Traveling Vines Pillow

Traveling Vines Pillow by Lindsey Stephens

Project Overview

The Traveling Vines Pillow is an advanced-level crochet cushion cover designed by Lindsey Stephens for Poetry In Yarn. This 16.25-inch square pillow showcases decorative vine motifs created using specialized crochet techniques, finished with sewn-on leaf embellishments. The design functions as a removable pillow case, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance of the cover separate from the pillow form.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a square decorative pillow cover measuring approximately 16.25 inches [41.5 cm] wide by 16.25 inches [41.5 cm] tall. The pillow is designed to fit a standard 16-inch square pillow form (sold separately). The cover features prominent vine designs that travel across the surface, complemented by leaf details that add visual interest and texture. The removable case construction makes this pillow both functional and decorative for home décor applications.

Crochet Techniques Used

This advanced crochet pattern employs intarsia post stitch as its primary technique for creating the traveling vine design. Intarsia post stitch allows crafters to work with multiple colors simultaneously by carrying yarn along the work and changing colors strategically to create pictorial elements. The vines are constructed using this color-work method, creating bold, defined patterns within the fabric. Following the crochet work, leaves are sewn on after completion, adding a dimensional, appliqué-style embellishment to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While the PDF specifies intarsia post stitch as the primary technique, the exact individual stitches used throughout the pattern are detailed within the downloadable PDF instructions. The post stitch family of crochet stitches—which includes post stitches worked around the post of stitches from previous rows—creates the textured foundation for the color-work vines. The leaf additions are sewn into place using a yarn needle, creating a mixed-media crochet and embroidery finish.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn Weight: Worsted weight
• Yardage Required: 420 yards main color (MC), 240 yards contrasting color (CC)
• Sample Yarn: Malabrigo Rios, 100% pure merino superwash (3.5 oz [100 g], 210 yd [192 m] per skein)
  • 2 skeins in #69 Pearl Ten (main color)
  • 1 skein in #37 Lettuce (contrasting color)
• Hook Size: H/8 (5.00 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
• Additional Supplies: Yarn needle for seaming and sewing on leaves; 16-inch [40.5 cm] square pillow form

Design Inspiration and Aesthetic

The Traveling Vines Pillow draws inspiration from leaf designs often seen on pie crusts, translating traditional decorative motifs into a contemporary crochet project. The bold color palette of Malabrigo Rios yarn—featuring Pearl Ten and Lettuce—gives the design a distinctly modern appearance while maintaining the organic, nature-inspired theme. This combination of classic inspiration with vibrant, contemporary colors creates a versatile piece suitable for various home décor styles.

Skill Level and Craftsmanship

Designated as an advanced skill level project, the Traveling Vines Pillow is intended for experienced crocheters. The intarsia post stitch technique requires solid foundational crochet knowledge, color-work proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple yarn colors throughout the project. Crafters should be comfortable reading advanced crochet patterns and executing post stitches with precision to achieve the intended design.