How to Crochet the Whimsical Striped Pillow

Hi guys, I hope you are all staying safe and sane during this pandemic. Even in this dark time, I’m grateful that I have crochet to relieve some stress and focus my mind. When I first learned that the borders between the U.S. and Canada would be closed for non-essential travel, I knew that I would not be able to visit my husband – a story for another time.Up until this point, my creative energy was focused on designing pieces for his home, so I never put much effort into making my temporary space my own. Since I’m not going anywhere for the foreseeable future, I decided to make my space a little cozier by designing this striped crochet pillow for my bed – it was also a great way to use up some of my yarn stash! You can find the free pattern below, just keep scrolling down.

About this Striped Crochet Pillow Cover:

• It is made in two pieces (front and back); sewn together on three sides; and a zipper is placed on the fourth side to make it removable for washing.
• The front and back panels are identical. Each panel consists of a main colour (gray) separated by stripes of colour (scrap yarn pieces).
• Each panel is designed using a modified version of the moss stitch. So if you know how to single crochet and chain, then this is a great project for you.
• This striped crochet pillow cover is designed to fit a 12″ x 20″ pillow form.

Materials:

• Approximately 610 yards of ANY Aran / Worsted Weight 4 Medium Yarn
• Scrap yarn of different colours for the stripes (must be weight 4 medium)
• *12″ x 20″ Pillow Insert (any sized pillow form can be used)
• *5.0mm crochet hook
• *Yarn Needle
• Scissors
• *16″ Zipper
• Sewing Thread
• Sewing Needle

Yarn Choice:

I used the yarn I had on hand, and I tried to design this pillow, so you can do the same. You can use ANY Worsted / Aran Weight yarn as a substitute. The stripes are a great opportunity to use up scrap yarn bits that are too small for other projects. You’ll need approx. 10 – 15 yards of each colour.

Main Colour:

• *2 Skeins of Red Heart Super Saver Weight 4 Medium (100% acrylic, 364 yd / 333 m, 198 g /7 oz) – Light Grey (Approx. 550 yds used)

Scrap Yarn Stripes (in order of appearance) – Approx. 10 yds of each:

• A: Bernat Premium Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 360 yd / 329 m, 198 g / 7 oz) – Navy
• *B: Lion Brand Jeans Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 246yd / 225 m, 100 g / 3.5 oz) -Top Stitch
• C: Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek Weight 4 Medium (100% Acrylic, 232 yd / 212 m, 142 g / 5 oz) – French Lilac
• *D: Red Heart Soft Weight 4 Medium (100% acrylic, 256 yd / 234 m, 141 g / 5 oz) -Grape
• E: I Love this Yarn Print Weight 4 Medium (100% acrylic, 252 yd / 230 m, 141 g / 5 oz) – Teal Tweed
• *F: Caron One Pound Weight 4 Medium (100% acrylic, 812 yd / 742 m, 454g / 16 oz) – Denim

The Moss Stitch – A.K.A. Granite, Woven, and Linen Stitch

The moss stitch (a.k.a. linen, granite or woven stitch – it has so many different names!) is my favourite crochet stitch. There is just something about this stitch that keeps me coming back to it again and again. It’s a true back to basic stitch that uses combination of the single crochet and chain stitch. If you are unfamiliar with the moss stitch, here is a great tutorial to help you. Usually, the moss stitch is worked in rows, but I worked the stitch in a triangle to achieve the look of arrows. Each panel (front and back) begins as a small triangle that increases with each row; with the use of some decreases, we can turn this triangle into a rectangle.

Other Crochet Patterns You’ll Love:

• Burst of Sunshine Pillow
• Coziness is a Mood Throw
• Mabel Pillow

Pin this Striped Crochet Pillow Pattern – Here!

*Continue scrolling down for the free version of this pattern with ads on the blog*

You can purchase an 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 video tutorials for additional support. It is a total of 14 pages including the cover page.

Construction of the Striped Crochet Pillow:

I’ve included a diagram of each stage of the panel, so that you are not surprised by the shape of your panel as you work through the pattern. Instructions will be provided to show you exactly how to increase and decrease.

1. Each panel starts out as a small triangle, that increases along the three sides shown (center, bottom left, and bottom right).

2. Eventually, the base of the triangle (a.k.a the width of our rectangular panel) will reach 12″. From this point on, our width will no longer increase, but our length (height of triangle) will continue to increase.

