Scraptastic Pillow

Scraptastic Pillow by Stana D. Sortor

Project Overview

The Scraptastic Pillow is a knitted cushion cover designed by independent designer Stana D. Sortor. This project transforms leftover yarn scraps from other knitting projects into a functional and decorative home accessory. The pillow is an excellent stash-busting solution for knitters who accumulate small pieces of yarn that might otherwise be discarded. The design accommodates multiple finished sizes, ranging from 18 inches (46 cm) to 28 inches (72 cm) square, allowing crafters to choose dimensions that suit their needs and available materials.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a knitted pillow cover or cushion cover that is worked as a flat square. The finished pillow is designed to be paired with a purchased pillow case insert of corresponding size and features a zipper closure for easy insertion and removal of the insert. The pictured sample demonstrates the 28-inch (72 cm) square finished measurement.

Yarn and Materials

The Scraptastic Pillow is specifically designed to use scrap yarn from other knitting projects. Crafters should select scrap yarn preferably in similar weight to maintain consistent gauge and appearance. The pattern calls for aran-weight yarn as the primary yarn weight. If using thinner yarn such as fingering weight, the pattern recommends doubling the yarn to achieve the correct gauge. This flexibility makes the project adaptable to various yarn stashes.

Additional materials required:

• Circular needles in US 7/4.5 mm size
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Zipper in the corresponding size to the finished pillow (18 inches/46 cm through 28 inches/72 cm options)
• Pillow case insert matching the finished pillow dimensions

Knitting Techniques

The Scraptastic Pillow employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The pattern utilizes the Three Needle Bind Off technique, which is a method for joining two pieces of knitting together while simultaneously binding off stitches. This technique creates a secure, professional-looking seam that is commonly used in pillow construction and other projects requiring strong joins between separate knitted sections.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used in this pillow is double moss stitch. Double moss stitch is a textured, reversible stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence. This stitch creates a bumpy, cushioned texture on both sides of the fabric, making it ideal for a pillow cover. The double moss stitch provides visual interest and a tactile quality while remaining accessible to beginner knitters.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in double moss stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished pillow dimensions. The pattern includes standard knitting abbreviations: K for knit, P for purl, CO for cast on, BO for bind off, and St/sts for stitch or stitches.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an accessible pattern for knitters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward, rewarding project. The combination of basic stitches and fundamental techniques ensures that crafters at all skill levels can successfully complete this practical and sustainable pillow project.