Retro Ripple Sunset Pillow: A Free Knitted Granny Square Cushion Pattern

Bring a wave of 70s nostalgia into your living room with this stunning Retro Ripple Sunset Pillow. This knitted granny square cushion features a bold sunset gradient—from burnt orange to golden yellow, cream, rust red, and deep teal—all wrapped in a soft, textured ripple stitch. It's a cozy, handmade statement piece that blends retro charm with modern comfort, perfect for boho-inspired home decor. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, this pattern is designed to be approachable, rewarding, and utterly gorgeous.

In this guide, I'll walk you through every step, from gathering your materials to the final crocheted border. By the end, you'll have a plump, inviting pillow that looks like it was plucked straight from a 1970s design magazine. Let's dive in!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crafting session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in 5 colors:
  • Color A: Burnt Orange (approx. 50g)
  • Color B: Golden Yellow (approx. 50g)
  • Color C: Cream (approx. 50g)
  • Color D: Rust Red (approx. 50g)
  • Color E: Deep Teal (approx. 50g)
• Total yarn needed: approximately 250g

Needles & Hooks

• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles – for the main square
• US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook – for the edging and assembly

Additional Supplies

• 12 x 12 inch pillow form (or polyester fiberfill for stuffing)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your pillow fits the 12-inch form perfectly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pillow is knitted in a square using a modular granny square technique, then crocheted together with a decorative border. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pillow in no time.

Square 1 (Make 2)

You'll need to make two identical squares. Each square is worked flat, from the bottom up, with horizontal stripes in your sunset gradient.

Step 1: Cast On & Base Color

Using Color A (Burnt Orange), cast on 40 stitches onto your US Size 8 needles.

Step 2: Stockinette Base

Work in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a wrong-side row (a purl row). This creates the solid orange base of your pillow.

Step 3: Stripe Sequence

Now, you'll add the vibrant stripes. For each color change, simply drop the old yarn and pick up the new one, leaving a tail to weave in later. Work each stripe in 4 rows of stockinette (knit RS, purl WS).

1. Color B (Golden Yellow): Knit 4 rows.
2. Color C (Cream): Knit 4 rows.
3. Color D (Rust Red): Knit 4 rows.
4. Color E (Deep Teal): Knit 4 rows.
5. Color A (Burnt Orange): Knit 4 rows.
6. Color B (Golden Yellow): Knit 4 rows.
7. Color C (Cream): Knit 4 rows.
8. Color D (Rust Red): Knit 4 rows.
9. Color E (Deep Teal): Knit 4 rows.

Tip: Carry the unused yarn loosely up the side of your work, or cut and rejoin for each stripe. Cutting is cleaner for a project like this, but carrying works if you prefer fewer ends to weave in.

Step 4: Bind Off

After completing the final stripe in Color E, bind off all stitches loosely. A loose bind-off ensures the edge doesn't pucker when you assemble the pillow. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for seaming later.

Repeat for Square 2

Make a second identical square following the exact same steps.

Optional: Ripple Texture Variation

For an extra dose of retro flair, you can swap the plain stockinette stripes for a subtle ripple pattern. This adds a gentle wave texture that mimics the look of a classic granny square.

If you choose this option, work in multiples of 6 + 4 stitches (your cast-on of 40 works perfectly: 6×6 = 36 + 4 = 40).

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *yo, k2tog, k2; repeat from * to the last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat these two rows for each 4-row stripe section. The yarn overs create small eyelet holes, and the k2tog decreases keep the stitch count consistent. This pattern is easy to memorize and adds beautiful texture.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your two squares together into a plump pillow.

Step 1: Place Squares Together

Place the two squares with right sides facing each other. Make sure the stripes align perfectly for a seamless look.

Step 2: Single Crochet Seam

Using your US G/6 crochet hook and Color C (Cream), single crochet (sc) around three sides of the square. Work through both layers to create a sturdy seam. Leave the fourth side completely open.

How to single crochet through both layers: Insert your hook through the top loop of the front square and the corresponding loop of the back square, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook.

Step 3: Turn Right Side Out

Carefully turn the pillow cover right side out through the open side. Use a blunt tool (like a knitting needle) to gently push out the corners for a crisp shape.

Step 4: Insert Pillow Form

Insert your 12 x 12 inch pillow form through the opening. If using fiberfill, stuff generously to achieve a plump, firm shape.

Step 5: Close the Final Side

Fold the raw edges of the open side inward (about ½ inch) to create a clean edge. Using the same crochet hook and Color C, single crochet across the opening to close it. Work through both layers as before, and fasten off securely.

Decorative Border

The border is what gives this pillow its polished, finished look. The cream crocheted edging adds a soft, scalloped detail that frames the vibrant stripes beautifully.

Round 1: Single Crochet

With Color C (Cream), single crochet evenly around the entire pillow edge. Work 3 single crochet stitches in each corner to ensure the border lays flat and turns corners neatly. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.

Round 2: Double Crochet

Chain 2 (counts as first double crochet), then work 1 double crochet (dc) in each single crochet around the entire edge. Work 3 dc in the center stitch of each corner (the middle of the 3 sc you made in Round 1). Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-2.

Round 3: Final Single Crochet

Chain 1, then work 1 single crochet in each double crochet around. Again, work 3 sc in the center stitch of each corner. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Weave in All Ends

Using your tapestry needle, weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the pillow cover. Trim any excess yarn. This step is crucial for a professional, durable finish.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a stunning Retro Ripple Sunset Pillow that's sure to become the centerpiece of your living room. The combination of warm sunset hues, the subtle ripple texture, and the creamy crocheted border creates a piece that's both nostalgic and contemporary.

This pattern is perfect for using up scrap yarn in coordinating colors, and it makes a thoughtful handmade gift for housewarmings or birthdays. Don't be afraid to experiment with your own color palettes—think ocean blues, forest greens, or even pastel rainbows!

I'd love to see your finished pillows! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #RetroRipplePillow and tag me so I can admire your work. Happy knitting!