How to Crochet the Mabel Pillow with Scrap Yarn

Hi guys! Is your yarn stash getting out of control? Do you have a pile of leftover yarn that you have been wanting to use up? If so, the Mabel Pillow is the perfect project for you. This pillow is designed to be a scrap yarn project, so it is a great way to use up all of the dreaded “last few yards of a skein”. I hope you have fun choosing your colours, and slowly make a dent in your stash! I can’t wait to see how you take this pattern and make it your own.

Continue scrolling down for the free pattern.

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About the Pattern:

• First off, this pattern has been tech edited by Emily of Fiat Fibers, and tested by 5 amazing crocheters (shown and credited below). Each pillow is made unique by the crocheter’s choice of colour and placement (single stripes or blocks of colour).

• This pillow uses the moss stitch – a single crochet and chain 1 repeat – to draw attention to the beauty of the yarn. When it comes to the moss stitch, there is no right amount of colour. 1, 2, or even 30 colours look great in this stitch.

• With any scrap yarn project, there are bound to be ends to weave in. I have included links to 3 tutorials below, for minimizing the number of ends to weave in at the end of the project.

• When crocheting the moss stitch in the round, you can end up with an obvious “bump” in the middle of your work, that shows where each round starts and ends. In this pattern, each round starts in the corner chain 1 space to avoid this awkward bump.

• Last, but not least, this pillow is designed to be removable for washing. There is a tutorial below adding a zipper.

Pin this Pillow Pattern for Later – Here!

Pinning this pattern really makes a difference because it helps the pattern get seen by other crocheters. Thank you for taking the time to pin this!

You can purchase an INEXPENSIVE Ad-Free Printable PDF of this pattern on Etsy HERE or Ravelry HERE. This beautifully formatted PDF is ready to print and use! It includes the complete written pattern with a colour chart, a stitch count chart for each Row and Rnd, and video tutorials for Rnds 1 – 4, how to change colour, and the corners. It is a total of 14 pages including the cover page.

My Pattern Testers’ Pillows:

I can’t thank my pattern testers enough for all of their help making this pillow come to life. In order of pillow appearance, a huge shout out and thank you goes to:

1. Kaylee from @kayleeknits
2. Lisa from @lambtasticlamb
3. Sandra from @sandra.dee.crochet
4. Cat from @crochetthangz
5. Dora from @cervus_crochet

If you like these pillows, show some love for the amazing crocheters who made them, by checking out their profiles on Instagram (linked above). 

You can find the free pattern below (in this post with ads).

Materials: 

• 6.5 mm crochet hook
• Scissors 
• Yarn Needle
• Approximately 570 yards of Weight 4 (10 – 12 Ply) Medium Worsted/Aran Yarn 
• 18” x 18” Pillow Insert

Optional Materials: 

• 1” Wooden Buttons (5) 
• 16 – 17” Zipper 
• Sewing Needle
• Sewing Thread

​Scrap Yarn Used in this Design: 

1. Bernat Premium – Cafe Au Lait and Navy
2. Lion Brand Heartland – Badlands and Yosemite
3. Craft Smart Value Solids Yarn – Blush and Mauve
4. I Love this Yarn Solids – Terra Cotta
5. Red Heart Soft – Berry and Grape
6. Caron One Pound – Denim 
7. Vanna’s Choice – Honey 
8. Lion Brand Skein Tones – Peach  
9. I Love this Yarn Print – Teal Tweed 
10. Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek – Mauve, Brownie, Plum, and French Lilac

Abbreviations: 

• Ch – chain
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• MR – magic ring
• Rnd – round
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Sc – single crochet
• WS – wrong side
• RS – right side  
• [ ] – repeat instructions inside brackets

Gauge Swatch (4” x 4”): 

You might be tempted to skip this step, but since the insert has to fit inside of the finished pillow cover, it is important that your gauge is accurate before you start crocheting. The final swatch should measure 4” x 4” unblocked. 

• Ch 15
• Row 1: Sc in third ch from hook (the 2 skipped chs count as sc and ch 1), [ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch] to end of row. Turn. (8 sc)
• Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as a sc and ch 1), sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next ch-1 sp] to end of row. The last stitch should be a sc in the beg ch-2 of Row 1. Turn. (8 sc)
• Rows 3 – 12: Repeat Row 2. 

Trouble with Gauge? 

• If your gauge swatch is too small, try using a thicker weight 4 yarn or a larger crochet hook, until you meet the gauge. 
• If your gauge swatch is too big, try using a thinner weight 4 yarn or a smaller crochet hook, until you meet the gauge. 

Construction of the Pillow Panels Diagram  

Each panel begins as a small square that increases in size with each round. After completing approximately 23 rounds, rotate the square to make a diamond. The diamond should measure 18” (from corner to opposite corner across the center), which matches the length and width of the pillow insert (Picture 1). The diamond is the center of the pillow cover!

To turn the diamond into a square panel, decrease along each side of the diamond to make a corner (Picture 2).  

Pattern Measurements: 

The front and back panels measure 18” x 18”. 

Customizing the Size of Your Pillow Cover: 

• Measure the size of your pillow insert. Please note that the insert must be a square. I.e. the length and width are the same. 
• Continue to repeat Rnd 4 of the pattern, until the diamond’s length and width match the pillow insert’s length and width. 
• To make the corners, follow the corner instructions for Rows 1 and 2. Continue to Repeat Row 2 until there are 5 sc remaining. Finish the corners by following Rows 20 – 22.

