Aurora Borealis Wattle Stitch Throw Pillow Free Pattern
Bring the Magic of the Northern Lights Home: Aurora Borealis Wattle Stitch Throw Pillow
Imagine the ethereal dance of the aurora borealis captured in a cozy, tactile piece for your living space. The Aurora Borealis Wattle Stitch Throw Pillow does exactly that, translating the mesmerizing flow of jewel-toned lights into a richly textured crochet pattern. This project is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills, offering a beautiful way to add a pop of color and plush comfort to any room. The wattle stitch creates a dense, bobble-like fabric that is as delightful to touch as it is to look at, making this pillow a true statement piece for your home decor.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step, from gathering your materials to seaming the final product. By the end, you'll have a stunning 16x16 inch pillow cover that mimics the flowing curtains of a starry winter night, all crafted with your own two hands.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 4 colors:
- Color A: Deep Teal (approx. 75g)
- Color B: Midnight Purple (approx. 75g)
- Color C: Emerald Green (approx. 75g)
- Color D: Soft Gold (approx. 75g)
- Crochet Hook: 5.5mm (I/9) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors, and a 16x16 inch pillow form (or stuffing).
Gauge & Size
Gauge: 14 wattle stitches x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern.
Finished Size: 16x16 inches (40.5 x 40.5 cm) square pillow cover.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat in rows, then seamed. The wattle stitch creates a beautiful, textured fabric that is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. Let's break it down.
Special Stitches
- Wattle Stitch (WS): (sc, ch 1, dc) all in the same stitch or space. This cluster creates the signature bobble texture.
- Skip: Skip the next stitch (do not work into it).
Main Pillow Body
Foundation Row (Row 1 - Right Side): With Color A (Deep Teal), chain 31.
- Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook.
- *Skip the next chain, then work one Wattle Stitch (WS) into the next chain.*
- Repeat from * across until you have 1 chain remaining.
- Skip the last chain, and work 1 sc into the final chain. Turn your work.
You should have 15 Wattle Stitches in this row.
Row 2: Chain 1 (this counts as your turning chain), work 1 sc into the first sc of the previous row.
- *Skip the next double crochet (dc) from the WS below, then work 1 WS into the next chain-1 space (the space between the sc and dc of the previous row's WS).*
- Repeat from * across until you reach the last sc of the row.
- Skip the last sc, and work 1 sc into the final sc (which is the top of the turning chain from the previous row). Turn your work.
Rows 3-10: Repeat Row 2, but follow this color sequence:
- Rows 3-4: Color A (Deep Teal)
- Rows 5-6: Color B (Midnight Purple)
- Rows 7-8: Color C (Emerald Green)
- Rows 9-10: Color D (Soft Gold)
When changing colors, simply fasten off the old color and join the new color at the beginning of the row, or carry the yarn up the side if you prefer (though fastening off gives a cleaner edge for this project).
Rows 11-24: Repeat the color block sequence (2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows C, 2 rows D) two more times. This means you will complete a total of 24 rows of the wattle stitch pattern.
Rows 25-30: Continue in the wattle stitch pattern using Color A (Deep Teal) for 6 more rows. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Your main pillow front is now complete. It should measure approximately 16x16 inches.
Envelope Flap (Back of Pillow)
This flap creates the overlapping closure on the back of the pillow, making it easy to insert and remove the pillow form.
Step 1: With the Right Side (RS) of your work facing you, attach Color A (Deep Teal) to the bottom edge of the pillow front (the edge opposite your starting chain).
Step 2: Work 2 rows of single crochet (sc) across the entire bottom edge. This creates a clean, sturdy base for the flap. Turn at the end of each row.
Step 3: Now, continue working in the wattle stitch pattern (Row 2 of the pattern) for 10 more rows. This will create a substantial flap that folds over the front of the pillow.
Step 4: Fasten off and weave in all loose ends.
Finishing & Assembly
Step 1: Lay your pillow front flat with the Right Side facing up. Fold the envelope flap over the top of the pillow front, aligning the edges.
Step 2: Using your yarn needle and Color A yarn, sew the side seams together. Start at the bottom corner and sew up the side, through both layers (the front and the flap). Repeat on the other side. Leave the top edge open for now.
Step 3: Insert your 16x16 inch pillow form through the top opening. Gently push it into the corners to ensure it's fully fluffed and fits snugly.
Step 4: Sew the top seam closed using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Alternatively, for a removable cover, you can sew buttons onto the flap and create buttonholes on the front, or simply sew the top closed for a permanent cover.
Step 5: Weave in any remaining ends and give your pillow a gentle block or fluff to settle the stitches.
Congratulations! Your Aurora Borealis Wattle Stitch Throw Pillow is complete. Place it on your sofa, bed, or favorite reading chair to add a touch of cozy, celestial magic to your home. The rich texture and vibrant colors are sure to be a conversation starter and a cherished handmade treasure.
