Free Pattern for the Crochet Cottage Pillow

The second installment of the pillow series I'm doing this month is heeeere!! The Crochet Cottage Pillow is a simple and elegant design, that was actually inspired by a pillow from Home Goods I saw. It offers lovely texture, plus lacy detail to reveal the color of your pillow insert--I thought it'd even be pretty cool to play with contrasting colors.

The pillow is worked in two panels, in the round.. and I found once you get the hang of the repeat, you can totally just absentmindedly work on this project while watching a movie/show-- score! I chose to put big ol' tassels on each corner, but any little add-on would be cool. Maybe even some fringe on two sides? Mini tassels? 

The Crochet Cottage Pillow compliments the first pillow of the series (find it here) better than I could have expected. Both were designed using the Main Street Yarns Shiny + Soft yarn from loveknitting.com, and I've loved using it. I've got one more pillow coming using this yarn-- and talk about a great yarn to work with.. affordable and so darn soft and fluffy!

This pillow would make super cute throw pillows for your bed or even on an entryway bench. Actually, I think it's down-to-earth elegance would bring a great, soft touch to any room!

What you'll need:

-approximately 450 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used 2 skeins of Main Street Yarns, Shiny + Soft in "Off White")

-h hook (5 mm)

-yarn needle

-18 x 18 inch pre-made pillow

Dimensions:

finished pillow measures approx 18 x 18 inches

Abbreviations:

mc=magic circle, ch('s)=chain(s), st(s)=stitch(es), tr=treble, beg=beginning, sl=slip, ps=puff stitch (explanation in notes), sp=space, dc=double crochet, sk=skip, sp('s)=space(s)

Gauge:

14 dc by 8 rows equals a four-inch square

Notes:

Difficulty: Intermediate

-I will specify in the pattern if ch's count as stitches or not

-pillow is worked in rounds from the center-- made of two panels that are sewn together.

-I wrote out every round's instructions, but there is a repetitive pattern that increases each row. Below is a photo showing you that all the "netted" sections that have an "x" on them are what's being increased each row. You are increasing by one (dc + "ch 1", sk 1) in each of these sections. I say this to hopefully make things easier for you, so that eventually you won't even need to follow the pattern and just know how to increase.

puff stitch: 1) yarn over, insert hook in the stitch, yarn over, draw the yarn through the stitch 2)Repeat the previous step three times- you will have nine loops on the hook. 3) Yarn over and pull through all nine loops

-this pillow pattern is not solid-- meaning you will see through some of the "holes" to the pillow you insert into it. I think it'd be fun to play with contrasting colors!

-below is a photo showing where to work the first dc after rounding a corner:

-below shows the dc worked in the spot:

Pattern:

Make two:

Round 1) mc, ch 7 (counts as tr + ch 3), [tr into mc, ch 3] 7 times, join to 4th chain from beg of round with sl st (total 8 tr, 8 "ch 3" sp's)

Round 2) sl st into the 1st "ch 3" sp, ch 2 (does not count as st), ps into same "ch 3" sp, ch 5, [ps in next ch 3 sp, ch 5] 7 times, join to 1st ps with sl st (total 8 ps, 8 "ch 5" sp's)

Round 3) sl st over to 1st "ch 5" sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), work 5 dc in same "ch 5" sp, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, [work 6 dc in next "ch 5" sp, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 24 dc, 8 ps)

Round 4) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, sk next ch, dc, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round (see pic in notes for where this st is worked), ch 1, [dc into next 6 sts, ch 1, sk next ch, dc, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, ch 1, sk next ch] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 32 dc, 8 ps)

Round 5) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 2 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, ch 1, sk next ch, dc, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 2 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, ch 1, sk next ch, dc, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 40 dc, 8 ps)

Round 6) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 3 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 2 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 3 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 2 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 48 dc, 8 ps)

Round 7) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 4 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 3 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 4 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 3 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 56 dc, 8 ps)

Round 8) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 5 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 4 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 5 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 4 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 64 dc, 8 ps)

Round 9) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 6 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 5 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 6 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 5 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 72 dc, 8 ps)

Round 10) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 7 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 6 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 7 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 6 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 80 dc, 8 ps)

Round 11) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 8 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 7 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 8 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 7 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 88 dc, 8 ps)

Round 12) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 9 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 8 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 9 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 8 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 96 dc, 8 ps)

