Be Kind Pillow Cushion Crochet Pattern

Be Kind Pillow in Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton

What Is Being Made

The Be Kind Pillow is a decorative crochet cushion cover featuring a colorwork message. This finished project measures approximately 12 x 20 inches (30.5 x 51 cm) and is designed to fit a standard pillow form of the same dimensions. The pillow showcases a "be kind" message worked in contrasting colors across the front panel, making it both a functional home décor item and an inspirational accent piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly project employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for crafters new to the craft. The pillow cover is constructed in two separate pieces—a front panel and a back panel—which are later joined together. The primary technique used throughout is single crochet, worked in rows to create a dense, stable fabric ideal for a pillow cover.

The most notable technique featured in this pattern is colorwork, specifically the method of carrying yarn colors not in use under the stitches of the current working color. This technique allows the crocheter to switch between two yarn colors to create the "be kind" message on the pillow front without cutting and rejoining yarn. The pattern provides both written instructions and a chart for working the colorwork section, accommodating different learning preferences. When changing colors, the final yarn over of the previous color is completed with the new color to create a seamless transition.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to create the foundation chain of 81 stitches for the pillow front
• Single crochet (sc) – The primary stitch throughout the entire project, worked in rows to form the pillow cover fabric

Materials and Tools

This project uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn (Article #761), a cotton-based fiber ideal for creating breathable, washable home décor items. The pattern calls for 3 balls of #178 Jade for the main color (A) and 1 ball of #100 White for the colorwork accents (B). A size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook is used throughout the project to achieve the specified gauge of 16 single crochets measuring approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in width and 22 rows measuring approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) in height.

Additional tools required include Lion Brand stitch markers for tracking pattern placement and a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming the front and back panels together. A 12 x 20 inch (30.5 x 51 cm) pillow form is needed as the internal cushion insert.

Pattern Structure and Difficulty

Rated as an Easy skill level, this pattern is well-suited for beginners and those new to colorwork techniques. The front panel begins with a foundation chain of 81 stitches, followed by 18 rows of basic single crochet before the colorwork section begins. This foundational section allows crafters to establish consistent tension and rhythm before introducing the color-changing element. The back panel is worked in a similar straightforward manner without colorwork, making it an excellent introduction to multi-piece construction and finishing techniques.