Lana Grossa Pillow Homeware Crochet Pattern

Lana Grossa Pillow Cover in Alta Moda Alpaca

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern from Lana Grossa (Design 09 from Filati Home 70) provides instructions for creating a decorative pillow cover measuring approximately 36 x 58 cm. The finished piece is a functional homeware accessory designed to fit a standard 40 x 65 cm pillow form, making it suitable for sofas, beds, or decorative displays.

Construction Method

The pillow cover is worked flat in a bottom-up construction, with the front and back panels created as a single continuous piece rather than separately. The crocheter chains 87 stitches plus 3 additional chains to establish the foundation, then works back and forth in rows following a detailed crochet chart. After completing the front section (approximately 36 rows), markers are placed at each edge to indicate where the front ends and the back begins. The back is then worked to match the front dimensions. Once the charted pattern is complete, the piece is fastened off and prepared for finishing.

Finishing and Assembly

After crocheting is complete, the piece is pinned to the specified measurements and blocked to ensure even dimensions and a professional appearance. The cover is then folded in half at marked fold lines, creating the pillow shape. Two seams are sewn to close the sides, and the prepared pillow form is inserted through the remaining opening. The final seam is then closed to complete the project.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern

The pillow cover features a relief checkerboard pattern (Relief-Schachbrettmuster) created using two primary crochet stitches:

• Half double crochet (hdc): Used as foundation chains and for row beginnings, with each new row started with a chain 2 that counts as an hdc
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch forming the textured pattern, with the first double crochet of the initial row worked into the 5th chain from the hook

The pattern is worked according to a provided chart, with rows 1 through 9 worked once, then rows 2 through 9 repeated to build the full height. The chart indicates 10 stitches between arrows for each pattern repeat, with additional stitches before and after the repeat for proper alignment. The relief effect creates visual texture and dimension across the pillow surface.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 14.5 stitches and 10 rows measuring 10 x 10 cm when worked with the specified materials and hook size. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions of 36 x 58 cm.

Materials Required

Yarn: 350 grams of Lana Grossa Alta Moda Alpaca in Grey/Beige Mélange (color 15). This luxury fiber blend contains 90% baby alpaca, 5% Merino wool, and 5% polyamide, offering softness and durability. The yarn has a yardage of approximately 140 meters per 50 grams.

Tools and Notions: One size 5 mm crochet hook for working the pattern, plus one 40 x 65 cm pillow form to insert into the finished cover. Stitch markers are also needed to indicate the transition between front and back sections during construction.

Skill Level Considerations

This pattern requires familiarity with basic crochet techniques including chainwork, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches. Reading a crochet chart is essential, as the pattern is presented in graphical form with numbered rows. The bottom-up, flat construction method and seaming process are intermediate-level skills. Proper blocking and finishing techniques contribute significantly to the professional appearance of the completed pillow cover.