Round 13) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 10 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 9 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 10 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 9 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 104 dc, 8 ps)

Round 14) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 11 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 10 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 11 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 10 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 112 dc, 8 ps)

Round 15) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 12 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 11 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 12 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 11 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 120 dc, 8 ps)

Round 16) ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 5 sts, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc] 13 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 12 times, ch 1, sk next ch, [dc into next 6 sts, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 13 times, ch 2, all in next "ch 5" sp: (ps, ch 5, ps), ch 2, dc into ch on top of next ps from prev round, (ch 1, sk next ch, dc) 12 times, ch 1, sk st] 3 times, join to 3rd ch from beg of round with sl st (total 128 dc, 8 ps)

Finish off (make two). You can leave an extra long tail to sew the edges together on one of them.

Assembly:

**IMPORTANT! Before you sew up your pillow-- weave in all ends. Because you're sewing it closed, and won't be able to get to them. To assemble, place the panels together, one on top of the other, lining everything up.

Decide which side you'd like to be the "right" side, then place the right sides together (the back side of your panels will show the puff stitches a little more pronounced... but in my opinion both sides look great, and it doesn't really matter). You may choose to pin them together to hold while sewing. Then using yarn needle and long yarn tail, sew around the perimeter of the two panels using a whip stitch along the very edges-- STOP when you get to the last side of the pillow so you can put your pillow into the crocheted panels.

If you chose a specific side to be the "right side", turn your crocheted piece right side out. Then you'll stuff in your pillow...

You can now sew up that last side to enclose your pillow using the same whip stitch you were using for the rest of the sides. 

Finish off, and weave in your end. Add tassels/poms/fringe to your hearts content to finish off your pillow! Or leave it plain.. it totally looks good that way too.

I hope this pillow fulfilled all your cozy cottage desires, I know it did for me! If you make one of your own, do please tag me over on Insta, because I'd love to admire it. :) The last pillow of the series should be up in a week, so keep an eye out.. I've really had so much fun with these-- if you have another series idea you'd like me to do, do share! I'd love to hear it...

Take care!
Meg

Free Crochet Pattern for The Funky Fringe Pillow

I'm so happy to bring you this pillow pattern today! It's got the perfect amount of spunk, while still sporting some laid-back simple vibes. It makes the perfect home decor accessory-- plop it on your couch or use it as a sham on your bed. I reallllly hope you get to make one :)

The pillow is made up of half double crochets and bobbles. It's actually quite simple. And the fringe makes the perfect finishing touch if ya ask me.

For this project I used Main Street Yarn, Shiny + Soft found over on loveknitting.com.. This is a newer yarn of theirs, and lemme tell ya, I am a fan. I actually have a series of pillow designs using this yarn set to be released this month, so get pumped! (or sick and tired of seeing pillows on here?? haha)

This pillow is closed in the back using little half-inch buttons, which make the cutest little details in my opinion.

I hope you approve of the Funky Fringe Pillow, and get to make one of your own! Gather all your stuff and get started... I took lots of pics of the assembly to make things a bit easier for you :)

What you'll need:

-Approximately 550 yards of worsted weight (4) yarn (I used two skeins of Main Street Yarn Shiny + Soft in Light Grey, linked HERE - I totally recommend this yarn, I love it)

-size h (5 mm) hook, or hook size to obtain gauge

-18" x 18" pillow, you could easily make your own or I just bought a two-pack of the pre-made pillows at Walmart

- 4-8 half-inch buttons

-yarn needle

-needle and thread (for buttons)

-sewing pins, optional

Measurements:

Finished pillow cover measures approximately 18" by 18"

Gauge:

13 hdc by 11 rows equals a four-inch square

Abbreviations:

ch=chain, st(s)=stitch(es), hdc=half double crochet, dc=double crochet, bo=bobble stitch (see notes for explanation)

Notes:

-chains at the beginning of rows do not count as stitches

-this is a pillow cover that is worked in three pieces: one full front and two back pieces that are connected using buttons. This pattern calls for 1/2 inch buttons because this size fits through the natural holes of the crochet. Which means you could use any amount of buttons you'd like.

-**important: the bobbles for this pillow are four-dc bobbles. Meaning you will be working four partial dc's before you complete the bobble stitch. Below is a description of the bobble stitch I'm using for this pillow:

bo: yo, insert hook into designated stitch, draw loop back through, yo, draw through first two loops on your hook, [yo, insert hook into the same stitch, draw loop back through, yo, draw through first two loops on your hook], repeat [ ] two more times, you will end up with five loops on your hook, yo, and pull through all five loops to complete the bobble stitch

-pattern is written in US terms

Pattern:

Front side of pillow:

Row 1) ch 61, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across (60 total sts-- and for the remainder of piece)

Rows 2 - 12) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 13) ch 1, turn, [bo, hdc] across row

Rows 14 - 20) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 21) ch 1, turn, hdc in 4 sts, bo, [hdc in 15 sts, bo] 3 times, hdc in last 7 sts

Row 22) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 23) ch 1, turn, hdc in 2 sts, [bo, hdc in 3 sts, bo, hdc in 11 sts] 3 times, bo, hdc in 3 sts, bo, hdc in last 5 sts

Row 24) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 25) ch 1, turn, bo, [hdc in 7 sts, bo] 7 times, hdc in last 3 sts

Row 26) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 27) ch 1, turn, hdc in 10 sts, [bo, hdc in 3 sts, bo, hdc in 11 sts] 3 times, bo, hdc in last st

Row 28) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 29) ch 1, turn, hdc in 12 sts, [bo, hdc in 15 sts] 3 times

Rows 30 - 44) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Row 45) ch 1, turn, [bo, hdc] across row

Rows 46 - 50) ch 1, turn, hdc across row 

Finish off (you can leave an extra long tail for sewing the pillow together)

Back pieces (make 2):

Row 1) ch 61, hdc into 2nd ch from hook and across (60 total sts, and for remainder of piece)

Rows 2 - 28) ch 1, turn, hdc across row

Finish off 

Assembly:

To sew the pillow together, you will layer the front side facing in (or right side up) and layer the two back pieces on top of it. You will align all the outside edges, then let the middle overlap- this is where your buttons will be sewn on.

The above photo shows the two back pieces overlapping over the front piece. 

At this point you can pin the pieces together, and using your yarn needle and long yarn tail, sew around the entire perimeter of the pillow. Be sure when you're working on the overlapped parts that you get all the edges when sewing-- you will be working through all 3 pieces (2 back and front). I used a whip stitch over the very edge of the pillow, making sure not to sew too tightly. 

Once you make it all the way around, you will weave in ends and turn right side out.

To sew on the buttons, first you'll want to arrange them out to get them all spaced evenly. I used four because that's all I had of this type of button, I wouldn't have minded having more buttons. Make sure before you sew them on though that they fit through your crochet. Half-inch buttons should fit through the natural holes of your pieces. 

When you've figured out where your buttons will go, you will then sew them onto the under side, the bottom back piece using needle and thread. I sewed mine on at the second row down, as seen in the photo above. 

The top piece will come down over your button and you'll slip it through on of the holes in your crochet piece to close it. After your buttons are done, you're ready for the fringe...

For the fringe, I cut pieces of yarn measuring 26 inches in length then wrapped them around my hand like in the photo above. You could also use a piece of cardboard about 3 inches wide. It ended up being wrapped 4 times. Then I slid it off my hand...

And took the side that had all the loops on it, and was ready to attach it to the front side of my pillow. I used a crochet hook to draw the fringe through and I put fringe below each of the straight bobble rows. 

Side note: the bottom of the pillow is "row 1"

Pull the loops through with your hook, but not all the way through...

Then you'll take the side with the two spare ends and pull it through your looped end-- using your crochet hook. You're essentially just tying the bunch of yarn onto your pillow.

Then you'll just pull the ends through and adjust your knot to your liking. Repeat that all the way across on both the top and bottom of the pillow. I put fringe every couple of stitches on the pillow. To secure the fringe even more, you could sew along the knots using yarn needle and piece of yarn. I actually plan on doing this, so I can wash it without worrying the fringe will fall out.

Once all my fringe pieces were on the pillow, then I cut all the ends, and made sure they were all even.

And then, my friend, once the funky fringe is on... your pillow is complete! What a fun and textured piece, right?! I could see this looking great in so many colors. I'm pretty sure a matching one is in order for my house. Hope you liked this pattern! If you end up completing one, do please snap a pic and share with me over on Instagram, I'd love to admire it :)

Take care and happy hooking!
Meg