Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow | Yarnspirations – GoodKnit Kisses
There is something deeply satisfying about finishing a knitting project that you can actually live with every single day. A cozy throw draped over the couch, a hand-knit dishcloth by the sink, a pair of socks that feel like wearing your own effort — these are the kinds of projects that remind you why you picked up the needles in the first place. The Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow, brought to life through the Yarnspirations and GoodKnit Kisses partnership, is exactly that kind of project. It is approachable enough for a confident beginner, satisfying enough for an experienced knitter, and beautiful enough to become a permanent piece of your home décor.
In this post, we are going to walk through everything you need to know about this pattern — the yarn, the techniques, the tips and tricks that will save you time and frustration, and the reasons why this pillow deserves a place on your needles next. Whether you found this project through the GoodKnit Kisses YouTube channel, stumbled across it on Yarnspirations, or are simply looking for your next home décor knitting adventure, you are in the right place.
What Is the Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow?
The Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow is a free knitting pattern available on Yarnspirations.com, designed in collaboration with Kristen McDonnell of GoodKnit Kisses. If you are not familiar with GoodKnit Kisses, Kristen is one of the most beloved knitting and crochet educators on YouTube, known for her warm teaching style, her clear step-by-step video tutorials, and her genuine passion for helping crafters of all skill levels feel confident with their projects.
This particular pillow pattern features a cloud-shaped silhouette — that soft, rounded, dreamy outline that immediately gives a pillow a whimsical and modern feel. It is the kind of accent piece that works beautifully in a nursery, a reading nook, a child’s bedroom, or honestly anywhere in the home where you want to add a touch of handmade charm. The finished pillow has that plush, cozy aesthetic that pairs well with neutral-toned rooms, boho-inspired spaces, and maximalist cottagecore interiors alike.
Because the pattern is available for free through Yarnspirations, it is also an excellent choice if you are building a project queue on a budget. Free does not mean basic here — the design is thoughtful, the finished result is genuinely impressive, and the video support from GoodKnit Kisses means you are never left guessing about a tricky step.
The Yarn: Bernat Blanket Yarn
One of the first things that makes this pattern stand out is the yarn choice. The Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow uses Bernat Blanket yarn, which is one of the most popular craft yarns on the market — and for very good reason.
Bernat Blanket yarn is a super bulky (weight 6) yarn made from 100% polyester. The fiber is spun and constructed in a way that creates an incredibly soft, plush texture — the kind that makes you want to squeeze whatever you have just knitted. It is machine washable and machine dryable, which is especially important for a home décor piece that will see regular use. You do not want to hand-wash and carefully block a pillow every few weeks, and with Bernat Blanket, you absolutely do not have to.
Because it is super bulky, working with Bernat Blanket yarn moves quickly. Those large, satisfying loops that build up fast on the needle are one of the reasons so many knitters fall in love with bulky yarn projects. For someone who is used to sock weight or fingering weight projects — where you can spend weeks getting through just a few inches — picking up a super bulky project feels like a revelation. You can see progress in real time, and the pillow comes together in just a few sessions of comfortable knitting.
Bernat Blanket yarn comes in an enormous range of colors, which means you have tremendous creative flexibility with this pattern. The classic white or off-white colorway is obviously a perfect fit for a cloud-shaped pillow, but imagine it in a pale sky blue, a soft lavender, a warm cream, or even a gentle heather grey. If you want to make a bold statement, you could lean into a deeper tone — a stormy charcoal, a dusty rose, or a sage green that makes the cloud shape feel more artistic than literal. The color you choose will significantly influence the mood and feel of the finished piece, so it is worth spending a few minutes browsing the Bernat Blanket color range before you cast on.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before you sit down with the pattern, it helps to gather everything in advance. There is nothing more frustrating than getting two rows in and realizing you are missing something essential. Here is what you will want on hand.
For yarn, you will need Bernat Blanket in your chosen color or colors. The specific yardage will depend on your finished pillow size, so check the pattern on Yarnspirations for the most accurate quantity. As a general note, it is always wise to grab an extra skein when working with bulky yarn and shaped pieces — better to have a little left over than to run short near the end.
