Bright Rainbow Bobble Cushion: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Bright Rainbow Bobble Cushion is a cheerful, textural project that brings a burst of color and a touch of art deco geometry to any sofa, chair, or bed. It's written for crocheters who are comfortable with single crochet and ready to learn (or show off) the bobble stitch, making it a great step-up project for advanced beginners. The front is worked in seven bright rainbow stripes, each carrying staggered rows of raised bobbles that catch the light and invite you to run your fingers over them. The plain violet back and simple button closure keep the construction practical, so the cushion slips on and off easily for washing.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) acrylic yarn, 200 yds total, in seven colors: A red 30 yds, B orange 30 yds, C yellow 30 yds, D green 30 yds, E blue 30 yds, F indigo 25 yds, G violet 25 yds.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, five buttons (about ¾ inch / 2 cm), sewing needle and thread for the buttons.
• Finished size: 16 inches (40.5 cm) square.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• bobble – bobble stitch: yarn over, insert hook in the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops; repeat this 4 more times in the same stitch (5 loops on hook), then yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook. Push the bobble to the back (wrong side) of the work as you go.
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• rep – repeat

Gauge

16 sts and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the bobble pattern. Work a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4-inch section in the middle; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Bobbles are worked on the wrong side of the fabric and pop out on the right side, so don't worry if they look flat while you're working a row — they push forward on the next plain row.
• Keep your bobble loops slightly loose so the bobble sits plump and even; tight loops make small, hard bobbles.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row — the front panel stays at 65 sc throughout, and a missed stitch will throw off the bobble spacing.
• Change colors at the end of the last row of each stripe by pulling the new color through the final loop, then carry on with the next row.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Front Panel (A–G)

Row 1: With A, ch 66, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (65 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first 2 sc, [bobble in next sc, sc in next 3 sc] rep to last 2 sc, sc in last 2 sc (16 bobbles).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (65 sc).

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in first 4 sc, [bobble in next sc, sc in next 3 sc] rep to last sc, sc in last sc (15 bobbles).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (65 sc).

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in first 2 sc, [bobble in next sc, sc in next 3 sc] rep to last 2 sc, sc in last 2 sc (16 bobbles).

Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (65 sc). Change to B.

Rows 8–13: Rep Rows 2–7 (65 sc). Change to C.

Rows 14–19: Rep Rows 2–7 (65 sc). Change to D.

Rows 20–25: Rep Rows 2–7 (65 sc). Change to E.

Rows 26–31: Rep Rows 2–7 (65 sc). Change to F.

Rows 32–37: Rep Rows 2–7 (65 sc). Change to G.

Rows 38–43: Rep Rows 2–7 (65 sc). Fasten off.

Back Panel (G)

Row 1: Ch 66, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (65 sc).

Rows 2–43: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (65 sc). Fasten off.

Button Band (G)

Row 1: Ch 66, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (65 sc).

Rows 2–8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (65 sc). Fasten off.

Edging (Front Panel)

Rnd 1: With RS facing, join G to bottom right corner of front panel, ch 1, sc evenly around entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly Round

Rnd 1: Place front and back panels WS together. Join G at bottom right corner, ch 1, sc in each st around, working through both layers, 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Button Band and Buttonholes

Place the button band behind the back panel, aligning top edges. Sew the button band to the back panel along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.

Buttonholes: On the button band, work 5 evenly spaced buttonholes: ch 2, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc. Reinforce with whipstitch if needed.

Sew 5 buttons evenly spaced along the top edge of the back panel, opposite the buttonholes (use the spaces between sc as buttonholes).

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches to secure it. Sew the button band in place as described, then attach the buttons with sewing needle and thread, checking that each lines up with a buttonhole. Block the finished cover lightly: mist with water, shape to a 16-inch square, and let it dry flat — this evens out the bobbles and opens the stitch pattern. Insert a 16-inch cushion pad through the buttoned opening.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the rainbow for a two- or three-color palette (for example, cream and blush) for a calmer, more modern look.
• Work the back panel in the same striped bobble pattern for a fully reversible cushion.
• Use a slightly larger hook for the back panel to make the cover a little roomier if your cushion pad is plump.