Taco Pillow with Blanket Yarn

Taco Pillow with Blanket Yarn by Lisa Ferrel

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern creates a whimsical taco-shaped decorative pillow designed by Lisa Ferrel. The finished pillow measures approximately 31 inches wide by 15 inches tall, making it a substantial statement piece suitable for beds, couches, or themed décor. The project is classified as beginner-level, making it accessible to crocheters new to the craft while still producing an impressive finished object.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a three-dimensional taco pillow with a shell component that forms the characteristic taco shape. The pillow is stuffed with fiberfil to create a plush, huggable cushion. The design incorporates multiple colored sections representing the various components of a taco, including the shell, lettuce, meat, cheese, and other traditional taco toppings rendered in yarn form.

Crochet Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners, including:

• Single crochet (sc) as the primary stitch throughout the project
• Continuous rounds worked without joining, which creates a seamless spiral effect
• Increases executed by working 2 single crochets in the same stitch, strategically placed to shape the three-dimensional form
• Magic circle or chain foundation to begin the center of the shell component
• Yarn color changes to create the multi-colored taco design

Stitches and Construction Details

The shell section begins with a magic circle or chain-2 foundation, working 7 single crochets into the second chain from the hook. Subsequent rounds build outward through strategic increases: round 2 doubles all stitches to 14 single crochets, and round 3 establishes a pattern of single crochets alternating with increases, yielding 21 stitches. This increase pattern continues through round 27 and beyond, with the number of single crochets between increases growing progressively (2 stitches, then 3, then 4, continuing through 25 stitches between increases by round 27). This mathematical progression creates the gradual expansion needed for the taco's curved shell shape. The pattern reaches 182 stitches by round 26, establishing the large circumference required for the 31-inch width of the finished pillow.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project uses Bernat Blanket yarn or comparable super bulky weight (category 6) yarn. The super chunky yarn weight allows the pillow to work up quickly despite its large finished size. The color palette includes:

• 17 ounces of tan yarn for the primary taco shell
• 4 ounces of green yarn representing lettuce
• 1 ounce of brown yarn for meat or beans
• ½ ounce of red yarn for tomato or salsa
• ½ ounce of yellow yarn for cheese

The pattern requires a size M (13.00 mm) crochet hook, appropriately sized for the super bulky yarn weight to maintain proper gauge and fabric drape. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and assembling components, and fiberfil stuffing provides the cushioning for the finished pillow.

Why This Pattern Works for Beginners

The Taco Pillow pattern is ideal for beginner crocheters because it relies exclusively on single crochet stitches and basic increases. The super bulky yarn weight means stitches are large and easy to see, making it simple to identify and correct mistakes. The continuous round construction eliminates the need to join rounds, reducing complexity. The rapid progress—the pillow grows quickly due to the yarn weight and stitch count—provides satisfying results that keep beginners motivated to complete the project.