For needles, the pattern calls for large knitting needles appropriate for super bulky yarn. Typically this will be in the US 13 to US 15 range, or the metric equivalent of 9mm to 10mm. You can work with straight needles or circular needles depending on your preference — circular needles are often easier to manage with bulky yarn because they distribute the weight of the work across the cable rather than concentrating it at the tips.
You will also need a tapestry needle or yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a pillow form or stuffing for the finished pillow. A pillow form gives a crisp, structured result, while polyester fiberfill allows you to stuff the cloud shape as fully or as lightly as you prefer, which can be especially useful when working with an asymmetrical shape like a cloud.
Stitch markers can be helpful for keeping track of decreases and increases as you shape the cloud, and measuring tape or a ruler will let you check your gauge and finished dimensions.
Understanding the Cloud Shape: Shaping in Knitting
One of the most interesting aspects of this pattern is that it is not a simple square or rectangle. Creating a cloud shape in knitting requires thoughtful shaping — using increases and decreases to create those soft, rounded bumps across the top edge that give the pillow its identity.
If you are newer to shaping in knitting, this project is a wonderful introduction. Increases — stitches that add width to your work — create the rounded humps of the cloud. Decreases remove stitches to bring the fabric back in and define the valleys between the bumps. When you combine these two techniques, you can build a silhouette that is much more interesting than a standard rectangle, and the cloud shape is particularly forgiving because it does not need to be geometrically precise to look great. Natural variation in tension and shaping can actually make your cloud look more organic and realistic.
GoodKnit Kisses’ video tutorial is especially valuable here. Watching Kristen demonstrate the shaping row by row makes it much easier to understand what the pattern is asking you to do. Written knitting patterns can sometimes feel abstract when they describe shaping — seeing it happen on screen in real time is a completely different experience. If you ever feel uncertain about where you are in the shaping sequence, the video is your best reference.
Working the Pattern: What to Expect
Once you cast on and begin working, the pattern has a lovely rhythm to it. The main body of the pillow typically uses a straightforward stitch pattern — often a simple stockinette or garter stitch that lets the yarn and the shape do the talking, rather than competing with complex stitch patterns. Because Bernat Blanket yarn has that textured, plush quality, even the simplest stitch will look lush and beautiful when it is worked up.
The cloud shaping tends to happen at specific points in the pattern — most commonly across the top edge to create the rounded profile. You will likely work a relatively standard flat piece for the back of the pillow and a shaped piece for the front, or you may work both front and back the same and then seam them together.
Seaming a shaped piece like a cloud requires a bit more attention than seaming a rectangle, but it is very manageable. Taking your time with the seaming, matching up the cloud curves evenly, and using a mattress stitch or whip stitch appropriate to your yarn weight will give you a clean, professional-looking edge. The super bulky nature of Bernat Blanket actually makes seaming easier in some ways — the stitches are large and easy to see, and the yarn needle moves through the fabric with satisfying ease.
Before you fully close the seam, you will insert your pillow form or stuff with fiberfill. If you are using fiberfill, be generous — bulky knit fabric has a lot of natural drape and the stuffing will compress over time, so a firmly stuffed pillow will hold its shape and look better in the long run than one that is understuffed.
Tips for a Beautiful Finished Pillow
A few practical tips will make a meaningful difference in how your finished pillow looks and feels.
Swatch first, especially if you are new to this yarn weight or needle size. Gauge matters even for home décor projects, and checking your gauge ensures that your finished pillow matches the intended dimensions. A pillow that is significantly smaller than expected may not fit a standard pillow form, and one that is much larger may look proportionally off.
Weave in your ends carefully. Super bulky yarn has a way of making loose ends very visible if you are not thorough. Weave in each tail for a good four to five inches in different directions to ensure they stay secure even with regular use and washing.
Block your pieces before seaming if you want the crispest possible result. Even a simple wet block — dampening the knit pieces, laying them flat to the desired shape, and allowing them to dry completely — can dramatically improve the look of your finished work. This is especially helpful for the shaped cloud edges, which may want to curl or lie unevenly before blocking.
If you plan to give this pillow as a gift, consider making a matching set. Two cloud pillows, or a cloud paired with a coordinating rectangular pillow in the same yarn, makes for a really beautiful and cohesive gift. Bernat Blanket’s color range means it is easy to find a complementary palette.
