Our trendy buffalo plaid pillow free knitting pattern will make any room feel like you are sitting in a cozy log cabin snuggled up with a cup of coffee by a wood stove. The soft and chunky Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn makes this a quick project.
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Final Size:
Two 18”x18” panels to cover a 18”x18” pillow insert.
Supplies:
Yarn – Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky #6). 2 skeins (170g/6oz) of your main color and one skein of each contrasting color. The colors used in the pillow shown are: Claret (main color), Cranberry and Black.
Order online: (Lion Brand) (Amazon USA) (Amazon Canada) (Michaels) (Love Crafts)
Hook – Size I-9 5.5m or whichever size needed to obtain gauge.
Darning needle, stitch marker (quick locking), measuring tape and scissors.
Gauge:
4” x 4” = 9 stitches and 10 rows in single crochet. In this pillow pattern you will be doing Tapestry crochet (carrying the contrast color through each stitch). When testing your gauge, do not carry a 2nd color in your stitches. Please note the gauge in your actual pillow will be slightly different than this test swatch because of the extra yarn carried in your stitches. Be sure to check your gauge to ensure the pillow panels work out to be the size needed for the pillow insert. Adjust hook size if required.
Abbreviations:
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
SL ST = Slip Stitch
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrast Color
RS = Right Side
WS = Wrong Side
Notes:
~ This pattern uses the Tapestry crochet technique for the colorwork. You will be carrying one secondary color in the stitches of your main color throughout the entire pillow. If you are unfamiliar with this, there are some wonderful tutorials on Youtube to show you. It is quite simple to learn. I have included some tips on changing colors below but I recommend being familiar with Tapestry crochet before starting this project.
~ Begin carrying your CC on the first stitch of the first row. You will always be carrying one secondary color through all of your stitches. The color you are carrying will change depending on which two colors are being used in the row you are working on.
~ When doing Tapestry crochet, it is hard to completely avoid your CC from showing a little at times. To minimize this, give a very gentle pull on your CC if the yarn is showing through. Be sure not to pull too tight or your panel width can get smaller over time. I am extra careful not to crochet too tightly when doing Tapestry crochet to make sure the panel still has a good stretch and the width stays the same as I work. Check your width measurement after you’ve worked up several rows. If it is too narrow you may be pulling too tight on the secondary yarn.
~ Another trick I do to avoid the CC showing is to hold the carried yarn more to the back of the work – away from me when working on the right side and towards me when working on the wrong side. This will help the CC from showing on the right side. If you are still seeing the carried yarn, that is ok. It is not too noticeable when the pillow is finished and it all tends to blend in together because the colors are similar.
~ Please check your gauge to make sure your cover will fit the pillow insert. It is also a good idea to check your width measurement once you have completed about 5 rows. If it is off a tiny bit, that is ok. If it is off significantly, recheck your gauge and start over with a new hook size if needed. You want your panels to be the same size as the insert.
~ Each square in the chart represents one SC on your panel. The chart starts at the first row after your foundation chain.
~ I like to mark off each row of my graph with a highlighter after I complete it. This makes it easier to read the graph as you work along and ensures you do not miss a row.
~ You will read the chart going back and forth for each row. The side that the row # is on in the chart is the side you will begin that particular row. For example – Row 5 has the number 5 shown on the right. You will start this row reading the chart from right to left. Row 6 has the number 6 shown on the left. You will start this row reading the chart from left to right. When working the odd # rows, you will be working on the wrong side (WS) of your panel. When working the even # rows, you will be working on the right side (RS) of your panel.
Changing Colors:
To have smooth color changes it is important to switch yarn colors at the right time.
When it is time to change colors, stop before your last yarn over on the last stitch of the MC (burgandy).
Take your MC (burgandy), carry it on top of the CC (red) and bring it over to the front of your work.
Yarn UNDER (not over like the regular SC) with the CC (red).
Pull through. You are ready to begin your new color (red). Be sure to carry the old color through the stitches so it is right there when you need to change colors again.
Changing colors at the end of the row:
At the end of each block of colors you will be cutting one color and adding a new one. You will never cut the MC (burgandy) as it is used in every row. Changing colors at the end of the row is similar to changing in your work, shown above.
Before the last YO on your last stitch, drop the MC.
Using the color that will begin the next row, YO and finish the stitch.
Chain 1. Turn work and start your next row. Start carrying your new CC through the 1st stitch. Remember you will always have one yarn being carried through your stitches. The two colors being used will change with each block you complete.
Directions:
Back Panel
Final Measurements: 18” x 18”
CH 43
Row 1: SC into 2nd CH from hook. SC in each CH across to the end. CH 1. Turn (42 stitches)
Row 2: SC in each SC across. CH 1. Turn. (42 stitches)
Repeat row 2 until your panel measures 18” high (approximately 47 rows)
After you have completed several rows I suggest checking your width to ensure it is 18”. Adjust as necessary to get the correct size. Note – My back panel with no color changes tends to require one or two more rows than my front one with the Intarsia crochet. Be sure to measure as you approach the top.
Weave in ends on the WS.
Front Panel
Final Measurements: 18” x 18”
CH 43 in MC
Using the Tapestry crochet technique, follow the chart and switch to CC when indicated on the graph.
Row 1: SC into 2nd CH from hook. SC in each CH across to the end. CH 1. Turn (42 stitches)
Row 2: SC in each SC across. CH 1. Turn. (42 stitches)
Repeat Row 2 while following the graph until you reach the top.
Your panel should measure 18″ high and 18″ across. Check your width after you complete a few rows and make any adjustments if needed.
Assembling Your Pillow:
Layer the front and back panel so the RIGHT sides are facing one another on the interior and the WRONG sides are on the exterior.
Using quick locking stitch markers, line up the two panels and connect each of the four corners together. Next, place a couple stitch markers between the corners. This will keep everything in line when you stitch up the sides.
You will attach the panels along three edges, leaving the bottom edge open. Starting at the bottom corner SL ST into both panels together. Continue doing this all the way up the side, at the end of each row of the panel. Make sure your tension is not too tight or the pillow will pucker when stretched over the pillow insert.
After completing three sides, turn your work right side. Slide in the pillow insert. inside and adjust it until it is placed evenly. Use the whip stitch to stitch up the bottom edge.
Weave in all ends and enjoy!
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