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Rows 4-35: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternately. Continue until your piece measures approximately 18 inches from the foundation chain. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Pillow Back (Make 1)

Foundation Row: With Color A (charcoal), chain 37.

Rows 1-35: Repeat Rows 1 through 35 exactly as written for the Pillow Front. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Border & Assembly

Step 1: Joining the Pieces
Place the Front and Back pieces together with their wrong sides facing each other (the right sides should be on the outside). Using Color B (burnt orange), join the yarn with a slip stitch in any corner of the pillow.

Round 1: Chain 1. Single crochet (sc) evenly around all four edges of the pillow. At each corner, work 3 single crochet stitches into the same corner stitch to create a neat, rounded turn. When you reach the starting corner, join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (Approximately 140 sc total around the perimeter)

Round 2: Chain 1. Single crochet in each single crochet around, again working 3 single crochet in each corner stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail of yarn for sewing.

Step 2: Sewing the Sides
Thread the 12-inch tail onto a yarn needle. Using a whip stitch, sew together the remaining three sides of the pillow (the border has already joined the fourth side). Leave one side completely open for inserting the pillow form.

Step 3: Finishing
Insert your 16-inch x 16-inch pillow form into the opening. Use the yarn needle and the same whip stitch to close the final side. Weave in all remaining ends securely. Your Ember Glow Waffle Stitch Pillow is complete!