Why GoodKnit Kisses Makes This Pattern Accessible
Kristen McDonnell of GoodKnit Kisses has built her reputation on making knitting and crochet genuinely approachable for everyone. Her tutorials are detailed without being overwhelming, and she has a gift for anticipating the questions that newer crafters will have before they even think to ask them. The video accompaniment for the Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow is no exception.
If you have never watched a GoodKnit Kisses tutorial before, this project is a wonderful entry point. You will not only learn how to make this specific pillow — you will likely pick up broader technique knowledge that will serve you on future projects. The way Kristen explains shaping, for example, may demystify that concept for knitters who have been avoiding shaped projects for years out of uncertainty. That kind of confidence-building is one of the most valuable things a knitting teacher can offer.
The collaboration between GoodKnit Kisses and Yarnspirations is a natural pairing. Yarnspirations offers a vast library of free patterns supported by Caron, Bernat, Patons, and other beloved yarn brands, and GoodKnit Kisses brings the video support that turns a written pattern into a truly guided experience. Together, they lower the barrier to trying new techniques and new project types.
Making It Your Own: Customization Ideas
The Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow is a beautiful pattern as written, but there is plenty of room to put your own stamp on it.
Color is the most obvious way to personalize. A pastel rainbow stripe across the cloud body gives it a playful, Pride-inspired look. A gradient from pale blue at the base to white at the top evokes a realistic sky. A deep midnight navy with silver-toned yarn creates a moonlit, nighttime cloud that would look stunning in a moody, sophisticated room.
You could also experiment with adding embroidery after the knitting is complete. A simple hand-stitched moon, stars, or rain drops in a contrasting yarn color adds a layer of detail that makes the pillow feel even more special and one-of-a-kind.
For a sensory-friendly version — especially useful for children who love textural play — consider adding a contrasting texture by alternating rows of garter stitch and reverse stockinette. This creates a subtle ridge pattern that looks interesting and feels wonderful to touch.
If you want to make a larger statement piece, you could scale up the pattern by using a heavier needle and doubling the yarn, or by knitting a second, smaller cloud pillow to layer with the first. A grouping of cloud pillows in different sizes and shades arranged together on a window seat or daybed looks genuinely gallery-worthy.
Who Is This Project For?
The Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow is well suited for a wide range of knitters. A beginner who is comfortable with casting on, basic knit and purl stitches, and simple increases and decreases will find this an achievable challenge that expands their skill set in a satisfying direction. An intermediate knitter will appreciate the quick pace, the tactile pleasure of the chunky yarn, and the charming finished result. An experienced knitter looking for a relatively low-stakes, enjoyable project — perhaps to work on while watching television or listening to a podcast — will love the meditative rhythm of the large stitches.
It is also an ideal project for gift-knitting. Cloud pillows feel whimsical and personal without being so precious that the recipient worries about keeping them pristine. They are practical, they are beautiful, and they carry that unmistakable warmth that comes from something made by hand. A new baby shower, a child’s birthday, a housewarming gift, a holiday present for a friend who loves cozy home décor — this pillow fits all of those occasions beautifully.
Where to Find the Pattern and Video
You can find the free Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow pattern on Yarnspirations.com by searching the pattern name directly or browsing the GoodKnit Kisses collaboration section. The pattern is available to download at no cost, which makes it easy to print and keep beside you as you work.
The companion video tutorial by Kristen McDonnell is available on the GoodKnit Kisses YouTube channel. Watching the video alongside the written pattern is the ideal approach — read through the pattern once to get the overall picture, then follow along with the video as you knit. If you get stuck on a particular step, you can replay that section of the video as many times as you need.
The GoodKnit Kisses website also has additional resources, community features, and links to other patterns and tutorials that complement this one beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Head in the Clouds Knit Pillow is one of those patterns that earns a permanent place in the crafting memory. It is the kind of project you finish and immediately want to show people — not because it is technically demanding, but because the result is so genuinely lovely. The cloud shape is playful and modern. The Bernat Blanket yarn is irresistibly soft. The free pattern and video support from Yarnspirations and GoodKnit Kisses make the whole process as smooth and enjoyable as the yarn itself.
Whether you are knitting it for your own home or making it as a heartfelt gift, this pillow is an invitation to slow down, enjoy the process, and create something that will bring a little warmth and whimsy into the world. Cast on, take your time, and let yourself float head in the clouds for a little while. You have earned it.
