A Tale of Gracie, Yarn, and a Chevron Pillowcase

A Tale of Gracie, Yarn, and a Chevron Pillowcase

                                                                                     

A dear friend has been encouraging me for a while now to share more of my crochet projects and the stories behind them. So today, I’m beginning with a project that was inspired by an unexpected source—our sweet kitten, Gracie.

Gracie is only six months old and still in her “chew everything” phase. Unfortunately, one of our lumbar pillows became her latest victim. The corner was shredded, and at first glance, it seemed like the easiest solution would be to toss it and grab a replacement from Amazon or a local home décor shop.

But I paused.

Not only would that be wasteful, but I’ve always wanted to try crocheting a pillowcase—and this was the perfect excuse. Crochet is my happy place. It soothes me, grounds me, and gives me the joy of turning yarn into something both beautiful and functional.

✨ Designing the Chevron Pillowcase

I wanted a bold design that would contrast nicely against a recent rainbow granny square blanket I’d finished (which you can see in the photo below!). The chevron pattern was exactly what I had in mind—simple, modern, and graphic. But after hours of searching, I couldn’t find a pattern that matched my vision.

So I did what most crocheters eventually do: I made my own.

Through some trial and error, I created a chevron pattern that fits a 19" x 9.5" lumbar pillow insert perfectly. Best of all? I reused the insert from the damaged pillow.

My only dilemma? Color! I couldn’t decide between a crisp black-and-white combo or a soft navy-and-aran blend. In the end, I chose both—one colorway on each side of the pillow.

                                                            

 

🧶 Project Details

• Yarn: Red Heart® Super Saver® in Black, White, Soft Navy, and Aran
• Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm)
• Pattern: Custom chevron design using double crochet stitches
• Pillow Insert: Reused 19" x 9.5" lumbar form
• Time: Approx. 6–8 hours including trial and blocking

Crochet Pattern: Pillowcase (19" x 9.5") Lumbar Pillow

 Gauge & Finished Size:

• Gauge: Approx. 17 sts and 10 rows = 4" (10 cm) in dc chevron pattern

• Blocked Panel Size: ~19.5" long x 10" high (includes ease and seam allowance)

• Fits standard 19" x 9.5" rectangular pillow insert snugly

 

 Pattern Instructions (Front/Back Panel):

Starting Chain: Ch 85 (multiple of 17 = 68 + 17)

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 5 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 7 ch,

* skip 2 ch, dc in next 7 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 7 ch; repeat from * to end, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc in next 5 sts, 3 dc in next st,

* dc in 7 sts, skip 2 sts, dc in 7 sts, 3 dc in next st; repeat from * to last 7 sts,

dc in 5 sts, dc2tog over last 2 sts, turn.

Row 3+: Repeat Row 2 for 22–24 rows or until panel measures approx. 10" tall after blocking.

Assembly:

1. Weave in all loose yarn ends.

2. Block both panels to measure approx. 19.5" wide x 10" high for ease and seam allowance.

3. With wrong sides (WS) facing up, align both panels. Use stitch markers along the edges to hold in place.

4. Join panels using a slip stitch seam: stitch along the bottom, one side, and the top.

5. Insert pillow into open side.

6. Close the final side with slip stitches to finish the case.