Asanas Pillow

Asanas Pillow by Susan Carlson

Project Overview

The Asanas Pillow is an intermediate-level crochet cushion project designed by Susan Carlson. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a decorative square pillow cover that fits a 14-inch (35.5cm) pillow form. The project combines a structured front panel worked in the round with a back panel constructed in rows, finished with functional button closures for easy removal and cleaning.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete pillow cover consisting of two main components: a front square motif and a back panel. The finished pillow measures 14 inches (35.5cm) square, designed to fit a standard square pillow form. Five decorative buttons measuring 1 1/8 inches (2.85cm) are incorporated into the design, likely serving both functional and aesthetic purposes for securing the pillow cover.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Asanas Pillow employs several fundamental crochet construction methods. The pillow front is worked in continuous rounds with the right side facing throughout, utilizing joining techniques at the end of each round to create a seamless circular motif that expands into the final square shape. The pillow back is constructed using a row-by-row approach, turning at the end of each row to build the panel from bottom to top. The pattern includes notes on gauge and sizing, allowing crafters to modify the pillow dimensions by completing additional repeats of specific rounds or by adjusting the foundation chain length and working additional rows.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology and abbreviations. Key stitches include chain stitches (ch), slip stitches (sl st) for joining rounds, and back loop only (BLO) stitching for textural variation. The pattern notes that chain stitches at the beginning of rounds do not count as individual stitches, a common technique for maintaining consistent stitch counts and creating even fabric. All round joinings are completed with slip stitches, creating clean transitions between rounds.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Namaste by Scheepjes, a chunky-weight blend of 50% Virgin Wool and 50% Acrylic. The pattern requires 4 balls (3.5oz/100g each; 93yds/85m per ball) in the Half Moon colorway (#615)
• Hook: Size J (6mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Five buttons measuring 1 1/8 inches (2.85cm) in diameter
• Additional Tools: A tapestry or yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembling the pillow cover, and a 14-inch (35.5cm) square pillow form as the interior cushion base

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The gauge for this pattern is established by the square motif, which measures 14 inches (35.5cm) when complete. For reference, rounds 1 through 6 of the motif measure 4.5 inches (11.5cm), providing a benchmark for assessing progress during construction. The pattern includes provisions for customization: crafters can make the pillow larger by completing additional repeats of round 19 of the pillow front, and the back panel can be adjusted in width by working the foundation chain in multiples of 2 to the desired dimensions, then working repeat rows to achieve the preferred height.