Here’s a tutorial on how to crochet a basic pillow cover using a simple stitch pattern. For this tutorial, we’ll use the single crochet stitch, which is a beginner-friendly stitch. Let’s get started:
Materials you’ll need:
- Worsted weight yarn in your desired color(s)
- Crochet hook (size appropriate for your yarn; usually a 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm hook works well with worsted weight yarn)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Step 1: Measure and Plan
- Measure the dimensions of the pillow you want to cover. This tutorial will cover a basic square pillow, but you can adjust the measurements to fit your pillow.
- Decide on the colors and pattern you want to use. For this tutorial, we’ll use a simple striped pattern.
Step 2: Make a Foundation Chain
- Chain the number of stitches that match the width of your pillow plus a few extra for the seam allowance. For example, if your pillow is 16 inches wide and your single crochet stitches are approximately 1/2 inch wide, you would chain 33 stitches (16 inches + 2 inches seam allowance = 18 inches, and 18 inches * 2 stitches per inch = 36 stitches).
Step 3: Row 1 – Single Crochet (SC) Row
- Starting from the second chain from the hook, make a single crochet (SC) in each chain across. (32 SC stitches in this example)
- Chain 1 and turn.
Step 4: Rows 2-4 – Repeat SC Row
- Repeat Row 1 (single crochet) for the number of rows needed to match the height of your pillow. In this example, repeat Row 1 three more times.
Step 5: Change Colors (Optional)
- If you’re adding stripes or changing colors, cut the yarn after completing the last stitch of the row. Then, join the new color by making a slip knot and pulling it through the last stitch.
Step 6: Rows 5-6 – Repeat SC Row in New Color (Optional)
- Continue crocheting in single crochet for the desired number of rows or until you reach the desired stripe pattern.
Step 7: Finishing the Front Panel
- Once your crocheted piece matches the dimensions of your pillow (both width and height), fasten off the yarn and weave in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.
Step 8: Making the Back Panel
- Repeat Steps 2 to 7 to create a second crocheted panel for the back of the pillow cover. The back panel should be the same width as the front panel but can be slightly shorter if you plan to overlap the edges for an envelope-style closure.
Step 9: Assembly
- Lay the two panels together with the right sides facing each other.
- Use your crochet hook and the same yarn you used for the last row to single crochet around three edges of the pillow cover, joining the front and back panels together. Start in one corner, and single crochet evenly along the sides, adding extra stitches at the corners to keep them flat.
- Once you’ve crocheted three sides, insert your pillow form inside the cover.
- Optionally: crochet some cute patches and attach them with a darning needle to your pillow case.
Step 10: Closing the Pillow Cover
- For the fourth edge, you have several options for closure styles. One simple option is to continue single crocheting around the remaining edge, sewing on buttons, and adding corresponding buttonholes to the opposite edge. Alternatively, you can add a zipper or create an envelope-style closure by overlapping the edges of the back panels and sewing buttons or snaps to keep them closed.
Step 11: Finishing Touches
- Weave in any remaining loose ends, and your crocheted pillow cover is complete!
Feel free to get creative with different stitch patterns, colors, and closure styles to customize your pillow cover to your liking.
Happy crocheting!