Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Skill Level: Easy/Beginner
• Suggested Yarn & Measurement: Red Heart Soft Essentials, bulky size 5, 100% acrylic.
  • Main Color (MC): Greyhound (3 skeins, 393 yds. / 360 m)
  • Contrast Color (CC): White (1 skein, 131 yds. / 120 m)
• Hook Size: K/10.5 (6.5 mm) or size needed for gauge.
• Other Materials: Scissors, yarn needle, measuring tape, pins (optional large buttons for back closure).
• Size: Finished pillow cover will stretch to fit an 18” x 18” insert (46 x 46 cm).

Abbreviations:

• st = stitch
• sc = single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull yarn through both loops
• ch = chain: yarn over, pull through loop on hook
• MC = Main Color: the background and back of the pillow
• CC = Contrast Color: the paw print
• RS = Right Side: the front/outside of the pillow cover
• WS = Wrong Side: the inside of the pillow cover

Gauge:

• 4” x 4” = 11 single crochet stitches and 13 rows.
• Width after the first two rows should be approximately 17.5” (44.5 cm).

Steps for Paw Print Pillow Cover Stitching:

Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain

• Measure Width: Start by chaining enough stitches to match the width of your pillow insert.

Typically, this will range from 50–60 chains for a 16–18-inch pillow, but adjust as needed based on your yarn and hook size.

• Turning Chain: Once you reach the desired width, add one extra chain to serve as a turning chain. This keeps your edges even as you build up the rows.

Step 2: Create the Background Panel

• Row 1 – Single Crochet (sc): Work a single crochet stitch in the second chain from the hook and each chain across to complete the row.
• Build Rows: Continue working rows of single crochet stitches, turning at the end of each row with one turning chain. 

This will create a solid background that serves as the foundation for the paw print.

• Check Size: Work the rows until the panel reaches the same height as your pillow insert. Keep it flat as you go, ensuring that it’s evenly stitched to match your pillow size.

Step 3: Add the Paw Print Pattern

• Identify Placement: Decide where you’d like the paw print to appear on the pillow cover (usually centered).
• Follow a Chart (if available): Many paw print patterns will provide a grid chart for where to change colors. Follow this chart, row by row, to begin forming the paw print design.
• Changing Colors: When switching colors for the paw print, work the last yarn over of the stitch before the color change with the new yarn color. This smooth transition prevents harsh lines between colors.
• Carrying Yarn: Instead of cutting the yarn with each color change, carry the unused color along the row. 

Lay it flat over the stitches and work over it to secure it in place, which keeps the back tidy and minimizes loose ends.

Step 4: Complete the Pillow Front and Back Panels

• Finish the Paw Print Section: Continue the pattern until the entire paw print is complete. 

Once finished, switch back to the background color and crochet to the top edge of the front panel.

• Back Panel: Create a matching back panel using only the background color. This panel will be attached to the front panel to form the full cover. 

Match its rows to the height of the front panel, ensuring both pieces are the same size.

Step 5: Join the Panels

• Align Panels: Place the front and back panels together, with the wrong sides facing inward and the right sides facing outward.
• Joining with Single Crochet: Begin at one corner and single crochet through both layers, working around three edges to join them securely. This will create a closed seam along these sides.
• Leaving an Open Side: Stop at the fourth side to leave an opening for inserting the pillow. Alternatively, if you’d like a permanent cover, crochet this side closed after inserting the pillow.

Step 6: Adding Finishing Details

• Invisible Join (optional): For a clean look, use an invisible join to close the final side. You can also attach buttons, a zipper, or snaps here for a removable cover.
• Weave in Ends: Use a yarn needle to weave in any ends from color changes or joining, keeping them tucked and secured along the inside edge. This will prevent unraveling and make the cover look neat.
• Trim Excess Yarn: After weaving in the ends, trim any excess yarn, ensuring a tidy finish.

Step 7: Insert the Pillow and Finalize

• Slip the pillow insert into the cover through the open edge, adjusting it until it’s evenly placed.
• If you added a closure, secure it. Otherwise, stitch the final edge closed for a seamless look.

Optional Embellishments

Consider adding small details like tassels, pom-poms, or even small stitched embellishments along the edges for an extra cozy touch.

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