Space Pod Crochet Cushion Cover Free Pattern
Introduction
This Space Pod Cushion Cover is a fun, confidence-building project for anyone who has mastered basic crochet stitches and wants to try something with a little more texture. The vertical post-stitch ridges give the cover a puffy, paneled look that reminds us of an inflatable space pod, and the navy border plus a tiny white star add just enough playful detail. Worked as two simple rectangles joined on three sides, it comes together quickly and looks far more complicated than it is. The finished 16-inch square is soft, squishy, and perfect for a kid's room, a reading nook, or anywhere that could use a little outer-space charm.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — Color A (Silver): 400 yards; Color B (Navy): 150 yards; Color C (White): 20 yards
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, 16 x 16 inch (40.5 x 40.5 cm) pillow form
- Finished size: 16 x 16 inches (40.5 x 40.5 cm)
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- dc — double crochet
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- FPdc — front post double crochet (work the dc around the post of the stitch from the front)
- BPdc — back post double crochet (work the dc around the post of the stitch from the back)
- MR — magic ring
- rep — repeat
- RS — right side
- st(s) — stitch(es)
Gauge
14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in the post stitch pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in the pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension relaxed on the post stitches — pulling them tight flattens the ridges that give this cover its space-pod look.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row; the alternating FPdc/BPdc pattern is easy to drift on, and a consistent 55 stitches keeps both panels the same size.
- Make both panels before joining so you can compare them side by side and adjust if one came out slightly larger.
- Use a stitch marker at the first stitch of each round when working the edging so you can find your join easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Front Panel (Color A)
Row 1: Ch 57, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across (55 dc).
Row 2: Ch 3, turn, *BPdc around next st, FPdc around next st; rep from * across, ending with BPdc around last st (55 sts).
Row 3: Ch 3, turn, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; rep from * across, ending with FPdc around last st (55 sts).
Rows 4–32: Rep Rows 2–3 (29 rows total). Fasten off.
Back Panel (Color A)
Work same as Front Panel, Rows 1–32. Do not fasten off.
Join
With RS together, sc through both layers along the left side, bottom, and right side, working 1 sc per st and 1 sc per row-end. Fasten off. Turn RS out.
Edging (Color B)
Join B at top right corner.
Rnd 1: Sc evenly around entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Star Applique (Color C)
Rnd 1: MR, 5 sc. *Ch 3, sl st in next sc; rep from * 4 times (5 points). Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail. Sew star to front panel at bottom right corner, 2" from edges.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle, working them into the wrong side of the fabric so they don't show through the ridges. Sew the star firmly in place at the bottom right corner of the front panel, 2 inches from each edge. Lightly block the cover by misting it with water and patting it flat into a 16 x 16 inch square; let it dry completely. Insert the pillow form through the open top edge.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the navy border for a bright orange or teal to change the whole mood of the cushion.
- Add a second or third star in different corners, or scatter a few small stars across the front for a constellation effect.
- Add a simple button and loop closure at the top opening to keep the pillow form from slipping out.
