Free Oak Apples Pillow Pattern

Materials:

• Suggested Yarn: Chenille yarn (e.g., Himalaya Dolphin Baby)
• Yarn Measurement: Weight 6 (super bulky), 300g/360m.
• Hook Size: 7 mm Tunisian crochet hook.
• Pillow Insert: 50 cm x 50 cm (19.5″ x 19.5″).
• Yarn Needle

Abbreviations:

• Ch: Chain
• Ls: Last stitch
• Pop: Tunisian popcorn stitch
• R: Regular Tunisian return
• Sl St: Slip stitch
• TDs: Tunisian double stitch
• Trs: Tunisian reverse stitch
• Tss: Tunisian simple stitch
• YO: Yarn-over

Special Stitches:

• Tunisian Popcorn Stitch: 4 extended simple or double stitches in the same stitch, pull through all loops.

Stitching Instructions for Pond Creek Pillow:

Foundation Chain:

• Start by chaining the required number of stitches for the width of your pillowcase. 

The exact number will depend on the pattern and the size of your pillow insert. For example, for a 50 cm x 50 cm pillow, you might chain 40–45 stitches for a snug fit.

• Tip: Make sure your foundation chain is slightly looser than usual to avoid tightness when working the first row.

Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss):

• Row 1 (Forward Pass): Insert your hook under the first chain from the hook, then continue inserting your hook into the next vertical bars of each chain, pulling up a loop for each stitch across the row. 

You should end with one loop on your hook after you’ve worked across the entire chain.

• Last Stitch (Ls): When you reach the last stitch, ensure you insert your hook through both vertical bars of the last stitch, then pull up a loop.
• Return Pass: Chain 1 to start the return pass. Then, yarn over (YO) and pull through 2 loops across the row, repeating this step until you’re left with only one loop remaining on your hook.

Tunisian Double Stitch (TDs):

• Row 2 (Forward Pass): Work Tunisian double stitches (TDs). For each stitch, YO, insert the hook behind the vertical bar of the stitch from the previous row, pull up a loop, YO again, and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook.
• Return Pass: As in the previous row, chain 1 to begin, and then YO and pull through 2 loops across the row.
• Tip: This stitch adds a subtle, textured feel to the fabric, making the pillow plush and durable. Continue working these TDs as needed, alternating with other stitch types for texture.

Creating Texture (Tunisian Popcorn Stitch or Bobbles):

• Popcorn Stitches: To add depth and texture, work popcorn stitches on selected rows. For each popcorn stitch, work 4 extended simple stitches (Tss) in the same stitch. 

Once complete, YO and pull through all 4 loops on the hook. This will create a raised bobble that adds dimension to the fabric.

• Placement of Popcorn Stitches: Place your popcorn stitches evenly across the row for a uniform appearance.

For example, after a few rows of Tunisian simple stitches, add one popcorn stitch every 5–7 stitches. Adjust this spacing based on your desired look.

• Tip: The popcorn stitch provides a wonderful tactile sensation, ideal for sensory enjoyment and visual appeal. You can mix these with plain rows of Tss to achieve a balanced texture.

Repeat Stitch Pattern:

• Pattern Repeat: Alternate between rows of Tunisian simple stitches (Tss) and rows with textured popcorn or bobble stitches. 

A typical pattern might involve working several rows of Tss, followed by a row of popcorn stitches. Continue this alternating pattern to build the height and texture of your pillow cover.

• Shaping the Pillow: Depending on the width and texture of the stitches, keep working until the piece is large enough to cover your pillow insert. 

Typically, you will need to work around 35-40 rows to reach the desired length for a 50 cm x 50 cm pillow.

Shaping the Pillow:

• Once you’ve completed the length, fold the piece into a pillow shape, ensuring the textured side is facing out (or in, depending on the design).
• Seaming: Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to sew the edges of the pillow together. 

For a neat finish, use the whip stitch or a slip stitch seam, sewing through the front and back loops of the stitches to join the sides of the pillow cover.

• Tip: If the pillow is large, it can help to use safety pins or stitch markers to hold the edges together while you seam them. This keeps the alignment straight.

Closing the Pillow:

• Final Closure: Once the sides are sewn, you will need to close the open end where the pillow insert will go. 

For a clean finish, you can work a row of slip stitches (Sl St) across the opening to tighten it or add decorative snaps or buttons to keep the pillow securely closed.

• Snaps: To add snaps, sew them on evenly along the edges, making sure they are spaced approximately 10 stitches apart. This will allow you to easily remove the pillow cover for washing if needed.

Finishing:

• Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in any loose yarn ends along the seams. 

Make sure to weave the yarn in and out of the stitches for at least 5 cm (2 inches) to prevent them from unraveling.

• Edge Finishing (Optional): If desired, you can add a decorative border around the edges of the pillow. 

This could be a simple single crochet border, or you could incorporate a row of Tunisian reverse stitches (Trs) for added texture and contrast.

• Tip: Give the pillow a gentle press (using steam if necessary) to help shape it. This will help even out any tension and enhance the appearance of the textured stitches.

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