Free Pattern: The Summit Ridge Chevron Cushion

Free Pattern: The Summit Ridge Chevron Cushion

Introduction

Welcome to the Summit Ridge Chevron Cushion, a bold and beautifully textured throw pillow that is genuinely perfect for someone who has never held a crochet hook before. This project uses only the most basic crochet stitches, yet the simple two-row repeat creates crisp, modern chevron peaks and valleys that look far more complicated than they actually are. Worked in plush worsted-weight yarn, the finished cushion is approximately 16 x 16 inches, thick and squishy, with a raised, ridged surface you will love to touch. The bold zigzag stripes in deep teal and soft cream give it a warm, contemporary look that brightens up a sofa, a reading chair, or a bed. If you can make a single crochet stitch, you can make this pillow, and you will finish it feeling proud and ready for your next project.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4), acrylic or a cotton blend. Total approximately 400–450 yards. If using two colors: Color A (main) about 250 yards, Color B (accent) about 200 yards. The sample uses deep teal (Color A) and soft cream (Color B).
• Crochet hook: 5.0 mm (US size H/8).
• Stitch markers: At least 4, to mark your first stitch and your chevron peaks.
• Tapestry needle: A large-eyed, blunt-tipped needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Scissors: Any sharp pair for cutting yarn.
• Pillow insert: One 16-inch square (40 x 40 cm) pillow insert.
• Measuring tape: For checking gauge and measuring your piece.
• Finished size: Approximately 16 x 16 inches (40 x 40 cm) after blocking.

Abbreviations and Beginner Glossary

Every abbreviation used in this pattern is listed below and explained in plain English. If you have never crocheted before, read this section twice before you begin.

• ch – chain. Make a slip knot on your hook, wrap the yarn over the hook, and pull it through the loop on your hook. That is one chain. Chains form the foundation your first row is worked into.
• sc – single crochet. Insert your hook into the stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook, pull up a loop (you now have 2 loops on your hook), wrap the yarn over again, and pull it through both loops. One single crochet made.
• dc – double crochet. (Listed here for reference; this pattern uses single crochet only.) Wrap yarn over hook, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 together. This is a decrease that turns two stitches into one. Insert your hook into the first stitch, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert your hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops. You have now made one stitch where there were two.
• dc2tog – double crochet 2 together. (Listed for reference; not used in this pattern.) A double crochet decrease worked across two stitches.
• sk – skip. Do not work into the next stitch; move past it to the following one.
• st / sts – stitch / stitches. One completed loop-and-post unit on your work.
• sp – space. The gap between stitches, usually under a chain.
• RS – right side. The front, public-facing side of your work.
• WS – wrong side. The back side of your work.
• 2 sc in next st – work two single crochet stitches into the same single stitch. This is an increase that turns one stitch into two.
• rep from * – repeat the instructions that follow the asterisk (*) as many times as directed.
• turn – flip your work over so you can work back across the row you just finished.
• fasten off – cut the yarn a few inches from your work, then pull the tail all the way through the last loop on your hook to lock it.

Gauge

Gauge: 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the chevron pattern, after blocking.

Gauge means how many stitches and rows fit into a set measurement. It matters because it is the only way to guarantee your finished pillow comes out the size the pattern promises. If your stitches are too loose, your pillow will be too big for the insert; if they are too tight, it will be too small. To check your gauge, crochet a practice swatch of about 30 stitches and 12 rows in the chevron pattern using your 5.0 mm hook and your chosen yarn. Lay the swatch flat, gently block it (see the Finishing section), and measure a 4-inch section in the middle. Count the stitches across and the rows up. If you have more than 14 stitches in 4 inches, your tension is tight, so try a larger hook (5.5 mm). If you have fewer than 14, your tension is loose, so try a smaller hook (4.5 mm).

