Our personalized name pillow is such a special gift to give to the loved ones in your life. This free crochet pattern is a quick project that can be worked up in a weekend. The color combinations are endless and each pillow is one of a kind.
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Final Size:
Two 12”x20” panels to cover a 12”x20” pillow insert.
Supplies:
Yarn – Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky #6).
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
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.
~ 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.
Directions:
Setting Up Your Personalized Name Chart:
See the last pages of this pattern for the letter charts. Print off the letters you plan to use as well as the blank chart found on the page after the letters. The chart represents the 13 rows you will complete with the letters.
Lay out the letters for the name. This pattern works with 1-5 letter words. Names longer than this will not fit on this size pillow.
There are 46 stitches across your panel. Each letter is either 7 or 8 stitches across. Tally up the number of stitches across your letters add up to (this does not include blank spaces between each letter).
Maya pillow:
M = 8 stitches
A =7 stitches
Y = 8 stitches
A = 7 stitches
This pillow will have 30 alphabet stitches across.
Next we will calculate how many stitches are left and how to divide the remaining stitches between the letters.
Subtract the number of alphabet pillow stitches by total number of stitches (46).
Maya pillow:
46 stitches total – 30 letters stitches = 16 stitches left
Now we figure out how to divide up the remaining 16 stitches.
I like to have 2 stitches between each letter. If you are doing a 3 letter word you may choose to do 3-4 stitches between letters.
Maya pillow:
2 stitches between M and A; 2 stitches between A and Y; 2 stitches between Y and A for a total of 6 stitches.
Subtract the number of stitches between the letters from the remaining stitches.
Maya pillow:
16 (stitches left) – 6 (stitches between letters) = 10 stitches remaining for the edges.
Next, divide the remaining stitches in two. These will go on the two sides of the name. If this number is an uneven number simply do one less on one edge.
Maya Pillow:
10 stitches left. Each edge will have 5 stitches before and after the name.
This pillow will look like this:
5 blank stitches, M (8 stitches), 2 blank stitches, A (7 stitches), 2 blank stitches, Y (8 stitches), 2 blank stitches, A (7 stitches), 5 blank stitches.
Add up these numbers and if you they add up to 46, you are ready to fill in your chart.
I suggest using a pencil to complete the chart in case any mistakes are made as you fill it in. Using the calculations you made above, begin to fill in the chart with your letters.
You are ready to start crocheting your pillow!
Back Panel
Final Measurements: 20″ across x 12″ tall
CH 47
Row 1: SC into 2nd CH from hook. SC in each CH across to the end. CH 1. Turn (46 stitches)
Row 2: SC in each SC across. CH 1. Turn. (46 stitches)
Repeat row 2 until your panel measures 12” high (approximately 27 rows)
After you have completed several rows I suggest checking your width to ensure it is 20”. Adjust as necessary to get the correct size.
Weave in ends on the WS.
Front Panel
Final Measurements: 20″ across x 12” tall
CH 47
Row 1: SC into 2nd CH from hook. SC in each CH across to the end. CH 1. Turn (46 stitches)
Row 2: SC in each SC across. CH 1. Turn. (46 stitches)
Repeat row 2 and complete 7 rows total in your main color.
Next you will begin your name. You will start the letters on the right side of the panel working from the end of the name to the beginning (right to left of the chart). Using the chart you created and the Intarsia crochet technique, begin working your chart. Start at the bottom and work your way up.
After completing the 13 rows of the chart:
Repeat row 2 for 7 rows total in your main color.
You will have a total of 27 stitches. Check your measurements. The panel should measure 12″ tall. Add or remove a row at the top if required to obtain the correct measurement. Cut your work and weave in the ends on the wrong side.
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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