Basic Pillow Covers
This pattern will show you how to make simple pillow covers by knitting in the round on circular needles. Using only the knit stitch creates a smooth, stockinette stitch pattern. The top and bottom edges of stockinette that has been knit in the round will naturally curl. When you sew the edges of the pillow together, the curl adds a decorative touch to these basic pillowcase.
You can sew the edges with a simple “running stitch” and a strand of yarn in the same color. Or try using a contrasting yarn color or a fancy ribbon to make your pillows more unique. Once you are finished, you can leave the pillows plain for a minimalist look. Or decorate your pillow cover with embroidery, faux flowers, or applique patches.
About This Free Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern
This simple pillow cover is an easy-level knitting pattern. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, make a knit stitch, work in the round on circular needles, and bind off in the round. If you are not familiar with these skills, find quick, free lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide.
Knit Along with Me
In this video, I will show you how to make this knit pillow from start to finish. You can follow along using the knitting pattern below.
Basic Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern
Materials
You will need the following materials, which you can purchase at your local yarn shop or on Amazon.com via the affiliate links below:
Knitting Needles:
Extra-Short Circular Needles (for size mini)
12-inch (30 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Short Circular Needles (for size small)
16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Or Long Circular Needles (for sizes medium and large)
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Yarn:
One or two 315-yard (6 ounce) skeins of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.
- Mini size uses about 52.5 yards (1 oz)
- Small size uses about 204.75 yards (3.9 oz.)
- Medium size uses about 315 yards (6 oz.)
- Large size uses about 388.5 yards (7.4 oz.)
*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn in “Pagoda,” “Robins Egg,” “Charcoal Heather,” and “Orchid.” Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).
Pillow Insert:
One square pillow-insert in the correct size.
- Mini size requires a 5-inch x 5-inch (12.7 cm) pillow
- Small size requires a 12-inch x 12-inch (30.48 cm) pillow
- Medium size requires a 16-inch x 16-inch (40.64 cm) pillow
- Large size requires an 18-inch x 18-inch (45.72 cm) pillow
Tools:
A stitch marker, a measuring tape and a darning needle.
Gauge
18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 8 (5.0 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)
Abbreviations
k = knit
Instructions: Mini Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 5-inch x 5-inch pillows; measures 6 inches x 10 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with extra-short (12-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 40 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 40. (40 stitches)
Rows 3 – 46: k 40. (40 stitches) {Work should measure 10 inches at this point.}
Row 47: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert a 5-inch by 5-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about two feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Instructions: Small Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 12-inch x 12-inch pillows; measures 13 inches x 17 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with short (16-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 86 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 86. (86 stitches)
Rows 3 – 79: k 86. (86 stitches) {Work should measure 17 inches at this point.}
Row 80: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert a 12-inch by 12-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Instructions: Medium Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 16-inch x 16-inch pillows; measures 17 inches x 21 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with long (36-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 112 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 112. (112 stitches)
Rows 3 – 97: k 112. (112 stitches) {Work should measure 21 inches at this point.}
Row 98: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert a 16-inch by 16-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Instructions: Large Size Pillow Cover
(Fits 18-inch x 18-inch pillows; measures 19 inches x 23 inches when laid flat off the pillow)
Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit in the round. For this size, work with long (36-inch) circular needles. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
Row 1: Cast on 126 stitches.
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 126. (126 stitches)
Rows 3 – 106: k 126. (126 stitches) {Work should measure 23 inches at this point.}
Row 107: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Insert an 18-inch by 18-inch pillow into the cover. Thread a strand of yarn about four feet long in the same or a contrasting color onto a darning needle. Count about seven rows up from the bottom of the pillow; use this as a starting point to begin sewing the first end of the pillow closed. Use the holes created by the knitting to line up both sides and a “running stitch” to sew the bottom edge together. Tie off the loose ends. Count about seven rows down from the top of the pillow and sew the top edge closed in the same manner.
Print the Free Basic Pillow Cover Pattern
Printable Basic Pillow Cover Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels
Find More Knitting Patterns
If you like this, check out the other knitting patterns I’ve written. They’re all gathered on one page, which you can find here.
©2022, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
This Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat pattern set is an easy to intermediate level knitting pattern and is best for knitters who have an understanding of knits, purls, and binding off.
