Chevron Pillow Cover

Chevron Pillow Cover by Angela Plunkett

Project Overview

The Chevron Pillow Cover is a beginner-friendly crochet cushion design created by designer Angela Plunkett. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished pillow cover measuring 18" x 18", with the option to customize the size by adjusting stitch counts in multiples of 14 stitches. The design features a striking chevron stitch pattern created through the strategic use of increases and decreases, resulting in a classic zigzag visual effect across the entire pillow surface.

Materials Required

This project uses worsted weight yarn (weight category 4, considered medium) in four distinct colors to create the chevron pattern. The designer recommends I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby and specifies the following color palette: Cream (Color A), Peacock (Color B), Turquoise (Color C), and Sea Blue (Color D). Crafters are welcome to substitute their own four-color selection based on personal preference. A Size G crochet hook is required to work with the worsted weight yarn.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Chevron Pillow Cover employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners, utilizing a variety of essential stitches to create the dimensional chevron effect:

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to create the foundation row and throughout the pattern for structure
• Double crochet (dc) – The primary stitch used to build the pillow cover fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc) – Included in the stitch abbreviations for versatility in construction
• Single crochet (sc) – A basic stitch available for use as needed
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds and finishing edges
• Decrease stitch (dc3tog) – A specialized decrease worked over three stitches that creates the valleys in the chevron pattern

The chevron pattern is constructed through the alternation of increase and decrease sections. The pattern increases by working three double crochets in a single stitch (creating peaks), then decreases by working three stitches together (creating valleys). This repeating increase-decrease sequence, combined with the strategic placement of single double crochets between these shaping elements, produces the characteristic zigzag chevron design.

Pattern Construction

The pattern begins with Color A by chaining 73 stitches to establish the foundation. The first row is worked by skipping the initial three chains, then establishing the chevron repeat section marked by asterisks in the pattern. This repeat section is worked across the row until the final stitches are reached. The foundation chain of 73 stitches is calculated to accommodate the chevron repeat pattern, and crafters can increase or decrease the overall pillow size by adjusting the foundation chain in multiples of 14 stitches.

The four-color yarn scheme is rotated throughout the project to enhance the visual impact of the chevron stitch pattern, with each color creating distinct horizontal stripes across the pillow cover. This color blocking technique highlights the dimensional qualities of the chevron stitch work.

Skill Level

Classified as a beginner project, the Chevron Pillow Cover is accessible to new crocheters while introducing important foundational techniques. The pattern requires familiarity with basic stitches and the ability to follow written crochet instructions, making it an excellent project for developing stitch consistency and understanding how increases and decreases shape fabric.