Retreat to your happy place when you stitch up the new Matilda Afghan & Pillow, a FREE chunky crochet blanket with a matching cushion, designed in collaboration with Lion Brand.
Can’t get enough granny squares in your life, but you’re burned out on the classic pattern? Look no further than this chunky crochet blanket and pillow set! The Matilda Afghan & Pillow gives you the mindful repetition of crochet squares with a fresh take on the classic motif. Enjoy this FREE pattern, including a helpful tutorial video featuring the Linen Stitch Square.
This post contains affiliate links that support the content on TLYCBlog.com. All opinions are my own. Find my Privacy & Disclosures Policy here.
Pin It Now, Make It Later
Get the Matilda Afghan & Pillow
- FREE PATTERN: Keep scrolling to the bottom of this blog post for the free version of the Matilda Afghan & Pillow
- PRINTABLE PDF: Find an ad-free, PDF version of the Matilda Afghan & Pillow for sale on TLYarnCrafts.com and Ravelry.
- YARN KIT: Get everything you need to make the Matilda Set in an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand.
A Literary Inspiration
The Matilda Afghan + Pillow brings together two of my greatest loves – crocheting and reading. I became enamored with Roald Dahl’s fantastical books as a child. From the BFG to James and the Giant Peach, I couldn’t get enough.
I was working on a then-unnamed project when Netflix released the Matilda musical. I stitched through dozens of squares while listening to Matilda sing about wanting a loving home and getting back at those who’d wronged her.
Books have the power to transport you to a whole new world inside your head, and so does crochet. The relaxing repetition of the Matilda Afghan + Pillow makes this project fly by. Then you can use the chunky crochet blanket and cushion to keep you cozy while you polish off the next novel.
Keep scrolling for the FREE version of the Matilda Afghan + Pillow (or click HERE for the ad-free PDF)
Color Combinations for the Matilda Afghan + Pillow
The Matilda Afghan + Pillow uses Lion Brand Hue + Me yarn, a bulky (category #5) wool and acrylic blend. This yarn is perfect for a chunky crochet blanket like this since it works up quickly and is machine washable.
The original set uses 7 colors – 1 primary color and 6 accent colors. My color palette of rose tones with warm brown accompaniments awakens visions of a cozy cottage in the woods with lace curtains filtering light onto an indoor herb garden. Adjust the colors in your blanket to fit your decor or your mood.
Lion Brand Hue + Me comes in 30 shades, designed to match one another. Explore the collection of colors to build the palette that speaks to you. Need some inspiration? Try one of these 7-color palettes for your chunky crochet blanket:
Left (original palette): Salt, Arrowwood, Toast, Mustard, Rose Water, Grapefruit, Spicy
Right: Arrowwood, Mustard, Fatigues, Desert, Toast, Salt
Left: Peacoat, Arrowwood, Ozone, Toast, Desert, Magic Hour, Salt
Right: Juniper, Toast, Sea Glass, Arrowwood, Whisper, Agave, Macchiato
If you want to take the guesswork out of making your Matilda Afghan + Pillow, get the all-in-one kit from Lion Brand. With just a few clicks, you can customize your color palette, then add notions for your kit. The only items not included are the 18″ pillow form and three (3) 1″ buttons. Click here to customize your chunky crochet blanket + cushion kit from Lion Brand!
YARN SUBSTITUTIONS: Looking to swap in a different yarn for your Matilda Set? Look for a bulky weight (#5) yarn. Try to find something close to 110 yards per 100 grams. This will ensure that your blanket is close to the original size. Beyond that, an acrylic blend will likely be easy to care for. I’d recommend solid or tonal colors to achieve the original feel of this blanket, but variegated or color-changing cake yarn could be fun as well.
Click to Pin This Post
Get the Matilda Afghan & Pillow
- FREE PATTERN: Keep scrolling to the bottom of this blog post for the free version of the Matilda Blanket & Pillow
- PRINTABLE PDF: Find an ad-free, PDF version of the Matilda Blanket & Pillow for sale on TLYarnCrafts.com and Ravelry.
- YARN KIT: Get everything you need to make the Matilda Set in an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand.
