Forest Pillow

Forest Pillow Crochet Pattern by Pukapuka

Project Overview

The Forest Pillow is an intermediate-level crochet cushion cover designed to bring natural forest aesthetics to any living space. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a large, squishy 60x60 cm (23"x23") square pillow that works equally well as a cozy reading corner accent or, with color variations, as a festive Christmas decoration. The project consists of two crocheted squares that form the front and back of the pillow cover.

What You'll Make

This pattern produces a finished cushion cover measuring 60x60 centimeters or 23 inches square, designed to fit a standard pillow insert of the same dimensions. The two-square construction method allows crafters to create a reversible or coordinated design, with the pattern featuring a tapestry crochet technique that incorporates color changes throughout the work.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Forest Pillow employs tapestry crochet as its primary construction technique. This method involves working with two strands of yarn simultaneously while crocheting, allowing you to change colors seamlessly without cutting yarn or creating visible color transitions. The tapestry crochet approach works back and forth in rows from bottom to top, making it ideal for creating intricate colorwork patterns without the complexity of intarsia or color blocking. Crafters can follow either a written pattern or a chart to track color placement and stitch counts.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

• sc - single crochet: the foundational short stitch used throughout the project
• ch - chain: used to create foundation and turning chains
• sl st - slip stitch: used to join rounds or create seamless transitions
• yo - yarn over: the basic yarn manipulation technique underlying all crochet stitches
• rnd - round: indicates circular working (though this pattern primarily works in rows)

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Forest Pillow pattern calls for Drops Paris yarn, a 100% cotton fiber that provides structure and durability ideal for a cushion cover. The yarn is worked at an aran to worsted weight, offering good stitch definition and fabric stability.

Yarn quantities by color:

• Yarn A (off white 17): 6 skeins, approximately 492 yards (450 meters) total
• Yarn B (sage green 62): 7 skeins, approximately 574 yards (525 meters) total

The generous yardage in sage green reflects the forest theme, while off-white provides contrast and balance. The 100% cotton composition makes this cushion cover breathable and suitable for year-round use.

Tools Required

• US H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook: the primary tool for creating all stitches
• Yarn needle: used for weaving in ends and seaming the two squares together
• Scissors: for cutting yarn
• Pillow insert (60x60 cm / 23"x23"): the internal cushion form that gives the cover its shape and loft

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10x10 centimeters (4"x4") equals 15 single crochet stitches by 15 rows. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this intermediate project, as it directly determines the finished pillow size. Working at the correct tension ensures the pillow insert fits properly within the cover and that the colorwork pattern displays at its intended scale.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic crochet techniques including chain stitch, single crochet, and slip stitch. The primary challenge lies in mastering the tapestry crochet technique—managing two yarn colors simultaneously while maintaining even tension and following the color pattern accurately. Crafters new to colorwork should expect a learning curve with the first few rows, though the repetitive nature of single crochet rows makes this an excellent project for building tapestry crochet skills.

Pattern Notes

The pillow cover is constructed from two separate squares rather than one piece, allowing flexibility in assembly and finishing. Each square is worked individually using the tapestry crochet technique, with rows progressing from bottom to top.