Scrap-Buster Projects You’ll Love:

• Scrap Yarn Projects (3 patterns from this category shown below)
• One Skein Crochet Projects

How to Change Colour Tutorial: 

• At the end of the Rnd: Before making the final sl st to close the rnd, drop the current colour, and pick up the new colour (to make the join more secure, make a slip knot with the new colour and place it on the hook). Pull the new colour through the st and the loop on the hook to complete the sl st and change colours!

• At the end of the Row: Before completing the final sc, drop the current colour, and pick up the new colour (to make the join more secure, make a slip knot with the new colour and place it on the hook). Pull the new colour through the remaining 2 loops on the hook to close the sc. 

Pattern Notes: 

1. The front and back panels are identical, so make 2 front panels; each panel has 4 corners. 
2. The diamond portion of this pattern is worked in Rnds, while the corners are worked in Rows. 
3. In Rnds 1 – 23, the beginning ch 1 of each rnd does NOT count as a st.
4. In Rows 1 – 22, the beginning ch 2 of each rnd counts as a (sc, ch 1). 
5. Odd numbered rnds are considered the right side, while even numbered rnds are considered the wrong side. 
6. Each Rnd starts in the corner ch-1 sp. 

Pattern:

Front Panel (Make 2): 

Make a MR. 

Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 1, [sc, ch 1] 4 times in MR. Join last ch 1 to first sc with a sl st. Turn. <4 sc, 4 ch-1 sps>

Tip: You can use a stitch marker (or safety pin) to mark the corner ch-1 sps, so they are easier to spot in each rnd.

Rnd 2 (WS): Ch 1, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, [(sc, ch 1 add marker, sc, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp] 3 times, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp of the round to complete the first corner. Join with a sl st. Turn. <8 sc, 8 ch-1 sps> 

Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 1, sc, ch 1) in corner ch-1 sp] 3 times, (sc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to first corner, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp. Join with a sl st. Turn. <12 sc, 12 ch-1 sps>

Rnd 4: Ch 1, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, {[sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] until corner ch-1 sp, [(sc, ch 1, sc, ch 1) in corner ch-1 sp]} 3 times, (sc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to first corner, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp. Join with a sl st. Turn. <16 sc, 16 ch-1 sps>

Rnd 5 – 23: Repeat Rnd 4. Each Rnd increases by 4 sc. Rnd 23 will have 92 sc.

*Note: The diamond should measure approx. 18” in width by 18” in length. If you stretch the diamond over your pillow cover, and it is too small, continue to repeat Rnd 4 until satisfied. 

Corners (4 for each Panel):  

Row 1: Join yarn in the corner ch-1 sp and ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] 21 times, do not ch 1 here, sc in the second corner ch-1 sp.  Turn. <23 sc, 22 ch-1 sps>

Row 2: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] until last ch-sp, do not ch 1 here, sc in ch-2 sp. Turn. <22 sc, 21 ch-1 sps>

Rows 3 – 19: Repeat Row 2. Each Row decreases by 1 sc. Row 19 has 5 sc.

Row 20: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, sc in ch-2 sp.  Turn. <4 sc>

Row 21: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, sc in ch-2 sp.  Turn. <3 sc>

Row 22: Sl st in ch-2 sp. 

*Fasten off and weave in the ends. Repeat this process 3 more times to complete each corner.

Sewing the Panels Together: 

To sew these panels together, we will be using a technique called the whip stitch. If you are unfamiliar with this stitch, there is a great tutorial by Wool and the Gang to help you here.

• Line up the front and back panels, so the right sides are touching, and the wrong sides are facing outward – basically we are sewing our work inside out. This is to hide any wobbly edges, and make the pillow appear seamless. 

• Thread a yarn needle with a long strand of yarn (approx. 30 – 40″). 

• Begin whip stitching along the three sides of the pillow cover. 

• Flip the pillow cover right side out.

• If you choose not to add a zipper or buttons, simply place the pillow insert in the pillow cover, and whip stitch along the 4th side (bottom) of the two panels, before securing with a knot.

Adding a Zipper 

• The next step is to attach the zipper to the fourth side. Place the zipper between the front and back panels, making sure that it is centered on both sides). You will be sewing one side of the zipper to the front panel and the other side of the zipper to the back panel.

• Sewing the zipper to the Front Panel: Using thread and a sewing needle, begin the running stitch across the zipper and front panel to sew them together; make sure that the needle moves through both the panel and the zipper. 

• Tip: Try to sew the panel as close to the zipper opening as possible; this will ensure a seamless look.

• The second picture shows one side of the zipper sewn to the front panel. 

• Sewing the zipper to the Back Panel: Unzip the zipper before you begin to sew the back panel to the other side of the zipper. Using thread and a sewing needle, begin the running stitch across the zipper and back panel to sew them together; make sure that the needle moves through both the panel and the zipper. 

• If your zipper is an inch or two shorter than the width of the pillow, use your remaining yarn tail to sew up any gaps on the fourth side with the whip stitch.

• Place the pillow insert inside the pillow cover, and adjust the corners of the pillow cover to your satisfaction. You are done!

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Mabel Pillow Pattern, please reach out to me. I am happy to help! Simply comment below, or send me an e-mail through my contact page.

Yay! You just made your first Mabel Pillow. I hope it makes you smile whenever you see it. Check out some more fun and budget-friendly crochet patterns on the blog.

Disclaimer: You are welcome to sell items that you’ve made from this pattern; however, you are not allowed to use my pictures or sell my pattern as your own (Copyright @ ThisPixieCreates).

As always, thank you so much for following along with me! This scrap yarn pillow was so much fun to make, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did. I love seeing what you create with my patterns, so please tag me (@thispixiecreates) in any posts you share.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and happy crocheting!

Love, Dayna