Matilda Blanket + Pillow Details
DESCRIPTION
Set the perfect scene when you add the Matilda Afghan & Pillow to your afternoon reading ritual. Imagine cuddling under this colorful chunky crochet blanket made of adorable linen stitch squares while reclining on the matching throw cushion! Have fun creating bold color palettes, or put your scraps to use in this fun and versatile crochet pattern.
MATERIALS
- Lion Brand Hue + Me bulky (#5) weight yarn in 7 colors. Sample uses 5 skeins of the main color (Salt), and 2 skeins each of the 6 accent colors (A – Arrowwood, B – Toast, C – Mustard, D – Rose Water, E – Grapefruit, F – Spicy)
- 6.5mm crochet hook AND 8mm crochet hook (I like these ones)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Locking stitch markers
- Steam blocking supplies
- 18″ pillow form
- Three 1″ buttons
FINISHED SIZE
Blanket measures 52″ long x 52″ wide. Pillow measures 18″ square.
GAUGE
Blanket – one square measures 8″. Pillow – one square measures 8.5″
ABBREVIATIONS
AC = accent color
Ch = chain
MC = main color
MR = magic ring (tutorial)
Rep = repeat
RS = right side
Sc = single crochet
Sk = skip
Sl St = slip stitch
Sp = space
WS = wrong side
PATTERN NOTES
- Make your blanket first. Then use the leftover yarn to make your pillow. Adjust the placement of your colors based on the quantity of each that you have left.
- Standing Single Crochet: When a new color is added to the Square or Triangle, use a standing sc instead of a slip stitch. Learn this technique here.
Matilda Afghan + Pillow Pattern
New to the Linen Stitch Square? Check out this tutorial if you need help!
Blanket Pattern
Use these instructions to create your blanket based on this chart. Consider weaving in your ends after each motif – weave ends into like color.
| Color | Number of Squares | Number of Triangles |
| A | 7 | 3 |
| B | 7 | 3 |
| C | 7 | 3 |
| D | 7 | 1 |
| E | 7 | 3 |
| F | 6 | 3 |
Square Pattern
ROUND 1 (RS): With AC and 8mm hook, in MR, ch 1, (sc 1, ch 1, sc 1, ch 2) 4 times, close ring, join with a sl st in first sc of round, turn.
ROUND 2 (WS): Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc of round, turn.
ROUND 3: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 2 times, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 2 times] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc, turn.
ROUND 4: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc, turn.
ROUNDS 5-8: Rep Round 4. Fasten off AC.
ROUND 9: With RS facing, join MC with a standing sc in any ch-2 sp. Ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc, fasten off MC.
Triangle Pattern
ROW 1 (RS): With AC and 8mm hook, ch 2, (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in 2nd ch from the hook, turn.
ROW 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in last sc, turn.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in last sc, turn.
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, *(sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1)* to ch-2 sp, (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, rep * to * to last sc, sc in last sc, turn.
ROWS 5-8: Rep Row 4. Fasten off AC.
ROW 9: With RS facing, join MC with a standing sc in the first sc, ch 1, *(sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1)*, (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, rep * to * to last sc, sc in last sc, turn.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The edges of the Triangles are slightly smaller than the edges of the Squares. Where needed, use locking stitch markers to make sure the corners match up. Then whip stitch evenly along the edges of the motifs.
STEP 1: Lay the motifs face up in order based on the chart.
STEP 2: Using MC, whip stitch seam motifs from the bottom left to the top right.
STEP 3: Using MC, whip stitch seam motifs from the bottom right to the top left.
BORDER
ROUND 1: With RS facing and 8mm hook, join MC with a standing sc at any junction between Triangles. Sc loosely around as follows: Sc evenly along the edges of each Triangle, and work in linen stitch pattern along the Square edges. There are no special instructions to turn corners – keep working as written to create the border. Join with a sl st in the first sc of the round when the border is complete. Fasten off and weave in ends.
BLOCKING
NOTE: Blocking is NOT optional with this pattern. After Assembly and creating the Border, the edges of your blanket will be very wonky. You will need to steam block your blanket to make it lay flat.
STEP 1: Lay your blanket face down on blocking mats or towels.
STEP 2: Use rust-proof blocking or sewing pins to pin your blanket to the final dimensions.