Beginner Tips Before You Start

• Count every row. The chevron pattern is a repeating rhythm of decreases and increases. Count your stitches at the end of each row and check that you still have 72. If the number drifts, you have dropped or added a stitch, and it is much easier to fix right away than ten rows later.
• Use stitch markers. Place a marker in the very first stitch of each row so you always know where the row begins, and place a marker at each chevron peak (the stitch where you work 2 sc) so you can see the pattern forming.
• Do not pull your yarn too tight. Beginners often grip the yarn hard, which makes stiff, tight stitches. Keep a relaxed, even tension so the fabric stays soft and squishy.
• Keep your turning chain loose. The ch 1 at the start of each row is not counted as a stitch. Keep it relaxed so the edge of your pillow stays straight and does not pucker.
• Change colors at the end of a row. When the pattern says to change color, finish the last stitch of the row with the new color by pulling the new yarn through the final loop, then cut the old yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.
• Work in good light. The chevron peaks and valleys are easiest to see in bright, even light, especially with dark colors like deep teal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in rows, back and forth, in a two-row chevron repeat. The stitch multiple is 12 stitches plus 2. You will begin with a foundation chain of 74 and end each row with 72 stitches. All stitches are single crochet. Read each row completely before you work it.

Foundation and First Stripe (Color A)

Setup: With Color A, make a slip knot and chain 74.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in the next 4 ch, *sc2tog over the next 2 ch, sc2tog over the next 2 ch, sc in the next 4 ch, 2 sc in the next ch, sc in the next 4 ch; rep from * to the last 6 ch, sc2tog over the next 2 ch, sc2tog over the next 2 ch, sc in the last 2 ch. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, *sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts; rep from * to the last 6 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 2 sts. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 3: Repeat Row 2 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 4: Repeat Row 2 exactly as written above, but at the very end of the row, change to Color B by pulling Color B through the final loop on your hook. Turn. (72 sts)

Second Stripe (Color B)

Row 5 (WS): With Color B, ch 1, sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, *sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts; rep from * to the last 6 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 2 sts. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 6: Repeat Row 5 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 7: Repeat Row 5 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 8: Repeat Row 5 exactly as written above, but at the very end of the row, change back to Color A by pulling Color A through the final loop on your hook. Turn. (72 sts)

Body — Repeating the Chevron Stripes

Continue alternating 4-row stripes of Color A and Color B. On Color A rows, work the Row 2 instruction (the RS row). On Color B rows, work the Row 5 instruction (the WS row). Every row ends with 72 stitches. Below are the rows written out so you never have to guess.

Row 9 (Color A): Ch 1, sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, *sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts; rep from * to the last 6 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 2 sts. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 10: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 11: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 12: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 13 (Color B): Ch 1, sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, *sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next 4 sts; rep from * to the last 6 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc2tog over the next 2 sts, sc in the last 2 sts. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 14: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 15: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 16: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 17 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 18: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 19: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 20: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 21 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 22: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 23: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 24: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 25 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 26: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 27: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 28: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 29 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 30: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 31: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 32: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 33 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 34: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 35: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 36: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 37 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 38: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 39: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 40: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 41 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 42: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 43: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 44: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 45 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 46: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 47: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 48: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 49 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 50: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 51: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 52: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 53 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 54: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 55: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 56: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 57 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 58: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 59: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 60: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 61 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 62: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 63: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 64: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 65 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 66: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 67: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 68: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 69 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 70: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 71: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 72: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 73 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 74: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 75: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 76: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 77 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 78: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 79: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 80: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 81 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 82: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 83: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 84: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above, changing to Color B at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 85 (Color B): Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 86: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 87: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 88: Repeat Row 13 exactly as written above, changing to Color A at the end of the row. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 89 (Color A): Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 90: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 91: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 92: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 93: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 94: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 95: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 96: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 97: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 98: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 99: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 100: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 101: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 102: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 103: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 104: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 105: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 106: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 107: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 108: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 109: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 110: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 111: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 112: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 113: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 114: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 115: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 116: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 117: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 118: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 119: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 120: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 121: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 122: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 123: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 124: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 125: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 126: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 127: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 128: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 129: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 130: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 131: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 132: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 133: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 134: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 135: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 136: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 137: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 138: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 139: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 140: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 141: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 142: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 143: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 144: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 145: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 146: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 147: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 148: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 149: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 150: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 151: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 152: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 153: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 154: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 155: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 156: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 157: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 158: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 159: Repeat Row 9 exactly as written above. Turn. (72 sts)

Row 160: