Hi! I recently updated this crochet pillow pattern that I crocheted a few years ago. It now comes in multiple sizes and includes a YouTube tutorial! I wanted to write a behind the scenes post for this one to go over all the pattern details and also share a little bit about the story behind the pattern. I hope you enjoy the pattern!
The Pattern
The updated version of this pattern is available as a print-friendly pdf on Ravelry. Here’s the link:
The Video
Behind the Scenes
The first few pillowcases that I crocheted (like these two!) could not be taken on and off of the pillow inserts. As I started to make more, this became a problem! I wanted to be able to switch out the pillowcases on the inserts. Therefore, I started adding buttons to one side of the pillowcases. Overtime, I went back and updated the first couple of pillow patterns that I wrote, so they could also be taken on and off the inserts.
I have a lot of fun collecting buttons to attach to projects! Especially, finding vintage buttons. These were some of the first one that I collected.
Back in January 2023, I wanted to try to crochet some granny squares that were inspired by vintage button patterns.
The main thing I remember about designing this pattern is that it took a lot of tries to get it just right!
This pillow is still one of my favorites! The color combination is completely different than the rest of the pillows that I have crocheted.
When I originally released the pattern, I wanted to also try making it with pink and green yarn.
Last fall, I finally started making the pink version! I started grad school last school year, and I wanted a relaxing project to crochet when I had time. Since the pattern was already written for this pillow, it was the perfect relaxing project to make!
The yarn for the pink version is slightly thicker, so it fits a larger pillow insert.
I filmed the video tutorial for the pink granny square over winter break, and now, I am very excited to finally release the updated pattern!
Updated Name
When I originally posted the pattern for the blue pillow, its name was the Vintage Buttons Pillow. While updating the pattern, I felt like it needed a new name. The main reason why I enjoy collecting vintage buttons is because when I was younger, my mom, sister, and I used to go lots of vintage stores together. I decided to change the name to the Vintage Girl Pillow to represent these memories.
If you purchase the pattern, you will receive two pdfs: the original blue one and one for the pink version. The pattern for the flower granny square is the same for both pillowcases. I would recommend following along with the pdf for the pink version because its formatting follows my recent pattern format.
The Pattern
Materials
For the pink pillow:
- 4.00 mm crochet hook
- Scissors and a tapestry needle- for weaving in ends
- 18 by 18 inch (45 by 45 cm) square pillow insert
- 5 buttons (1.5 cm in diameter)
- Yarn
For the blue pillow:
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Scissors and a tapestry needle- for weaving in ends
- 14 by 14 inch (35 by 35 cm) square pillow insert
- 5 buttons (1.5 cm in diameter)
- Yarn
Yarn I Used
For the pink pillow:
- Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 Yarn (100% cotton; 75 m (82 yds) / 50 g (1.76 oz) skeins)
- 2 old rose (pink)
- 2 army green (green)
- 2 beige (cream)
- 2 petunia pink (dark pink)
- 3 pastel pink (pale pink)
- 2 pastel yellow (yellow)
For the blue pillow:
- Rowan Summerlite DK (100% cotton, 142 yd/ 50 g skeins)
- 1 favorite denim (teal)
- 1 summer (mustard yellow)
- 1 fuschia (bright pink)
- 1 powder pink (light pink)
- Patons Grace Cotton DK yarn (100% cotton, 137 yd/ 50 g skeins)
- 1 natural (cream)
- 1 black (black)
Yarn Substitution
If you would like to use a different yarn and want your pillow to be the same size as mine, compare the yd/g to determine if it would be a good substitute.
Otherwise, after you finish the front side, measure it, and it will fit a pillow insert that is 1-2 inches longer than it!
Gauge and Size
For the pink pillow:
16 stitches and 7 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
The gauge provided is measured with U.S. double crochet stitches (UK treble) worked in rows.
Pillows should always be 1-2 in (2.5 – 5 cm) smaller than the insert, so they are stretched over the insert. Hence, the front and the back of the pillow should both be about 16 by 16 in (41 by 41 cm). It is alright if they are slightly smaller.
For the blue pillow:
19 stitches and 9 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
The gauge provided is measured with double crochet stitches (UK treble) worked in rows.
Pillows should always be 1-2 inches smaller than the insert, so they are stretched over the insert. Hence, the front of this pillow is about 12.25 by 12.25 in (31 by 31 cm) and the back side is 12 by 12 (30.5 by 30.5 cm).
The Back Side
The back sides of the pillows are granny squares.
The Buttons
One side of each of the pillows is held together by five buttons, so the pillowcase can be taken on and off the insert.
Enjoy the pattern!
Thanks so much for following along with the behind the scenes of this pillow pattern! I hope you enjoy the pattern, and I can’t wait to see the colors that you choose!
The Pattern
The updated version of this pattern is available as a print-friendly pdf on Ravelry. Here’s the link:
*If you would like to make the pillow and sell the pillow, please give me (Maggie Trunkhill) credit as the pattern designer. Do not reproduce this pattern in any form without my permission.
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