The Woven Dune Pillow Cover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Home Accent
Bring the Serene Beauty of the Dunes into Your Home
Imagine the quiet, sculpted curves of windswept sand dunes, captured in a soft, chunky wool pillow. That is the essence of the Woven Dune Pillow Cover. This free knitting pattern creates a richly textured, modern home accent that is both cozy and sophisticated. The unique woven-look stitch is surprisingly simple to achieve, using alternating slipped stitches and yarn overs to create long, horizontal ridges that mimic the organic flow of sand. Knit seamlessly in the round, this project is perfect for adventurous beginners looking to add a touch of sculptural elegance to their living space.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The super bulky weight yarn ensures quick knitting and a plush, substantial feel.
- Yarn: 2 skeins (approx 250 yards total) of super bulky weight yarn. The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Sand' and 'Oatmeal' for a beautiful tonal effect, but any super bulky yarn will work.
- Needles:
- US 15 (10 mm) circular needles, 24-inch cable (for the main body).
- A set of US 15 (10 mm) double-pointed needles (for the top shaping).
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Take time to check your gauge for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pillow cover is knit in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless tube. Follow these instructions carefully, and you will have a beautiful, textured pillow in no time.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- Sl: Slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- Yo: Yarn over
- K2tog: Knit two together
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd(s): Round(s)
Bottom Edge
- Cast On: CO 48 stitches. Distribute stitches evenly on your circular needle.
- Join in the Round: Place a stitch marker on your right needle to mark the beginning of the round. Bring the last cast-on stitch and the first cast-on stitch together. Knit the first stitch from the left needle, pulling the yarn tight to close the gap. Be very careful not to twist the stitches around the needle.
- Ribbing (Rounds 1-6): *K2, P2* repeat around. This creates a firm, stretchy edge. Complete 6 rounds total.
Main Body (Woven Dune Stitch)
This is where the magic happens. The pattern is a 6-round repeat. Repeat these 6 rounds until your piece measures approximately 16 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a Round 12 (the final round of the repeat).
- Round 7 (Setup): *K1, Sl1, K1, Yo, K2tog* repeat around. (48 sts remain).
- Round 8 (Drop Loop): *K1, Sl1, K1, drop the Yo from the previous round, K1* repeat around. Dropping the Yo creates a long, loose strand that will form the woven texture.
- Round 9 (Stabilize): *K1, Sl1, K1, K1, K1* repeat around. This round secures the dropped loops.
- Round 10: *K1, Sl1, K1, Yo, K2tog* repeat around.
- Round 11: *K1, Sl1, K1, drop the Yo from the previous round, K1* repeat around.
- Round 12: *K1, Sl1, K1, K1, K1* repeat around.
Repeat Rounds 7-12 until the piece measures approximately 16 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a Round 12.
Top Edge Shaping (Crown)
When your piece is 16 inches long, it's time to close the top. Switch to double-pointed needles when the circular needle becomes too long.
- Round 1 (Decrease): *K2tog* repeat around. (24 sts remain).
- Round 2 (Decrease): *K2tog* repeat around. (12 sts remain).
- Round 3 (Decrease): *K2tog* repeat around. (6 sts remain).
Cut the yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through all 6 remaining stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end on the inside of the pillow.
Finishing
- Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all remaining yarn tails on the inside of the tube.
- Insert Pillow Form: Insert a 16-inch x 16-inch pillow form into the open tube. The bottom ribbing will naturally close the opening.
- Secure Bottom (Optional): For a more secure closure, you can sew the bottom edge closed with a tapestry needle and matching yarn. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch to invisibly seam the cast-on edge.
Your Woven Dune Pillow Cover is complete! Enjoy the modern, organic texture and the cozy warmth it brings to your home.
