How to make a Vintage Pillowcase - Tutorial ✨
This is a super easy pattern, a great beginner friendly choice. A granny square is a perfect method to start crocheting!
MATERIALS:
- Scrap yarn - My advice is try to use yarns of about the same size (all 4, or all 5) if you use a smaller yarn you can double it. This way your square will look uniform.
- Matching crochet hook - I used a 5mm hook.
- Scissors
- Fabric - I chose to recycle a cotton pillow case, cut it and made it into a squared pillow.
- sewing Needle OR sewing machine & matching thread.
-Pins
Optional: Buttons or zipper for closure.
CROCHET PATTERN:
NOTE: Whehn I say JOIN, I mean: SL ST to the top chain of the first DC (those 3 chains we did at the beginning).
Fundation:
Make a MC OR CH4 and join to the first ch with a SL ST to close the circle.
ROW 1:
CH3 (counts as first DC) and make 2DC into the ring. Now, CH2 (this chains will be our spaces). Make 3DC and 2 more chains. Repeat 2 more times to complete a total of 4 sets of 3dc and 4 chain spaces. JOIN.
NOTE: Change colors in every round by cutting the yarn at the end of the row after the SL ST. Fasten off and then attach the next color making a knot with the yarn tail and the new color, so you start the first dc (the 3ch) with color B.
ROW 2:
CH3 (Counts as dc), CH1 and into the next chain space make 3DC. Next CH3, and make 3DC more into the same space (We will have a total of 6dc and 3ch in each corner, this will form our corners) and then CH1. Repeat the same steps to make all 4 corners - To summarize: 3DC/3CH/3DC - CH X4
You will notice now we have 8 spaces in-between the sets of 3dc. JOIN.
ROW 3 and more:
CH3 (first dc) and make 2dc more. Chain 1, and the next group is a corner, so make 3DC, 3CH, 3DC. That is what we will do in EVERY corner from now on. Next, chain1, Make 3DC in the next space and then make the corner stitches again. As you can see, the pattern is very repetitive and it will continue to grow as we make more rounds because we are adding spaces in the corners.
SO, In every corner space make: 3DC/ 3CH/ 3DC - CH. In the rest of the spaces, make 3DC. At the end of every row, JOIN.
Make as many rows as you want to reach the desired length for your pillow!
WHATS NEXT?
Once you finished your square, proceed to cut the fabric: make 2 squares of the same size ( a little bigger than your granny square so you can sew them together, about 2cm around).
With the sewing machine or by hand, Sew up one of the squares to the crocheted piece. Use the pins to locate the squares in the right place.
Once these two are attached, sew up the two fabric squares (FROM THE INSIDE PART) using those extra 2cm.
If you picked buttons for closure, leave 1 side of the pillowcase open. Sew the 2cm to the same square so it looks tidy. Next, use the sewing needle and thread to sew up 3 or 4 buttons along the edge.
if you picked the zipper option, sew it up with the sewing machine in that last side of the square, using the 2cm extra.
Once you finished with that side, you are done!
Now you have a super cute pillow for your bed or couch. and looks so edgy!
I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Send me a pic if you made it, I would love to see it.
Love, Greta.
If you're new to crocheting, starting with a granny square pillowcase project is a fantastic way to build your skills while creating something beautiful and practical. Using scrap yarn for this project is not only eco-friendly but also allows you to experiment with different colors and textures. When selecting yarn, try to keep the yarn thickness consistent (around size 4 or 5 weight) for a uniform look, or double a lighter yarn to achieve the same effect. The crochet pattern is straightforward and designed for beginners. Remember, mastering the slip stitch (SL ST), chain stitch (CH), and double crochet (DC) is essential here. The pattern’s corners are made with 3 double crochets, 3 chains, and 3 double crochets, creating the classic granny square shape that adds an eye-catching texture to your pillow. Changing colors every round adds visual interest but requires cutting and fastening yarn tails carefully to avoid unraveling. Knotting the new color with the yarn tail from the previous round is a reliable technique to start your next color. Once your granny square reaches the desired size, repurpose an old cotton pillowcase or similar fabric to create the backing. Cut two fabric squares slightly larger than your crochet piece and sew one to the crochet front. Sewing from the inside ensures a clean finish, and using pins during sewing helps keep everything aligned. Adding a closure like buttons or a zipper not only enhances the pillow's functionality but also adds a decorative element. Buttons can be hand-stitched along one open edge, while a zipper requires a sewing machine but provides a neat, secure closure. This project blends crafty recycling with handmade charm, offering a vintage aesthetic perfect for decorating your couch or bed. Sharing photos of your finished pillow on social media or crafting communities can inspire others and cultivate a supportive creative network. Plus, with its easy, repetitive stitch pattern, this granny square pillowcase is a therapeutic and satisfying craft suitable for all skill levels.
OMG this pillow is so cute! Love the color combo! What size yarn did you end up using for the pillow?