Free Crochet Pillow Pattern Using Super Bulky Bernat Blanket Yarntitle
If you’re hunting for a quick, cozy, and totally Instagram-worthy project, you’ve landed in the right corner of the craft world. This Free Crochet Pillow Pattern Using Super Bulky Bernat Blanket Yarn is designed to be beginner-friendly, incredibly fast to complete, and perfectly suited for sprucing up living rooms, bedrooms, or even a cozy reading nook. The secret weapon here is Bernat Blanket yarn—a true super bulky yarn that creates plush texture with minimal effort. In just a few hours, you can crochet a full-sized pillow cover that looks designer, feels like a hug, and costs far less than a store-bought throw pillow.
In this post, you’ll find a complete, step-by-step pattern, plus lots of tips to customize colors, sizes, and textures. I’ll walk you through choosing colors that complement your décor, understanding gauge with super bulky yarn, and finishing techniques that give you a neat, professional look. If you’re a visual learner, don’t worry—there are plenty of cues, photos in your mind’s eye, and clear measurements to guide you as you crochet along.
Why this pillow pattern is a great fit for you
– Speed and ease: Bernat Blanket yarn is designed for fast results. With a bulky weight, you can see a pillow cover emerge in a single afternoon or evening.
– Plush, modern texture: The dense fabric that results from working with super bulky yarn makes a pillow cover that’s irresistibly tactile and cozy.
– Flexible sizing: You’ll learn how to adapt the pattern for different pillow dimensions so you can tailor the project to your space.
– Color versatility: Bernat Blanket comes in a wide range of shades. This pattern lends itself to color blocking, gradient looks, or a simple monochrome chic.
– Washable and durable: This yarn and stitch choice creates a pillow cover that’s easy to care for, great for everyday use.
What you’ll need
– Bernat Blanket yarn (super bulky). Plan on 3 to 5 skeins total, depending on the pillow size and color choices. If you’re using a two-color design, you’ll typically need 1–2 skeins of each color for a standard 18×18 inch pillow, plus a little extra for the finishing touches.
– Crochet hook in a very large size. A 9.0 mm (US M/N) hook is a good starting point for most Bernat Blanket projects. If your gauge runs looser or tighter, you can go up or down a size.
– A tapestry needle for weaving in ends
– Scissors
– A pillow form (insert) or a way to stuff your pillow if you’re making a removable cover
– Tape measure or ruler to check gauge and final size
– Optional: stitch markers to keep track of rows, especially if you’re new to bulky yarn
Choosing colors and creating a palette
One of the joys of a big, squishy pillow is the opportunity to play with color. Here are a few color strategy ideas to help you plan:
– Monochrome luxury: Pick one color in three shades (light, mid, and dark) and create a subtle gradient effect by alternating between the shades as you crochet.
– Calm neutrals: Ivory, taupe, and charcoal offer a modern, minimalist look that plays well with most decor.
– Bold contrast: A bright accent color against a neutral base—think mustard, teal, or blush with a cream or gray background.
– Two-tone block: Use two colors in large blocks of horizontal or vertical stripes for a crisp, contemporary feel.
– Gradient blends: If you have multiple skeins in a single color family, you can create a soft transition from one shade to another.
Gauge and sizing notes
Bulky yarn like Bernat Blanket has a very different gauge than lighter weight yarns. The goal is to end up with a pillow cover that fits your pillow insert snugly, with enough fabric to cover seams cleanly. Since every batch of yarn can relax differently, I strongly recommend making a small gauge swatch before you start the main panel.
– Swatch idea: Chain 10–12 stitches and work 8–10 rows in double crochet or half double crochet (whatever stitch you prefer for the pattern). Measure the square, then calculate how many stitches you need to reach about 4 inches. Use that as a basis to determine your front panel width for your desired pillow size.
– Pillow sizes: The pattern below is designed to give you a gorgeous 18×18 inch pillow with a simple, flat front panel. You can adjust for different dimensions by changing the front panel width, and by adjusting the back-panel sizes accordingly. As a general guide, a 12×12 inch pillow will need a front panel of about 12.5–13 inches wide, a 14×14 inch pillow about 14.5–15 inches, and an 18×18 inch pillow about 18.5–19 inches.
– Seam allowances: Plan to seam at least 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch on each side. With bulky yarn, the seam edges are comfortable and forgiving, but you want to leave enough space for the pillow to fit and for the seams to be neat.
Pattern overview and structure
The Pillow consists of three crochet pieces:
– Front panel: a single rectangle that forms the main decorative face of the pillow
– Back panel A: one rectangle that will be overlapped by Back Panel B for the back closure
– Back panel B: a second rectangle that provides the closing overlap
The three pieces are joined along three sides (left, bottom, and right) with a simple slip stitch or single crochet seam. The top edge remains open for inserting the pillow form; a decorative finishing edge or tie can be added for closure if you’d like.
Important note about finishing: For a neat look, weave in ends as you go. When you seam, pull the stitches snug but not tight, to avoid puckering. If you want a more decorative finished edge, you can add a single crochet border around the front and back pieces.
The step-by-step pattern
This pattern is written for a standard 18×18 inch pillow using one color for the front and a second color for the back panels (optional). You can also do all in one color; it’s a gorgeous minimalist look.
Abbreviations used
– ch: chain
– sl st: slip stitch
– sc: single crochet
– dc: double crochet
– hdc: half double crochet
– rep: repeat
– st(s): stitch(es)
Front panel (approx 18×18 inches)
1) Foundation: Ch 60–66 to reach roughly 18 inches wide in your chosen gauge. The exact number will depend on your tension and the exact yarn color choice. The goal is a width near 18 inches.
2) Row 1: In the third chain from the hook, work 1 hdc. Continue across with 1 hdc in each chain. Turn.
3) Row 2–28 (or until your piece reaches about 18 inches in length): Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Change color if desired by finishing off the current color and continuing with the new color in the first hdc of the next row.
4) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Back panel A (approx 18×9 inches)
1) Foundation: Ch 60–66 to match front width (as the front panel).
2) Row 1: 1 hdc in the third chain from the hook; continue across in hdc to the end.
3) Rows 2–14 (or until the length measures about 9 inches): Continue with 1 hdc in each stitch across. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Back panel B (the other half for closure; approx 18×9 inches)
1) Foundation: Ch 60–66 to match front width.
2) Row 1: 1 hdc in the third chain from the hook; continue across in hdc.
3) Rows 2–14 (or until length reaches about 9 inches): Continue with 1 hdc in each stitch across. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembling the pillow
1) Place the Front panel right side up. Lay Back panel A on the front so that its right side is toward you; then place Back panel B on top of Back panel A, but with its right side facing the front (so you have two back pieces facing the front). Align the raw edges along the left, bottom, and right sides. The top edges should align but won’t necessarily be closed yet.
2) Seam the three sides (left, bottom, and right) using a mattress stitch or a simple slip stitch seam. If you prefer a more robust seam, you can sc between the two layers along these sides, pulling snugly but not overly tight.
3) Turn the work right side out through the open top edge. The front panel is now the visible face, and the back panels tuck behind it, creating the back closure by overlapping the two panels at the top.
4) Stuff the pillow form or filling inside through the top opening. Once it’s inside, you can close the top by turning under the raw edges and securing them with a final row of slip stitches or single crochet along the top edge of the front panel, connecting to the edges of Back panel A and Back panel B as you go.
5) Weave in any remaining ends. If you want a cleaner look, you can add a decorative edge around the top opening as well, such as a row of single crochet or a simple crab stitch.
Optional finishing ideas
– Decorative edge: Add a row of single crochet around the entire front panel before assembly for a crisp, finished look.
– Color-blocked version: Use a bold color for Front panel and the two Back panels in complementary colors to create a stylish two-tone pillow.
– Fringe: If you love texture, you can add a 1 to 2 inch fringe along the bottom edge of the Front panel for a boho vibe.
– Closure options: If you prefer a closed look without a top opening, you can crochet a long cord in a third color and weave it through the top edge of the back panels, then tie it for a secure closure.
Care and maintenance
– Bernat Blanket yarn is designed for cozy, everyday use. Most Bernat Blanket yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water and tumble dry low. To extend the life of your pillow, use a gentle wash cycle and avoid high heat.
– If you notice any pilling after a few washes, you can use a sweater comb or a fabric shaver to keep the surface smooth.
– Always check the yarn label for specific care instructions, since different colorways can have slightly different fiber blends.
Color ideas to try
– Neutral front with a deep navy back for a sophisticated, urban vibe.
– Soft beige front with a blush pink back for a dreamy, feminine touch.
– Grey front with a mustard accent as an anchor for modern spaces.
– Ocean-inspired tones: teal front with a navy back, or vice versa, to mimic a sea-inspired palette.
– Seasonal options: for a cozy fall vibe, choose pumpkin or olive greens; for winter, go for icy blues and slate grays.
Troubleshooting and tips
– If your pillow piece feels stiff or your seams look bulky, you may be pulling the yarn too tight. Loosen your grip a bit or switch to a slightly larger hook to relax the fabric.
– If the panels don’t align perfectly, you can adjust by adding or subtracting 2–4 stitches in the foundation chain for the front panel to correct width. Always create a swatch first to determine your exact gauge.
– If you’re using multiple colors, carry color changes gently along the edge to minimize stray yarn across the back of the work.
– If the pillow is too small, you can add one more row to the front panel and each back panel to increase length. If it’s too large, you’ll need to redo the front panel with a slightly smaller foundation chain.
A few more customization ideas
– Inset pocket: Crochet a small pocket on the front panel to hold a hidden remote or small trinkets. This adds both function and charm.
– Textured stitches: Try alternating rows of front post double crochet and regular hdc to create a subtle ribbed texture that still reads as soft and fluffy on the Bernat Blanket base.
– Striped look: Use two or three colors across the front panel in stripes, changing colors every 4–6 rows for a bold, contemporary look.
– Monogram: If you’re feeling ambitious, use tapestry crochet techniques to add a monogram or simple shapes to the front panel using a contrasting color and a small amount of bed-size consistency.
Maintenance of a cheerful, cozy home
Crocheting a pillow cover with super bulky yarn is more than just making a home accessory. It’s a way to express personality, craft skill, and care for your living space. A well-made pillow cover elevates a couch or chair from ordinary to welcoming. It invites you to sit down with a good book, a warm drink, and a moment of rest. The tactile feel of Bernat Blanket yarn—the way it compresses into a soft, plush surface—adds warmth to colder evenings and comfort during busy days. This project is also a terrific gift idea for housewarmings, weddings, or birthdays, especially for someone who appreciates handmade items with a modern, cozy aesthetic.
Frequently asked questions
– Do I need a special hook for Bernat Blanket? The pattern provided uses a 9.0 mm hook, which is a common size for this yarn. If your gauge is tighter or looser, feel free to adjust the hook size by one step up or down.
– Can I make a larger pillow? Absolutely. For larger sizes, extend the front panel to be wider and lengthen the back panels accordingly. Follow the same three-piece construction, adjusting the seam lengths as needed.
– Is this pattern suitable for beginners? Yes. It uses basic crochet stitches (hdc) and simple assembly. The most important elements for beginners are keeping consistent tension and weaving in ends neatly.
– Can I use a different yarn? Any super bulky yarn in a similar weight will work. Just be mindful of your gauge. If you switch yarn, make a small swatch to ensure your dimensions are on target.
– How do I remove the cover for washing? When you finish the pillow, you can remove the cover by opening the top seam and slipping the pillow out, then machine wash per yarn care instructions and reshape to dry flat or air dry.
Why this approach works well for Google-friendly content
– Clear structure and sections: This post uses headings and bullet-point sections that help readers scan for key details quickly, which is favored by search engines for readability.
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– Evergreen content: The core technique—three-piece pillow cover with a front panel and back panels—remains valid across seasons, making this a lasting resource that can be updated with new color ideas or stitch variations over time.
If you’d like, I can tailor this pattern to a specific pillow size (like 12×12 or 14×14), or craft a two-color gradient version with exact stitch counts and a printable pattern you can save as a PDF. I can also add more photos or diagrams if you’re preparing this as a blog post and want to enhance reader comprehension. Either way, this Free Crochet Pillow Pattern Using Super Bulky Bernat Blanket Yarn is a wonderful way to bring warmth and texture to any space—quickly, beautifully, and with a personal handmade touch.