3. Once the height of the triangle (from base to top) measures 20″, we will no longer be increasing.

4. We will start to decrease along both sides of our triangle, until we make a rectangle.

Changing Colour Method:

Creating stripes of colour might look difficult, but I promise that it is easier than you think. Making stripes in this pillow is the exact same as changing colour at the end of a row. Below, I’ve included a photo tutorial of how to change colour throughout your striped crochet pillow.

• To make stripes, change colour at the end of the row. Example: The first colour change happens in Row 11, so change colour at the end of Row 10, before starting Row 11 with your new colour.  

• In the last ch-1 sp of the row, make a single crochet like normal; but before completing the st, by yarning over and drawing through the remaining two loops on your hook, pick up your new colour.

• Pull the new colour (purple) through both loops on your hook to complete the single crochet st. Turn your work.
• Ch 2 to start your next row, and keep crocheting. You’ve changed colours!

Pattern Measurements for this Striped Crochet Pillow:

This pillow cover is designed to fit a 12″ x 20″ pillow form. The front and back panel each measure 12” x 20”.

Customize the Size of Your Pillow: 

If you are using a different sized pillow insert than a 12” x 20”, or you are having trouble meeting the gauge, here is how you can easily adjust the pattern to fit your insert. 

Measure your pillow insert to determine the dimensions of your pillow cover. Ex. If you have a 12” x 20” pillow insert, the width of your pillow cover should be 11” – 11.75” wide, and 19” – 19.75” in length (the pillow cover will stretch to fit the insert, so please don’t make it larger than your insert dimensions).  

Width: Repeat Row 4, until the width of your panel measures the width of the insert (or 1” less at most).

Length: Repeat Row 19, until the length of your panel measures the width of the insert (or 1” less at most).  

Abbreviations:

• St(s) – stitch/stitches
• MR – magic ring
• Ch – chain           
• St(s) – stitch(es)  
• Sp – space
• Sk – skip         
• Sc – single crochet  
• [ ] – repeat instructions inside the brackets 
• Rs – right side 
• Ws – wrong side

Gauge 12 sc x 12 rows (4” x 4”): 

We all crochet a little differently: some loose, some tight, and some in between. So it is important to check your gauge as you crochet. The pillow is worked like a triangle, so 4” x 4” is approximately 12 sc wide by 12 rows high. 

Trouble with Gauge? 

• If your gauge is too small, try using a thicker weight 4 yarn or a larger crochet hook, until you meet the gauge. 
• If your gauge is too big, try using a thinner weight 4 yarn or a smaller crochet hook, until you meet the gauge. 
• If you are having trouble meeting the gauge, read the customizing instructions to see how easy it is to create a pillow cover to fit your insert. 

Colour Chart for the Striped Crochet Pillow:

Here is a chart to help you create a striped colour pattern on your panel. You’ll notice that after Row 11, each stripe of colour occurs after working 5 rows in the main colour choice.

Pattern:

Notes: 

1. To create stripes in the pattern, follow the colour chart above.
2. The beginning ch 2 counts as a sc and a ch 1. 
3. After Row 1, each st is worked into a ch-1 sp.
4. The (sc, ch 1, sc) means make a sc, ch 1, followed by another sc, all in the same sp. These are only worked in the center and last ch-sp of each row.
5. The front and back panel are identical, so make 2 front panels.
6. Odd numbered rows are considered the Ws, while even numbered rows are considered the Rs. 
7. To change colours, complete the final YO of the last st of each row with the new colour. Pattern is written with the assumption that the last st before a colour change will be worked this way. There is a changing colour tutorial above.

Front Panel (Make 2):

Make a MR. 

Row 1 (WS): Ch 2 (counts as a sc and ch 1), sc, [ch 1, sc] 2 times in MR. Turn. <4 sc, 3 ch-1 sp>

*Tip: You can use a stitch marker (or safety pin) to mark the center ch-1 sp, so that it’s easier to spot in each row.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 1, sc) in center ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-2 sp. Turn. <3 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp>

Row 3 (WS): Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 1, sc) in center ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-2 sp. Turn. <4 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp>

Row 4 (RS): Ch 2, sc in first ch- 1 sp, ch 1, [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] until the center ch-1 sp, (sc, ch 1, sc) in center ch-1 sp, ch 1, [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] until the last ch-sp, (sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-2 sp. Turn. <5 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp>

Rows 5  – 17: Repeat Row 4. Each Row increases by 1 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp. Row 17 will have 18 sc.