STEP 3: Using a garment steamer or the steam setting on an iron, gently steam your blanket, paying close attention to the border and all seams. If using an iron, ensure that the hot metal plate DOES NOT come in contact with your blanket or it will likely melt the stitches.
STEP 4: When the blanket is completely dry, remove the pins. OPTIONAL – for an even more effective blocking, allow the blanket to dry, then steam it again. I steamed my blanket 4 times over 2 days.
PILLOW PATTERN
The pillow is constructed from 4 squares that are joined. You will then pick up stitches along either side of the squares to elongate the piece. The piece is then folded to create a pocket pillow.
Square Pattern (make 4)
ROUND 1 (RS): With MC and 6.5mm hook, in MR, ch 1, (sc 1, ch 1, sc 1, ch 2) 4 times, close ring, join with a sl st in first sc of round, turn.
ROUND 2 (WS): Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc of round, fasten off.
ROUND 3 (RS): With RS facing, join C in any ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 2 times, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 2 times] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc, turn.
ROUND 4: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp, [(sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp] 3 times, sc in last ch-2 sp, ch 2, sl st in first sc, fasten off.
ROUNDS 5-6: With RS facing, join A with standing sc in any ch-2 sp. Rep Round 4 – turn after Round 5, fasten off after Round 6.
ROUNDS 7-8: With RS facing, join B with standing sc in any ch-2 sp. Rep Round 4 – turn after Round 7, fasten off after Round 8.
ROUNDS 9-10: With RS facing, join D with standing sc in any ch-2 sp. Rep Round 4 – turn after Round 5, fasten off after Round 6.
ROUND 11: With RS facing, join MC with standing sc in any ch-2 sp. Rep Round 4. Fasten off at end of round.
ASSEMBLY: Using MC, whip stitch seam squares together in a 2 x 2 grid.
SIDE A
ROW 1 (RS): With MC and 6.5mm hook, join with standing sc in the corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, *(sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp*, sc in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in ch-2 sp of next square, ch 1, rep * to *, sc in last ch-2 sp, turn. (26 sc)
ROW 2 (WS): Ch 2, sk sc at base of ch, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) to last sc, sc in last sc, turn. (26 sc)
ROW 3: Ch 2, sk sc at base of ch, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) across row, placing last sc in the ch-2 sp, turn.
Fasten off Accent Colors after each color change; carry MC along.
ROW 4: Rep Row 3.
ROWS 5-6: With F, rep Row 3.
ROWS 7-10: With MC, rep Row 3.
ROWS 11-12: With E, rep Row 3.
ROWS 13-16: With MC, rep Row 3.
ROWS 17-18: With D, rep Row 3.
ROWS 19-22: With MC, rep Row 3.
ROWS 23-24: With A, rep Row 3.
ROWS 25-28: With MC, rep Row 3.
ROWS 29-30: With B, rep Row 3.
ROWS 31-34: With MC, rep Row 3.
ROWS 35-36: With C, rep Row 3.
ROWS 37-39: With MC, rep Row 3. Fasten off.
Attach 3 buttons on RS of ROW 36 as shown below.
SIDE B
Repeat instructions from SIDE A to 16 rows, maintaining color changes (or adjust as needed based on your remaining yarn).
ASSEMBLY
STEP 1: With WS facing up, fold Side A over Squares. Then fold Side B over Side A. There should be a 3.5” overlap of Sides A and B when lightly stretched. Use locking stitch markers to hold fabric in place.
STEP 2: Position pillow so the RS of the squares are facing you. With 6.5mm hook and MC, sc seam the pillow together along both edges. Weave in ends.
STEP 3: Insert 18” pillow form and fasten buttons through stitches of Side B. If the pillow seems too tight, lightly steam it with the pillow form inside. Let fully dry before using.
Prefer an ad-free, printable version of the Matilda Afghan + Pillow pattern? Click HERE!
If your idea of fun includes a good book and a cozy corner of the couch, you NEED to make the Matilda Afghan + Pillow patterns. The real question is, what colors will you use for your chunky crochet blanket. and cushion?
Share your projects with me on Instagram @TLYarnCrafts. Then drop by my private Facebook group, TLYC Makers, and share there too!
Find more TLYC x Lion Brand projects here:
