Ever since I made my first throw pillow, the 12″ Buttoned Throw Pillow, I’ve been on a bit of a pillow kick. Once I made one, about a dozen ideas for different ones started flooding into my head. The thing I love about crocheted throw pillows is that you can make them whatever color you want to match your decor, and between all the crochet stitches and color schemes out there, the design possibilities are endless. They’re a nice break from all the hats and scarves I’ve been making all winter, too!
This new throw pillow pattern is super cute, if I do say so myself. It utilizes the basketweave stitch, which looks so much more complicated than it really is. Even if you’re a beginner, give it a try. You might surprise yourself, and you’ll certainly impress your family and friends!
One thing I’ve learned in the process of making throw pillows is that they fit over the inserts the best when they’re just slightly smaller in length than the insert itself. So for this 12″ pillow, I edged both sides in SC until they were about 11.75″ (that’s width, not corner-to-corner). Any larger than that, and I’ve found that the edges get wavy and floppy and just don’t lay as nicely. So for this pattern, although I SC’d around the 3 times, you should measure your piece before edging and only add as many rounds of edging as you need to get to about 11.75″. You might need more or less than I did.
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BASKETWEAVE THROW PILLOW
Hook: H (5.00mm)
Yarn: About 340 yards (170 yards for each side) of your favorite medium worsted weight yarn
Difficulty: Easy
Gauge: 7DC per 2″. If yours is slightly tighter, it’s not going to matter because I’ve given instructions on the “edging” section that will help you adapt the pattern to get to the right measurements. If your tension is looser than mine, however, you’ll want to adjust your hook size down.
You’ll also need: 12″ throw pillow insert (I got mine at Hobby Lobby), tape measure, yarn needle and scissors.
Notes:
(1) This pattern is worked in American Standard Terms.
(2) Starting Ch2 DOES count as 1st stitch of each row.
PATTERN (MAKE 2):
Ch 37.
Row 1: DC in 3rd Ch from hook. Dc across. (36, including starting Ch)
Row 2: Ch 2; turn. Skipping 1st DC from previous row (see photo), FPDC in next 3 Sts. (BPDC in next 4 Sts, FPDC in next 4 Sts) across. (36)
Row 3: Ch 2; turn. Skipping 1st DC from previous row, BPDC in next 3 Sts. (FPDC in next 4 Sts, BPDC in next 4 Sts) across. (36)
Row 4: Ch 2; turn. Skipping 1st DC from previous row, BPDC in next 3 Sts. (FPDC in next 4 Sts, BPDC in next 4 Sts) across. (36)
Row 5: Ch 2; turn. Skipping 1st DC from previous row, FPDC in next 3 Sts. (BPDC in next 4 Sts, FPDC in next 4 Sts) across. (36)
Rows 6-?: Repeat rows 2-5 until the length is approximately the same as the width. (Mine took 26 rows. Since you’re making two of these, be sure to crochet the same number of rows for both pillow pieces.)
Edging:
Round 1: Ch 1. SC evenly around all 4 sides of pillow, putting 3SC in each corner. Join with Sl St to 1st SC. (NOTE: Two of your sides will have exactly 36 stitches, and your goal is to get as close to that as you can on the other two sides, so that you’ll end up with a perfect or close-to-perfect square. You may have to do a little visual math here. I did it by dividing the side into fourths – you can place a bobbie pin in the center, and then again in the center of each half, to help you visualize this. Then, because
36 (stitches) ÷ 4 (sections) = 9
…I put 9 SCs in each section. I know, I’m such a nerd, but I made you a diagram.)
Round 2: Ch 1. SC evenly around all 4 sides of pillow, putting 3SC in each corner (which would be the middle SC from the previous round’s 3 corner SCs). Join with Sl St to 1st SC.
Measure your width. If it’s not 11.75″ yet, repeat Round 2 until it is.
For Pillow Side 1, fasten off and weave in ends. For Pillow Side 2, do not fasten off; weave in only your starting end, and continue to sewing instructions.
Sewing the Pillow Together:
Hold both pillow pieces together with the unfinished one closest to you, wrong sides facing each other, right sides facing out. (If you’re a perfectionist, you may want to make sure that the stitches from both pieces are going in the same direction, although it won’t affect assembly either way.) Insert your hook into the loop of the unfinished side, then slip stitch through the top loops of both pillow pieces. Ch1. Working through both pillow pieces throughout, SC in same St and evenly around 3 sides, putting 3SC in each corner. When you finish the 3rd side, insert your pillow. Continue to SC around the final side, sewing the pillow shut. Fasten off and weave in ends.
definitely on my to-do list…
Very nice, I need too try this one.
I’ve been wanting to try something in the basketweave stitch. This looks like a good introduction.
I love this pattern, I’ve been looking for a pattern for some throw pillows and this is exactly what I want! I’m very excited to make it, and thank you for all the useful instructions. I’ve never used the basket weave stitch but I think I’ll be able to do it thanks to your instructions!
Very upscale looking design! I love it.
I love basketweave. It is so nice looking. I made a throw rug back in the 70’s and I am still using it. Good long lasting pattern.
This is so pretty and classy looking!
I love this pattern !!! I am planning to make this for my niece as a gift for her wedding!!!!
I made this in bright blue. Turned out real cute. I wish I could post a photo.
Love your patterns.
Rebecca,
I LOVE your new logo. Would you mind sharing the name of the font you’ve used? I’m working on my Christmas labels, and I think this would look absolutely gorgeous. 😀
Happy Wednesday,
Corina
So cute. Thanks
I love your pattern and want to try it! I know this sounds stupid, but what is a pillow insert?
It’s a plain white pillow with no pillowcase on it. They sell them at craft stores 🙂
Thanks! I m a beginner and will definitely try this pattern