Remember to reference the colour chart above, which indicates when to change colour. The first colour change happens in Row 11, and every 5 rows after this! 

*Note: The triangle should measure approx. 11” – 11.75″ wide. If your triangle does not measure 11” – 11.75” (or the width of the insert), continue to repeat Row 4 until it does.  The panel will no longer be increasing along the left and right side.

Row 18: Ch 2, sk the first ch-1 sp, [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] until the center ch-1 sp, (sc, ch 1, sc) in center ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] until the last ch-sp, sc in ch-2 sp. Do not ch 1 between the last two sc of the row. Turn. <18 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp>

Row 19: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] until the center ch-1 sp, (sc, ch 1, sc) in center ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] until the last ch-sp, sc in ch-2 sp. Do not ch 1 between the last two sc of the row. Turn. <18 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp>

Rows 20 – 55: Repeat Row 19.

*Note: The length of the panel should measure approx. 19” – 19.75″. If it does not measure 19” – 19.75″ (or the length of the insert), continue to repeat Row 19 until it does. The panel will no longer increase in length. Do not fasten off.

Right Side of Panel:

Row 56: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] 15 times, sc in center ch-1 sp. Turn. Do not ch 1 between the last two sc of the row. <18 sc>

Row 57: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] until last ch-sp, sc in ch-2 sp,  Turn. <17 sc> 

Rows 58 – 69: Repeat Row 57. Each row decreases by 1 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp. Row 69 will have 5 sc.

Row 70: 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 71: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp;  sc in ch-2 sp. <3 sc>

Row 72: Sl st in ch-2 sp. Fasten off.

Left Side of the Panel:

Row 56: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] 15 times, sc in center ch-1 sp. Turn. Do not ch 1 between the last two sc of the row. <18 sc>

Row 57: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, [ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp] until last ch-sp, sc in ch-2 sp,  Turn. <17 sc> 

Rows 58 – 69: Repeat Row 57. Each row decreases by 1 sc on each side of the center ch-1 sp. Row 69 will have 5 sc.

Row 70: 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 71: Ch 2, sc in first ch-1 sp, sc in ch-2 sp.  Turn. <3 sc> 

Row 72: Sl st in ch-2 sp. 

Fasten off and weave in the ends. 

Repeat the Front Panel instructions to make the Back Panel.

Sewing Your Panels and Adding a Zipper

This is arguably the worst part of any crochet project, but when it comes to pillows, it’s exciting. You never know how your pillow cover will turn out until you sew the sides together and pop in the insert.

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.

Wrong Side vs. Right Side:

On the WS of the panel, the coloured stripe stitches appear narrow and “pointy” like diamonds. On the RS of the panel, the coloured stripe stitches are fuller and more rectangular in shape.

Seaming Method:

• Line up the front and back panels, so the RS’ are touching, and the WS’ are facing outward – basically we are sewing our work inside out. This is to hide any wobbly edges and fix the bottom center, which juts out a bit, compared to the rest of the rectangle.

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

• Flip your pillow cover right side out.
• The next step is to attach the zipper to the fourth side. Place the zipper between the front and back panels panels, making sure that it is centered on both sides (A). 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 (B, C, D, E). When you’ve reached the end of the zipper, make a couple of knots to secure your work.

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

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. When you’ve reached the end of the zipper, make a couple of knots to secure your work (F, G, H, I, J, K).

• 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.

Proper Care and Washing Instructions

Here is an easy tutorial to follow for washing crochet pillow cover to maintain their shape, look, and feel!

And You’re Done!

Voila! You have finished your first Whimsical Stripes Pillow. Congratulations! I hope that this pillow brightens up your home, and puts a smile on your face every time you see it. Now, you can cozy up with this pillow, while you work on your next crochet project.

If you would like to explore some more fun and budget friendly crochet patterns on this blog, click here.

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).

Questions?

If you have any trouble throughout the pattern and need some clarification, please feel free to send me a message through the “Contact” section of this website. I would be more than happy to help!

If you liked this pillow project, and want to make another, try the Burst of Sunshine Pillow. It’s a fun, textured project that will brighten up your home, and leave you with a super soft pillow.

Thank you guys so much for following along. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Love, Dayna
Instagram: @thispixiecreates