Butter Yellow Polka Dot Chair Pad Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This butter yellow polka dot chair pad is a cheerful little project that brings a warm dose of 1970s kitchen charm to any seat. It's designed for beginners who are comfortable with single crochet and want to try simple color changes without any complicated shaping. The pad works up as a flat, square cushion in soft worsted weight yarn, with crisp white dots staggered across a sunny yellow background. It looks bright and retro on a wooden chair, feels smooth and sturdy underfoot, and makes a sweet handmade gift for a kitchen, breakfast nook, or craft room.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 200 yards butter yellow (Color A) and 50 yards white (Color B)
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch marker (optional)
- Finished size: Approximately 15 inches wide by 15 inches long
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
- sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- A — butter yellow yarn
- B — white yarn
Gauge
16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Crochet a small swatch and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down a size.
Tips Before You Start
- Change colors on the last yarn over of the stitch before the new color block so the dot edge stays clean.
- Carry the unused color loosely along the back of the work rather than cutting it at every dot; keep the float relaxed so the pad stays flat.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row — each row should stay at 60 stitches so the square stays true.
- Keep your tension even and slightly relaxed; tight single crochet makes a stiff pad that curls at the edges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Chair Pad
Row 1: With A, ch 61, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (60 sts).
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (60 sts).
Row 5 (dot row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 5 sts, [change to B, sc in next 5 sts, change to A, sc in next 5 sts] 5 times, sc in last 5 sts (60 sts).
Rows 6-9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (60 sts).
Row 10 (dot row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 10 sts, [change to B, sc in next 5 sts, change to A, sc in next 5 sts] 4 times, sc in last 10 sts (60 sts).
Rows 11-14: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (60 sts).
Rows 15-54: Repeat Rows 5-14 three more times, then repeat Rows 5-9 once (60 sts). Fasten off.
Border
Rnd 1: Join B with sl st in any corner, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
This pad is worked in one piece, so there is no seaming. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches in its own color so it disappears. Block the pad by misting it lightly with water and pinning it to a 15-inch square on a towel-covered board; let it dry completely so the edges lie flat and the corners stay square.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the white dots for a contrasting color like mint, coral, or navy for a different retro palette.
- Add a non-slip backing by stitching a piece of shelf liner or fabric to the wrong side.
- Make a set of four in matching colors, or vary the dot color on each pad for a playful mix-and-match look.
