Ah, 1973. The year of platform shoes, prog rock, and apparently, some absolutely stunning home décor. If you’ve ever wanted to add a splash of retro charm to your sofa (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), this free vintage crochet cushion pattern is going to make your day.
Best of all, it’s completely free. All you need to do is like my Facebook page using the button below, and the download link will unlock automatically. Easy!
What is New Idea Magazine?
If you’re reading this from outside Australia, you might not have heard of New Idea. Don’t worry, you’re not missing out on a secret society, just one of the country’s most beloved magazines.
New Idea is one of Australia’s longest-running women’s weekly magazines, first published way back in 1902. That’s not a typo. 1902. Over the decades it evolved from a journal for homemakers into a glossy mix of celebrity news, recipes, real-life stories, and, crucially for us crafters, a treasure trove of knitting, crochet, and sewing patterns.
In the 1970s especially, New Idea was the go-to resource for Australian women wanting to make beautiful things for their homes and families. Every issue was packed with practical, stylish patterns that were designed to be actually made, not just admired and forgotten. It’s the kind of magazine that earned its dog-ears.
My collection of vintage New Idea issues is… extensive. Some might say obsessive. Those people are correct, and I have no plans to stop. Expect to see many more patterns from this collection appearing here over time.
What Exactly is a Granny Square?
If you’re new to crochet, a granny square is essentially the gateway craft of the yarn world. Once you make one, you will make one hundred.
A granny square is a small, modular square worked in rounds from the centre outward, typically using clusters of treble (or triple) crochets grouped together and separated by chain-stitch spaces. Traditionally they were made from leftover yarn scraps, hence the “granny” name, born from the thrifty wisdom of grandmothers who wasted absolutely nothing.
They exploded in popularity during the 1960s and 70s, appearing on everything from blankets and bags to vests, ponchos, jackets and, of course, cushions. If it existed in 1973, someone had probably crocheted a granny square version of it.
Why Granny Squares Are Having a Moment (Again)
Here’s the thing about granny squares: they never really went away, but right now they are having a full-blown renaissance. Fashion designers are putting them on runways. Interior stylists are calling them “retro chic”. A whole new generation of crafters is discovering the meditative joy of making something beautiful with yarn and a hook.
So if you make this cushion and someone asks where you got it, you can truthfully say it’s a 1970s design that’s very much back in style. You’re not behind the times. You’re ahead of them.
About This Pattern: September 1973, New Idea
This pattern comes from the September 1973 edition of New Idea and produces a cushion with a classic granny square style design, the kind of thing that would look equally at home on a vintage Danish sofa or a modern Scandi-style armchair.
It’s a beginner-friendly pattern. If you can chain stitch and work basic treble crochets, you have everything you need. It’s the sort of project you can comfortably complete over a weekend, ideally with a cup of tea, a good playlist, and no particular sense of urgency.
Tips for Making This Pattern
The original pattern was designed for the yarn and tools available in 1973, so here are a few modern notes to help you get the best result:
- Yarn: The original likely used acrylic, which is perfectly fine: durable, washable, and available in wonderful colours. Cotton yarn also works beautifully for cushions and gives a slightly crisper finish.
- Colours: Go full 1970s with harvest gold, avocado green, and burnt orange, or take it modern with neutrals and a single bold accent. There are no wrong answers here.
- Hook size: Always check the pattern for the recommended hook size. If you’re unsure, a 4mm or 5mm hook is a safe starting point for standard DK/worsted weight yarn.
- Cushion insert: A standard 40cm x 40cm (approximately 16 inch) cushion insert is a great fit if the pattern doesn’t specify a size. Go slightly larger than your finished crochet piece for a nice plump result.
- Tension/gauge: Vintage patterns sometimes skip this, but it’s worth doing a small swatch before you commit to the full project, especially if cushion size matters to you.
How to Download the Free Pattern
Getting your hands on this pattern is simple and completely free. Just like my Facebook page using the button below, and the download link will unlock automatically.
By following along on Facebook, you’ll be the first to know whenever I add new patterns, posts, and vintage finds to the site. I share regularly, and there’s a lot more coming from this collection, so it’s well worth staying in the loop.
Click the Facebook button below to unlock your free download. Happy crocheting!
More Vintage Patterns Coming Soon
This granny square cushion is just the beginning. My collection of vintage magazines spans decades and includes knitting, crochet, sewing, macramé, and all manner of wonderful handcraft from a time when making things yourself was both a practical skill and a genuine pleasure.
If this kind of thing brings you joy (and based on the fact you’ve read this far, I suspect it does), make sure you follow along. There’s a lot of good stuff on the way.
