P373 Flower Cushion

How to Crochet a Chunky Flower Cushion

Create a soft, sculptural flower cushion with two generous layers of ruffled petals. This statement home décor project works up quickly using super-chunky yarn and a large crochet hook.

The cushion begins with a small circular centre. The first layer of petals is worked into chain spaces and secured around treble-crochet posts. A second, wider layer is then added underneath in a contrasting colour to create extra depth and dimension.

Finished Measurement

The completed flower measures approximately 50 cm in diameter.

What You Will Need

Yarn

The original pattern uses Makr Thicck & Chunky yarn in 500 g balls:

• Colour 1: 1 ball
• Colour 2: 1 ball

Hook and Equipment

• 20 mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Wool needle or fingers for weaving in ends

Tension

Using a 20 mm hook, the original pattern uses the following tension:

4 chain stitches and 4 rows of single crochet measure approximately 10 cm square.

Exact tension is less critical than it would be for a fitted garment, but changes in yarn thickness or hook size will affect the finished diameter, fullness of the petals and yarn quantity required.

Abbreviations

• Ch: Chain
• Tc: Treble crochet
• Dc: Double crochet
• Hk: Hook
• Prev: Previous
• Sk: Skip
• Sp: Space
• Slst: Slip stitch
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches
• YO: Yarn over
• BPtc: Back-post treble crochet, worked around the post of a stitch rather than into the top loops

Construction Overview

The flower is made in three main stages:

1. Crochet the circular flower centre.
2. Make the first, smaller layer of five ruffled petals.
3. Change colour and add a second, larger layer of five petals underneath.

The ruffled effect is created by working many treble crochet stitches into a relatively small chain space. The crowded stitches naturally curve and form a full, dimensional petal.

Crochet the Flower Centre

Round 1

1. Chain 4.
2. Join to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a ring.
3. Chain 1.
4. Work 7 double crochet stitches into the centre of the ring.
5. Join to the first stitch with a slip stitch.

You should have 7 stitches at the end of the round.

Round 2

1. Chain 1 and work a double crochet into the same stitch.
2. Work 2 double crochet stitches into each stitch across.
3. Work 3 double crochet stitches into the final stitch.
4. Join to the first stitch with a slip stitch.

You should have 15 stitches at the end of the round.

Create the First Round of Petals

Round 3: Make the Petal Framework

1. Chain 7. This counts as one treble crochet and one chain-4 space.
2. Skip the next two stitches.
3. Work one treble crochet into the following stitch.
4. Continue around by chaining 4, skipping two stitches and working one treble crochet into the next stitch.
5. Finish with a final chain 4 and join to the third chain of the beginning chain with a slip stitch.

This creates five chain spaces that will hold the first layer of petals.

Round 4: Form the First Five Petals

1. Remove the hook from the working loop while holding the loop securely.
2. Insert the hook into the open double crochet stitch next to the beginning chain, keeping the hook in front of the chain space.
3. Pick up the working loop from behind and pull it through the stitch.
4. Work 12 treble crochet stitches into the first chain-4 space.
5. Wrap the hook from back to front around the neighbouring post, yarn over and pull through to secure the petal at the back.

To form each following petal:

1. Chain 3.
2. Remove the hook from the working loop.
3. Insert the hook into the next open stitch from the previous round, positioning the hook behind the completed petal.
4. Pick up the working loop and pull it through the stitch.
5. Work 12 treble crochet stitches into the next chain-4 space, sliding the stitches along the chain space so they fit comfortably.
6. Secure the petal at the back using the back-post technique.

Repeat until five petals have been completed.

Create the Second Round of Petals

Change to Colour 2 before beginning the second layer.

Round 5: Create the Lower Petal Framework

1. Fold the first layer of petals forwards and out of the way.
2. Join the new colour with a slip stitch in the next open stitch from Round 2.
3. Chain 9. This counts as one treble crochet and one chain-6 space.
4. Skip behind the next petal and work one treble crochet into the next open double crochet stitch from Round 2.
5. Continue around by chaining 6 and working one treble crochet into the next available stitch between the upper petals.
6. Finish with a chain 6 and join to the third chain of the beginning chain.

Round 6: Form the Five Larger Petals

1. Remove the hook from the working loop while keeping the loop secure.
2. Insert the hook into the open stitch beside the beginning treble crochet.
3. Pick up the working loop and pull it through the stitch.
4. Work 14 treble crochet stitches into the first chain-6 space.
5. Secure the petal at the back using the same back-post method used for the first layer.

For each remaining petal:

1. Chain 3.
2. Remove the hook from the working loop.
3. Insert the hook into the next available stitch from Round 2, behind the previous petal.
4. Pick up the working loop and pull it through.
5. Work 14 treble crochet stitches into the next chain-6 space.
6. Slide the stitches together to create a full, ruffled petal.
7. Secure the petal at the back with the back-post technique.

Repeat until five larger lower petals have been completed.

Finish and Shape the Cushion

1. Fasten off securely.
2. Weave the loose yarn ends into the thick fabric using your fingers or a large wool needle.
3. Gently pull and stretch each petal into shape.
4. Arrange the smaller petals evenly over the wider lower layer.
5. Finger block the cushion until the flower sits evenly and the petals have the desired ruffled shape.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

The original pattern uses an extremely thick 500 g yarn. A substitute must be bulky enough to create the same soft, oversized petals with a 20 mm crochet hook.

• Jumbo chenille yarn – creates a plush, soft cushion with rounded, squishy petals.
• Jumbo blanket yarn – offers good durability and an easy-care finish suitable for cushions and children's rooms.
• Super-chunky plush yarn – provides a similar soft, textured result when the gauge matches.
• Two strands of super-chunky yarn held together – may achieve the required thickness when a single jumbo yarn is unavailable.
• Jumbo recycled polyester yarn – creates a contemporary decorative cushion, although the finished weight should be checked.
• Thick roving-style yarn – produces a softer, more sculptural look but may be less resistant to pilling and abrasion.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Look for a yarn recommended for a crochet hook of approximately 15–20 mm. The yarn should be soft enough for a cushion but firm enough for the petals to retain their shape.

Smooth or lightly textured yarns make it easier to identify the stitches and secure the petals. Very fuzzy yarns may hide the stitch structure, making the back-post sections more difficult to work.

Colour Ideas

• Blush pink with burgundy lower petals
• Mustard with cream
• Lilac with deep purple
• Terracotta with dusty rose
• White with a soft green lower layer
• Two shades of the same colour for a tonal effect
• A variegated upper layer with a coordinating solid lower layer

Care

Follow the care instructions on the selected yarn label. Spot clean where possible to help maintain the shape of the petals.

After washing, reshape the flower by hand and allow it to dry flat. Avoid hanging the wet cushion, as the weight may stretch the petals.