Last week I talked about learning a new skill or improving upon an existing skill.  I didn’t specifically have that as a goal last year, but I realized that’s what I did with crochet in 2018.  My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was little. I don’t remember exactly how old I was… probably about 7-10 years old.  Over the years (35-ish) I’ve crocheted off and on; and picked it up again in the past few years. Last year I tried several stitches and techniques I hadn’t tried before.  One of those was tapestry crochet. It was easier than I thought! I ended up making a couple of throw pillows for Christmas gifts using this technique, and I’m so happy with how they turned out.

I purchased the patterns from TLBPatterns on Etsy.  She includes great tutorial pictures, and the pattern is easy to follow.  She has lots of other super cute patterns too! (This isn’t an advertisement, I’m just a big fan of her patterns!)  

I decided that I wanted to try combining a tapestry crochet panel with flannel to create the pillows.  I didn’t think to take pictures during the process. If I make another pillow like this, I’ll try to remember to do that!  

On both of the pillows, I used the french seam method to sew panels together.  Because of the bulk in the seams that the crochet panel adds, I prefer the finished look of the outer seam on the Gather pillow.  [Note: I am by no means an expert sewer, seamstress, whatever the correct word is in this situation – so, I don’t know if ‘outer seam’ is the correct term, but you can get the idea looking at the pictures included in this post.)

[Tip: when sewing fabric and crochet items together with a sewing machine, I found it’s easier to sew with the fabric on the bottom.  The item will move more easily under the presser foot this way.]

Here are a few more specific details for each pillow.

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For the ‘Stay Awhile’ pillow I used a size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, and Caron Simply Soft yarn in the following colorways:

• Background: Caron Simply Soft Tweeds in Taupe
• Letters: Caron Simply Soft in Pistachio

For this pillow, I made an envelope style back panel, so the cover can be removed from the pillow.  I found this cute flannel at my local Joann store. I found the fabric first, then picked the yarn to match. The recipients of this pillow like to travel and have an RV so I thought this was perfect for them!

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For the “Gather” pillow I used a size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, and Caron Simply Soft yarn in the following colorways:

• Background: Caron Simply Soft Tweeds in Off White
• Letters: Caron Simply Soft Heathers in Charcoal Heather

For this pillow, the back is a solid piece of flannel and the pillow is stuffed with polyfill.  Again, I found the cute flannel at my local Joann store. I love flannel for throw pillows, especially during the fall and winter months!

I hope this inspires you to try making some throw pillows, or try tapestry crochet, or both!!