Our Santa belt Christmas pillow is the perfect handmade holiday accent for your home this Christmas season. The soft and chunky yarn makes this a quick project.
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Although our patterns are always free on our blog, many prefer our premium ad-free, printer friendly, PDF versions. These are available to purchase HERE.
Final Size:
Two 18”x18” panels to cover a 18”x18” pillow insert.
Supplies:
Yarn – Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky #6). Cranberry (3 skeins), Black (2 skeins), Mustard (1 skein), Fisherman (1 skein).
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.
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 Intarsia crochet technique for changing colors. If you are unfamiliar with this, there are some wonderful tutorials on Youtube to show you. It is quite simple to learn.
~ 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 right side (RS) of your panel. When working the even # rows, you will be working on the wrong side (WS) of your panel.
~ As you are getting close to the top of the graph, I suggest checking your height measurement. If your gauge is off slightly or your tension has fluctuated during your work, you may need to add or remove a row or two at the top. Simply continue with the MC until you reach the height required or remove a row at the top of the graph, as needed.
Directions:
Back Panel
The back panel will have the same black belt as the front. See chart below.
Final Measurements: 18” x 18”
CH 43 in the color Cranberry.
Row 1: SC into 2nd CH from hook. SC in each CH across to the end. CH 1. Turn (42 stitches)
Row 2-17: SC in each SC across. CH 1. Turn. (42 stitches)
Row 18-29: SC in each SC across in the color Black.
Row 30-47: SC in each SC across in the color Cranberry.
Your panel should measure 18” at this point. If it does not, you can add extra rows to get to 18”. If your panel measures 18” before row 47, you can stop there.
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 Cranberry.
Using the Intarsia 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.
As you approach the top, check your height measurement. You may need to add or remove a row or two if your tension has changed while working. Simply add another row 47 or skip the last row of the graph, as 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!
Although our patterns are always free on our blog, many prefer our premium ad-free, printer friendly, PDF versions. These are available to purchase HERE.
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