Aurora Waves Throw Pillow Cover Free Pattern

Introducing the Aurora Waves Throw Pillow Cover

Imagine bringing the serene, flowing beauty of the northern lights into your living room. The Aurora Waves Throw Pillow Cover does exactly that, using a clever combination of slipped stitches and a stunning gradient color palette. This isn't just a pillow; it's a tactile experience. The dense, squishy fabric created by the slipped stitch pattern is as delightful to touch as it is to look at, making it a perfect accent piece for a cozy, modern home.

This free knitting pattern is designed to be approachable for confident beginners. You'll practice basic knit and purl stitches, learn the simple technique of slipping stitches with yarn in front, and finish with a professional-looking envelope closure. The result is a plush, 18-inch square pillow that adds a handcrafted, artistic touch to any sofa, bed, or reading nook. Let's get started on creating your own piece of aurora-inspired art.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors (approx. 250 yards each):
  • Color A: Deep Teal (for the top, bottom, and back panels)
  • Color B: Soft Lavender (for the middle sections)
  • Color C: Pale Pink (for the center section)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Pillow Form: 18" (46 cm) square pillow insert

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in pieces and then seamed together. The front panel uses a beautiful slipped stitch pattern, while the back panels are simple stockinette stitch with an overlapping envelope closure. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous pillow cover in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl: Slip stitch purlwise
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• wyif: With yarn in front

The Pattern Stitch

The front panel uses a simple 4-row repeat that creates a woven, textured fabric. The stitch pattern is a multiple of 4 + 2 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *Sl 2 wyif, K2; repeat from * to end of row.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K4, *Sl 2 wyif, K2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1-4 for the pattern. The slipped stitches will create horizontal bars across the surface, giving the pillow its unique texture.

Front Panel

The front panel is knitted in one piece, with color changes to create the aurora gradient.

1. Cast On: With Color A (Deep Teal), CO 82 stitches.
2. First Section: Work in the Pattern Stitch for 2 inches, ending with a WS row (Row 2 or 4).
3. Color Change: Switch to Color B (Soft Lavender). Continue in the Pattern Stitch for 6 inches, ending with a WS row.
4. Center Section: Switch to Color C (Pale Pink). Continue in the Pattern Stitch for 6 inches, ending with a WS row.
5. Second Lavender Section: Switch back to Color B (Soft Lavender). Continue in the Pattern Stitch for 6 inches, ending with a WS row.
6. Final Section: Switch back to Color A (Deep Teal). Continue in the Pattern Stitch for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
7. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely in pattern. Set this panel aside.

Back Panels (Make 2)

These panels form the envelope closure on the back of the pillow. They are worked in simple stockinette stitch.

1. Cast On: With Color A (Deep Teal), CO 82 stitches.
2. Work Stockinette: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS) for 9 inches.
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely.
4. Repeat: Repeat these steps to create the second back panel.

Finishing and Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together. This seaming technique creates a clean, professional finish.

1. Lay Out the Front Panel: Place the front panel flat on a table with the Right Side (RS) facing up.
2. Position First Back Panel: Place one back panel on top of the front panel, with its RS facing down (so the wrong sides are together). Align one of its long edges with the left edge of the front panel.
3. Position Second Back Panel: Place the second back panel on top, also with its RS facing down. Align its long edge with the right edge of the front panel. The two back panels will overlap in the middle, creating the envelope opening.
4. Pin the Layers: Carefully pin all three layers together along the two side edges and the bottom edge. The top edge will remain open.
5. Seam the Edges: Thread a tapestry needle with a length of Color A yarn. Using a whip stitch, sew the side and bottom edges together securely. Remove the pins as you go.
6. Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the entire cover right side out through the top opening. Use a blunt tool (like a knitting needle) to gently push out the corners.
7. Insert Pillow Form: Insert the 18" pillow form through the overlapping envelope opening at the back.
8. Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose yarn ends securely with your tapestry needle to ensure a neat finish.

Care Instructions

To keep your Aurora Waves pillow looking its best, hand wash it in cold water with a gentle detergent. Lay it flat to dry, reshaping it as needed. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.

Enjoy your beautiful, handcrafted pillow cover! The unique texture and soothing colors are sure to be a conversation starter and a cozy addition to your home.