Learn how to crochet 7 awesome pillows (videos & written instructions)

It's time to snuggle up inside in the warm, and there's no comfier place than on a couch covered with crochet cushions.
You'll find it hard to pick just one pattern from our selection of seven gorgeous pillow covers - so why not make them all? In tonal shades, this collection would make a fabulous display.
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1. Granny square pillow cover video tutorial:
Written instructions: We're starting off with a retro granny square pattern from B. Hooked.
As you'll see, the basic idea is to crochet four identical oversized granny squares and sew them together to form a cross in the center of each side of your pillow. This neatly wraps around your inner pillow. Standard pillow inners tend to come in two sizes, 12-inch square or 16-inch square, and can easily be bought online.
Start your granny square with a circle of three to five chain stitches, then close with a slip stitch, then chain three as your first double crochet. Now do two more double crochets into the circle, which together with the three chains forms your first group of three double crochets. Then chain two to create a corner, and follow with another set of three double crochets. Chain two again and three double crochets, and continue until you have four groups of three double crochets, separated by four two-chain spaces. This is the foundation of your granny square and a pattern you will repeat on the following rows, changing color either on every row or when you see fit until the square is the right size for your cushion cover. If you are covering a 12-inch pillow, then your square should measure 12 inches diagonally from corner to corner. You will need four squares to complete the cover. To assemble the cushion, line up the squares and slip stitch in each stitch to hold in place.
2. Octagon cushion cover
Our next cushion couldn't be simpler to create. It's made with a combination of half double crochet and single crochet and makes up quickly to an attractively textured finish. The shape is created by adding two half doubles into some of the stitches, which creates an octagon pattern. Add interest by changing the color of your yarn, adding bright buttons and by backing the cushion with an attractive print.
3. Basket weave stitch pillow video tutorial:
Written instructions: This pillow is in one of my favorite stitches, the basket weave. It looks daunting, but you'll soon get the hang of it, with the help of this nice clear video from A Work of Craft.
The first step is to create a long enough chain to fit the length of your cushion, remembering to chain in multiples of eight and to chain a few more than necessary to make sure of a fit. Then double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook, and continue to double crochet into every chain. Turn your work and chain three. Then do four double crochets into the next four front posts of the row beneath. Then four double crochets into the back posts of the row beneath.
4. Corner to corner pillow video tutorial:
Written instructions: This double-sided pillow by The Crochet Crowd starts off with a chain of six. Then double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook. Follow with three more double crochets into the next three chains. Then turn the work and chain six. Double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook, then double crochet three times more into the next three chains. Slip stitch into the previous block of double crochets and chain three (you may want to study the video at this point). Then continue with another three double crochets. Repeat this pattern, remembering to turn, and change yarn when appropriate, to build up the diamond motif. Eventually, you will have four identical blocks which can be whipstitched together to form the front of the cushion cover. Repeat for the back.
5. Bobble-icious Pillows video tutorial:
Written instructions: These wonderfully textured bobble pillow covers will look amazing on any couch. Start off by chaining in multiples of four, to fit your pillow with a little over to make sure. Double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook and continue to double crochet into every chain stitch. It's a good idea at this point to make a note of how many double crochets you have, as it's easy to drop a stitch later on. For the second row, chain one and double crochet into this starting stitch. Then do three single crochets. The next stitch is a bobble stitch - five double crochets together. Then three single crochets, then a bobble, and continue along the row. For row three, chain three, then double crochet all the way along the row. Repeat the pattern, and you'll soon build up a lovely bobble pattern to make a beautiful pillow cover. You can print the free pattern at Yarnspirations.
6. Donut cushion cover video tutorial:
Written instructions: This is a great fun project from Love4Nails which would be perfect for a child's room or for the family couch. First chain 35 stitches and slipstitch together. Half double crochet into the next two chains, then half double crochet twice into the next chain, and continue this pattern. The next two rows are identical. From this point, it's useful to start marking your first stitch with a safety pin so you don't get lost crocheting in the round. On the fourth row, half double crochet the first three stitches, then two half double crochets into stitch four, and continue this pattern all round. From this point, increase the size of the donut ring according to how large you want your eventual donut to be. Once you have finished, crochet an identical ring for the back of the donut (brown is good for a chocolate effect) then add sprinkles - large multicolored stitches or random embroidered dots - to taste!
7. Round pillow video tutorial:
Written instructions: This simple but very covetable pillow from Melanie Ham is crocheted in the round, in a variegated colored yarn. Made with a chunky yarn and large gauge hook, it starts with seven half double crochets straight into a magic circle. Adjust the circle by pulling on the tail of yarn to close it. Slip stitch into the first stitch. Then chain two for the next row, and half double crochet twice into every stitch to increase your circle. Continue with this pattern until you reach the desired size to cover your cushion inner. Make a similar round for the other side, and join the two with slip stitches, whip stitch or single crochet, to finish off your cushion.
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