The Bamboo Grove Panda Emoji Square Free Pattern – A Knitted Textured Cushion

Bring a touch of playful serenity to your space with this knitted panda emoji square, a plush cushion that blends modern minimalism with cozy charm. Its textured bamboo stitch and soft monochrome palette make it a delightful accent for any room. Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner ready to tackle your first seamed piece, this pattern offers clear instructions and a truly adorable result. The front features a sweet panda face with embroidered details, while the back showcases a calming sage green bamboo stitch—evoking the peaceful vibe of a bamboo forest right in your living room.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses worsted weight yarn and standard knitting needles, making it accessible and affordable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • White – approx. 250g (for the front panel and highlights)
  • Black – approx. 100g (for ears, eye patches, nose, mouth, and embroidery)
  • Soft Sage Green – approx. 50g (for the back panel)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (important for correct sizing)
• Extras: Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery, scissors, stitch markers (optional), 12x12 inch cushion form or polyester fiberfill for stuffing

Step-by-Step Instructions

This square is knitted flat in pieces and seamed together. The front features a panda face with embroidered details, while the back is a simple textured bamboo stitch panel. Work all pieces with the specified yarn and needles. Take your time with each section, and remember to check your gauge before starting to ensure your cushion comes out the perfect size.

Panda Face Panel (Front)

This panel is worked from the bottom up, starting with the white base and then shaping the top of the head with ear nubs.

1. Cast On: With white yarn, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Main Body: Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 60 rows, maintaining an even tension. This creates the smooth white face of the panda.
3. Shape the Ears: At row 61, you will begin shaping the top of the head.
   • Bind off the first 10 stitches.
   • Knit the next 20 stitches (these remain on the needle).
   • Bind off the remaining 10 stitches.
   • Cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in later.
4. Work the Ear Nubs: Reattach the white yarn to the middle 20 stitches that are still on your needle.
   • Work these 20 stitches in stockinette stitch for 10 more rows.
   • Bind off all 20 stitches. This creates the top of the head with two cute ear nubs.

Eye Patches (Make 2)

These are simple black squares that will be sewn onto the face to create the panda's iconic eye markings.

1. With black yarn, cast on 8 stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch for 8 rows.
3. Bind off all stitches. Repeat to make a second identical patch.

Nose

A small black square forms the panda's nose.

1. With black yarn, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch for 6 rows.
3. Bind off all stitches. This forms a small, neat square.

Mouth

This thin strip will be curled into a gentle smile.

1. With black yarn, cast on 4 stitches.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows. Garter stitch creates a flexible, flat strip that's perfect for shaping.
3. Bind off all stitches. This creates a thin, flexible strip.

Back Panel

The back of the cushion features a beautiful textured bamboo stitch in sage green, echoing the panda's natural habitat.

1. With sage green yarn, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Work the Bamboo Stitch Pattern: Repeat these 4 rows until you have completed 60 rows total.
   • Row 1: *K1, yo (yarn over), k2tog (knit two together)* repeat from * to end of row.
   • Row 2: Purl all stitches.
   • Row 3: *K2tog, yo, k1* repeat from * to end of row.
   • Row 4: Purl all stitches.
   Note: The yarn overs and decreases create the woven, leafy texture that resembles bamboo stalks.
3. After completing 60 rows, bind off all stitches.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring the two panels together into a plush cushion.

1. Seam the Sides: Place the front and back panels with right sides together (the beautiful sides facing each other). Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew around three sides using a mattress stitch. Leave the bottom edge open for turning and stuffing.
2. Turn and Stuff: Carefully turn the square right side out through the open bottom. Gently push out the corners. Insert a 12x12 inch cushion form, or stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill until the square is plump and cushiony.
3. Close the Bottom: Sew the bottom opening closed with a whip stitch, using the same yarn and a tapestry needle. Make sure the seam is neat and secure.

Embroidering the Face

This is where your panda comes to life! Take your time to position the features symmetrically.

1. Position the Eye Patches: Place the two black eye patches on the front panel, about 10 rows down from the top edge and 8 stitches apart from each other. Sew them on securely with black yarn using a whip stitch around the edges.
2. Attach the Nose: Center the black nose square between the eye patches, about 4 rows below the bottom of the eye patches. Sew it on securely.
3. Shape the Mouth: Curl the black mouth strip into a subtle 'w' shape, with the center dip pointing downward. Position it directly below the nose and sew it in place, securing the curves with small stitches.
4. Embroider the Eyes: With black yarn, embroider two small French knots in the center of each eye patch. These are the panda's shiny eyes.
5. Add Highlights: With white yarn, add a tiny straight stitch or a small French knot on the top corner of each black eye. This creates a lively, sparkling expression.

Finishing

Complete your project with these final touches for a professional look.

1. Weave in Ends: Thread all loose yarn tails onto a tapestry needle and weave them into the inside of the cushion to hide them.
2. Block the Square: Gently block the cushion to even out the stitches. You can lightly mist it with water and let it dry flat, or use a steam iron on a low setting (keeping the iron away from the yarn).
3. Optional Hanging Loop: If you'd like to display your panda on the wall, attach a small loop of yarn at the top corner. Simply thread a length of yarn through the corner, tie it into a loop, and weave in the ends.

Your Bamboo Grove Panda Emoji Square is now complete! This charming cushion is perfect for adding a cozy, whimsical touch to a sofa, bed, or reading nook. The combination of the soft white panda face and the textured green bamboo back makes it a unique handmade gift for panda lovers and knitting enthusiasts alike. Enjoy your new cuddly companion!