Free Mabel Pillow With Scrap Yarn Pattern

Materials Needed:

• 6.5 mm Crochet Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Yarn: Approximately 570 yards of medium worsted/Aran weight yarn (Weight 4 or 10–12 Ply).
• Pillow Insert: 18” x 18”

Optional Materials:

• 1” Wooden Buttons: (5) buttons for closure (optional)
• Zipper: 16–17” zipper for a removable cover
• Sewing Needle and Thread

Suggested Scrap Yarn Brands and Colors:

• Bernat Premium – Colors: Cafe Au Lait, Navy
• Lion Brand Heartland – Colors: Badlands, Yosemite
• Craft Smart Value Solids Yarn – Colors: Blush, Mauve
• I Love this Yarn Solids – Color: Terra Cotta
• Red Heart Soft – Colors: Berry, Grape
• Caron One Pound – Color: Denim
• Vanna’s Choice – Color: Honey
• Lion Brand Skein Tones – Color: Peach
• I Love this Yarn Print – Color: Teal Tweed
• Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek – Colors: Mauve, Brownie, Plum, French Lilac

Pattern Measurements:

• Gauge Swatch: 4” x 4” (10 x 10 cm) using the moss stitch, unblocked
• Pillow Panels: Front and back panels each measure 18” x 18” to fit the pillow insert snugly.

Abbreviations:

• ch – Chain
• st(s) – Stitch(es)
• sc – Single Crochet
• sl st – Slip Stitch
• RS – Right Side
• WS – Wrong Side
• rep – Repeat
• FO – Fasten Off

Stitching Instructions for Mabel Pillow With Scrap Yarn:

Start with the Base

• Foundation Row: To begin, decide on the width of your pillow. For a standard square pillow, you’ll likely want a width of around 16–18 inches. Chain a foundation row long enough to match this measurement, generally around 50–60 chains for worsted weight yarn, but adjust based on your pillow size and yarn thickness.
  • Tip: Count your chains carefully to ensure even rows, as any discrepancy in width can cause an uneven final product.
• Row 1 (Right Side): Starting from the second chain from the hook, single crochet (sc) in each chain across the row. This row sets the foundation for the body of the pillow.
  • At the end of the row, chain 1 to turn the work.
  • Ensure your stitches are uniform in tension so the pillow lies flat and has a professional finish.

Creating the Stripes with Scrap Yarn

• Row 2 and Onward: Work in single crochet stitches across each row, turning at the end of each row.
• Incorporating Scrap Yarn: Every few rows, change to a different color from your scrap yarn collection to create a striped, patchwork look. For balance, switch colors every 2–4 rows, but feel free to experiment with the frequency based on the look you want.
  • To switch colors, fasten off the yarn you were using by cutting the yarn, leaving a tail of about 4–6 inches.
  • Attach the new yarn color with a slip stitch (sl st) into the first stitch of the next row. Pull the slip stitch snug to create a clean color transition.
  • Continue working in single crochet for each row, changing colors to achieve the desired striped effect.
• Building the Pillow Panel: Keep working in this manner until your panel reaches the height of the pillow form or the height you desire for your pillow cover, generally around 18–20 inches.

Assemble the Pillow Panels

• Create the Back Panel: To complete the pillow cover, you’ll need a matching back panel. Repeat the same instructions for the back panel as for the front panel. If you prefer a simpler look, you can create the back panel in a single solid color.
  • Ensure that the back panel is the same size as the front panel to align correctly when joined.
• Laying Out Panels: Once both panels are finished, lay them on a flat surface with the right sides (RS) facing each other. Align the edges carefully to avoid twisting or uneven seams.

Stitch the Panels Together

• Joining the Panels: Using a single crochet seam, join the panels together by working through both layers along the edge. Begin in one corner and work evenly around three sides of the pillow, keeping stitches tight to prevent gaps.
  • Leave one side of the pillow open for inserting the pillow form or stuffing. This can be the bottom edge for ease of stuffing and closing.
  • Make sure to keep your tension consistent, as this will help ensure the seam is secure and visually appealing.

Insert Pillow Form and Close

• Turning and Stuffing: Once the three sides are joined, turn the pillow cover right side out. Insert the pillow form carefully, adjusting it so it fits snugly inside the cover. Alternatively, you can add fiberfill stuffing until it reaches your desired firmness.
• Closing the Opening: With the pillow form or stuffing in place, use a slip stitch or single crochet seam to close the remaining open side. You may also choose to sew it shut using a yarn needle for a cleaner edge if you prefer.
  • Double-check that the seam is secure to prevent any stuffing from coming out over time.

Finishing Touches

• Weaving in Ends: Using a yarn needle, weave in any loose yarn tails from color changes, joining, and seaming. Tuck the yarn ends neatly into the inside of the pillow cover to keep them invisible.
• Optional Embellishments: For added texture and character, consider attaching tassels or fringe to each corner of the pillow. Simply cut yarn pieces to the desired length, bundle them, and attach to each corner for a boho-inspired finish.

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