Updated at: 29-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

There are only two simple stages involved in learning to knit a pillow. Even if you’ve never used knitting needles, yarn needles, or crochet hooks before, you can still complete this craft. You’ll need an acrylic yarn and a pillow form in addition to the previously listed items to make this pillow.

How To Make A Knitted Pillow

Step #1. Cast-on

If you don’t have a pillow form measuring exactly 16×16 inches, you can easily modify the measurements for this project to fit a different size pillow. The finished cover may look too tiny at first, but keep in mind that it will expand to offer a snug and secure fit. Cast on 60 stitches and weave in all loose ends to create a 14-inch broad by 23.5-inch long piece.

How to Make a Pillow Insert - YouTube

Once the desired size is achieved, the piece is folded in half with the bind-off and cast-on sides touching. One of the best things about this crocheted cushion is that both the back and the front look the same. Now that you know you’ll be using the entire section as a pillow, you can move on to the next stage.

Step #2. Stitch

Starting at the right side, work your way to the left using a yarn needle. Wrap the yarn securely before beginning the left-side seam. Remember that you may also use a crochet hook to slip stitch the sides together if you prefer that method of seam finishing better.

After you have sewn the sides of your cushion together, you may flip it right side out. The cast-on and bind-off edge are now open, ready to receive the pillow shape. To complete your pillow, slip stitch the bottom side and round out the corners.

How To Cast-On For Beginners

Making a slip knot

If you want a more seamless cast-on, there are a few ways you can master. One such skill is mastering the slip knot, which is created by looping yarn and pulling it back through itself. Then, tie a knot at the end of the second loop you just made (thus the name “slip knot”).

How to Sew a Pillow Insert with Drop Cloth - Farmhouse on Boone

Making a single cast-on

The next step is to slide the knot onto the needle and tighten it by pulling. Wrapping the yarn end that is still attached to the ball of yarn around your thumb will create a single cast-on. As a next step, you’ll need to take your thumb off the yarn and pull it through the loop created by your needle as you bring it down and up.

You may control the amount of stitches by winding the yarn around your thumb multiple times. Keep in mind that the length of the tail you leave at the end of the yarn should be proportional to the number of cast-on stitches you intend to make. Ten cast-on stitches, for instance, can be accommodated by a foot of tail.

Knitting cast-on

Make a slip knot on a needle for your left hand and get started. Next, insert the needle you’re holding in your right hand through the loop on your left needle and under it. Using your left hand, wrap the working yarn under the left needle, and then insert the right needle into the loop created by the left needle.

Turn the work so that the loop on the right needle drops onto the left. After completing the loop, remove the right needle and pull the yarn through to create two cast-on stitches. Just keep going back and forth, sliding the right needle through the loop on the left needle and then bringing it under.

How To Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is another technique you’ll need to master when knitting a pillow. If you want to knit, inserting the needle is the simplest method. To create a twisted stitch, insert the right needle into the stitch being worked on by the left needle and then slip it off the left needle onto the right needle.

Knitting with a slip stitch allows you to create neat edge stitches when knitting a pillow. Your pillow’s seam will be more secure and, visually, more pleasing as a result of this kind of construction. Keep in mind that when calculating the overall number of stitches, you must also include in the number of stitches along the edges of the fabric.

How to make a pillow insert for free - C.R.A.F.T.

How To Choose The Right Size Crochet Hook

Using the appropriate crochet hook is the final piece of advice I have for you to successfully knit a pillow. Finding the correct hook size and stitch count can be done by consulting the label of your yarn. It’s not a bad idea to follow a crochet pattern and check your stitch gauge to make sure the needle isn’t too snug or too loose.

Conclusion

Knitted pillows not only have a certain warm and fuzzy appeal, but they also make great do-it-yourself crafts. The process of knitting a pillow is simple and only requires two stages. If you’re just starting out with knitting, the instructions above are perfect for you because they just require a cast-on and a few stitches to complete the pillow cover.

Once you’ve got it to that point, insert the form inside and sew up the bottom using the crochet hook or yarn needle. You can knit a very nice pillow if you’re willing to put in the time. In that case, why delay?

Try your hand at this right away!