How to Crochet a Pillow for Beginners

How to Crochet a Pillow

I absolutely love crocheting pillows. They are easy, fun and useful crochet projects. In this post, we will go through step by step how to make a crochet pillow. Below you will find both written instructions and a full video tutorial showing you exactly how to crochet a pillow so you can be a pro at crocheting pillows in no time.

How to Crochet a Pillow for Beginners

If you are just starting to crochet, learning how to crochet a pillow is a great project for beginners. To show you exactly how to crochet a pillow, we will be following along my Simple Crochet Pillow pattern, which is a super easy pillow pattern. There are only two stitches: single crochet and double crochet. You will be repeating the same row over and over to create two panels and then single crocheting the two panels together.

The pattern is so easy and yet it creates a beautiful, textured, modern pillow that will look great in your home or you will be proud to give it as a gift.

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How to Crochet a Pillow Video Tutorial

This video tutorial shows exactly how to crochet a pillow from start to finish. It follows the exact written instructions below to show you how to make this Simple Crochet Pillow.

About this Easy Cushion Cover Pattern

Skill Level

This Simple Crochet Pillow pattern is a very easy cushion cover pattern and beginner friendly.

Size

The pillow pattern that we will be following makes a pillow cover that is 17″ x 17″ and fits perfectly over a 16″ x 16″ pillow insert. You can also use pillow stuffing instead of a pillow insert.

Gauge

The Gauge for this pattern is 4” x 4” = 13 sts and 12 rows following the pattern. I recommend using pillow stuffing if you don’t want to worry about exact sizing. If using a pillow insert, you’ll want to check gauge before starting (here’s a Guide to Gauge). There are also measurements throughout the pattern to ensure that your pillow cover will fit over your pillow insert.

Materials 

• Yarn: Any Worsted Weight / Medium (4), 100% Acrylic yarn. You’ll need 600 yds / 549 m. I used Impeccable by Loops and Threads in Pale Grey, which is 4.5 oz / 127.5 g. I used two & a quarter skeins. 
• Crochet Hook: H/8 (5.00 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Other Materials: yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape, pillow stuffing or one 16” x 16” pillow insert. 

Abbreviations 

ch = chain 
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch 
sc = single crochet 
dc = double crochet
sts = stitches 

Easy Pillow Pattern Notes

• Always start a row in the first stitch (the stitch attached to the chain).
• Chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
• All rows have the same number of stitches (56).
• The front and back pillow panels are exactly same. 

Simple Crochet Pillow Instructions

Foundation/Chain Row: Ch 57.

Row 1: In the 2nd chain from hook, sc. In the next chain, dc. *In the next chain, sc. In the next chain, dc.* Repeat from * to * across entire row (56 sts). Ch 1 and turn.

Row 2: Sc into the 1st st (the top of the last dc you completed). Dc into the next stitch (the top of the sc from the previous row). *Sc into the next st. Dc into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across entire row (56 sts). Ch 1 and turn.

After Row 2, pillow width should measure approx 16.5” (it should grow to 17” after Row 8).

Row 3 and on: Repeat Row 2 until your pillow height is 17” (approximately 49 rows). Fasten off and weave in loose ends.

Make note of how many rows you complete as you should make the exact same number of rows for both panels.

Repeat these instructions to create a second pillow panel. 

Pillow Assembly

Place one panel directly on top of the other (it doesn’t mater which side is facing up) with the chain rows of both at the bottom and the stitches perfectly lined up. 

Attach a new strand of yarn to the bottom right corner stitch with a sl st (insert your hook from the top through both panels, put yarn on hook, pull yarn through both pieces and sl st). 

Sc through both panels into the same corner st (the st with the sl st attached). 

You will be working up the side, then across the top, down the side and across the bottom and single crocheting the two panels together. The top panel will be facing you the entire time. Always work into both panels.

Working up the side, insert your hook into the first gap space created at the end of the row (between the end of the row and the 1st st) of both panels. Pull yarn through both panels and sc. 

Continue to sc into each gap space up the side. At the corner, sc 3 times into the corner st. 

Sc across the top. At the corner, sc 3 times into the corner st. 

Sc into each gap space down the side. At the corner, sc 3 times into the corner st. 

If you are using a pillow insert, place your pillow insert into the pillow cover and sc across the bottom. 

If you are using pillow stuffing, sc about halfway across the bottom then fill your pillow with stuffing and sc the rest of the way across the bottom. 

When back at the first corner (where you attached the yarn with a sl st), sc into the corner st. Sl st into the 1st sc made to join.

Fasten off and weave in loose ends. 

Now you have a beautiful new pillow! I hope you enjoyed this pattern and learning how to crochet a pillow.

When you’re ready for your next pillow pattern, try this Bohemian Crochet Pillow!

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Use this Same Stitch in a Blanket

My Simple Baby Blanket uses this same stitch as the pillow we just made.

Make More Pillows

Now that you’ve learned the basics of how to crochet a pillow, there are so many amazing crochet pillow patterns. I’ve put together a collection of some of my favorites here: 30+ Free Crochet Pillow Patterns.

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