Driftwood Dune Throw Pillow Free Pattern
Bring the Coast Home: The Driftwood Dune Throw Pillow Pattern
Imagine sinking into your sofa after a long day, surrounded by the serene, organic textures of a coastal retreat. With the Driftwood Dune Throw Pillow, you can bring that calming, beach-inspired aesthetic into your living space without leaving home. This chunky knitted pillow cover features a unique slip-stitch pattern that creates a dense, woven look reminiscent of natural driftwood or seagrass. It’s a modern, timeless piece that adds warmth and tactile interest to any room. Best of all, this is a beginner-friendly project that works up quickly with super bulky yarn, giving you a gorgeous, handmade accent in just a weekend.
This pattern is perfect for those new to knitting or anyone looking for a satisfying, quick make. The slip-stitch technique is simple to master and produces a beautifully textured fabric that feels as good as it looks. Let’s gather our materials and get started on creating this stunning coastal decor piece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. This project requires minimal materials, making it an accessible and affordable craft.
- Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (size 6). You will need approximately 250 yards in a sand or oatmeal color (Main Color) and 100 yards in a contrasting cream color (Contrast Color).
- Knitting Needles: US 13 (9 mm) knitting needles.
- Extras: A tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a 16x16 inch pillow form.
- Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in slip-stitch pattern. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pillow cover is knitted flat in two identical panels and then seamed together. The slip-stitch pattern creates a dense, cushy fabric that is perfect for a throw pillow. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you’ll have a beautiful pillow cover in no time.
Panel 1 (Make 2)
You will knit two identical panels. The pattern is a simple 8-row repeat that creates the woven texture.
Cast On: With your Main Color (sand/oatmeal), cast on 40 stitches.
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
Row 3: Switch to Contrast Color (cream). *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back, knit 1*; repeat from * to * across the row.
Tip: "Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back" means you insert the needle as if to purl, but you simply transfer the stitch to the other needle without knitting it, keeping the yarn behind the work.
Row 4: With Contrast Color, *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, purl 1*; repeat from * to * across the row.
Tip: For this row, the yarn is held in front of the work as you slip the stitch.
Row 5: Switch back to Main Color. Knit all stitches.
Row 6: With Main Color, purl all stitches.
Row 7: With Main Color, *Knit 1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back*; repeat from * to * across the row.
Note: This row is offset from Row 3 to create the woven effect.
Row 8: With Main Color, *Purl 1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front*; repeat from * to * across the row.
Repeat: Repeat Rows 1-8 until the piece measures 18 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Row 8. Bind off all stitches in pattern (knit the knits and slip the slips as they appear).
Finishing and Assembly
Once both panels are complete, it’s time to assemble your pillow cover.
- Seaming: Place the two panels together with their right sides (the sides that will face outward) facing each other.
- Whip Stitch: Thread a tapestry needle with a length of Main Color yarn. Whip stitch around three sides of the square, leaving one side open. Use a sturdy, even stitch to create a secure seam.
- Insert Pillow Form: Turn the cover right side out. Carefully insert your 16x16 inch pillow form into the opening.
- Close the Opening: Whip stitch the remaining side closed, using the same technique as before.
- Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose yarn ends with your tapestry needle to give your pillow a clean, professional finish.
Your Driftwood Dune Throw Pillow is now complete! Place it on your sofa, bed, or favorite reading chair to add a touch of coastal serenity to your home. The chunky texture and neutral tones make it a versatile piece that complements a variety of decor styles. Enjoy your beautiful, handmade creation!
