Pattern: Tapestry Crochet Whale Pillow

I’ve been really into tapestry and fair isle crochet lately. So when Evie asked for a pillow with a whale on it, I happily agreed. You can make so many different designs and pictures using these crochet techniques. Check out my Mistletoe Kisses Beanie pattern HERE and my Festive winter pillow pattern HERE!

Be sure to follow and tag me on Instagram if you make the whale pillow! I love to see your finished work! 🙂

Don’t forget to Pin the pattern for easy access as well!

Materials:

• Worsted Weight Yarn in at least 2 different colors. Less than 1 skein each. I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice.
• 5.00mm Crochet Hook
• Fabric for back of pillow OR more yarn to crochet a back panel
• Yarn Needle
• Rotary Cutter (optional)

Notes:

• This pattern is worked in single crochet throughout. You’ll follow the graph and its color changes starting in the bottom right corner. You will be working in rows. Each square counts as 1 stitch. Be sure to keep your yarn and floats to the “wrong side” of the panel.
• If you aren’t familiar with tapestry crochet/color changing, I recommend taking a look here: Tutorial

Pattern:

To begin the first row, I recommend using foundation single crochet. This will help keep your front panel even throughout. You will be chaining 1 and turning at the end of each row. The Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.

Row 1: With main color- 56 Fsc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Following row 2 of chart, work left to right.

Rows 3-40: Continue following the chart and all of its color changes. Odd rows will be worked from right to left and even rows from left to right.

Tie off.

I used a piece of fabric for the back of my pillow. You can also crochet a back panel the same size as your front panel if you have no fabric on hand. Just do another row of 56 Fdc and work 40 total row of Sc. Without tying off, place your front and back panel together, Sc through both panels all the way around. When you reach the last 10 or so stitches, stuff your pillow. Sc remaining stitches together. Weave in your end.

If you are making a fabric back panel, measure the length and width of your front panel. Cut your fabric according to the measurements. If you have a rotary cutter with the nifty little blade that creates even holes, nows the time to use it! Unfortunately mine was nowhere to be found at the time. You can use a small crochet hook to poke holes evenly around the fabric like I did. I used a 2.00mm hook with a nice pointy tip. Try to make the same amount of holes that you have stitches on the front panel. It takes a bit more time but worked out okay!

After you have your holes made, join your yarn to any corner of the fabric. Sc all the way around. Grab your front panel, place the two pieces together, correct sides facing out. Working through both panels, Sc evenly around. When you reach the last 10 or so stitches, stuff your pillow. Sc remaining stitches together. Weave in your end.

Yep, I was too lazy to iron the fabric. 😉

Easy peasy! I have so many different tapestry crochet ideas floating around in my head! This pillow will be going in my oldest daughters room. You can basically put a picture of any animal/theme your kids room has for some fun DIY decor!