Aztec Throw Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

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Aztec Throw Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

Hello again!

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen some progress shots of this throw pillow. I started the project with the firm intention of creating a throw pillow, but halfway through the project, I started to seriously consider switching gears altogether by lining it and making a fold-over clutch (and based on all of your feedback, it seems like literally every single one of you also thought I should do this lol).

I was so conflicted. On the one hand, it would make a super stylish, one-of-a-kind bag (who doesn’t want one or eight of those!?), but on the other hand…I need some new decor. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Also, I felt like the width of the panel was just slightly too wide to be a comfortable clutch size. The panel is 61 stitches wide. I think 45 stitches across would be plenty wide for a clutch. Since I was not prepared to rework the design and start over, I decided to stick to my original plan. But I think I will definitely be designing a similar tapestry, geometric-style clutch in the future!

For the border, I wanted to keep it simple and neutral, so as not to take away from the design of the pillow itself. That baby needs to shine! So I simply finished it off with a reverse single crochet stitch (also known as the crab stitch). It makes a beautiful cord-like edging that really gives the pillow a polished look.

I’ve only made one pillow so far but I couldn’t wait to get this pattern drafted and posted! Hopefully I won’t run out of steam before finishing the set (the dreaded “second sock” syndrome!)

I have included a PDF download of the colour chart below. Following the chart is the easiest way to make this pattern. However, if you are not comfortable with charts or you simply prefer written patterns, I have included row-by-row instructions in the PDF version of the pattern in my Etsy shop HERE. Also, if you want a downloadable or printable version of the entire pattern (i.e. with the “Reading this Pattern” and assembly instructions included; not just the chart), you can get all of that in the PDF in my Etsy shop as well.

Let’s get started! (Or Pin for later!)

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This pattern is made in two separate panels worked in flat rows and then joined together.

The finished measurements of the pillow are approximately 30x30cm/ 12×12″.

Here’s what I used:

**As noted, if you’d prefer a downloadable or printable version of this pattern (or row-by-row written instructions), an inexpensive, formatted, and ad-free PDF can be purchased HERE.**

Stitches and Special Terms:

Ch – Chain

Slst – Slip stitch

Sc – Single crochet

Rsc – Reverse single crochet (also known as the crab stitch) is worked exactly like a single crochet stitch except, instead of working the stitches from right to left, you will be working from left to right. Click HERE for a great tutorial by Planet June.

Reading this Pattern:

The link below will bring you to a PDF download of the colour chart for the pillow.

As you will see on the chart, the row numbers are listed on each side. These will help you keep track of which row you’re on and also which side you’re working on. Odd-numbered rows will always be worked with the right side of the panel facing you, and even-numbered rows will always be worked with the wrong side facing you (i.e. the side with all the ends and/or yarn carries).

Some of the yarn can be carried because there will only be two or three stitches between the colours (for example, on row 5). However, there will also be areas where you will want to divide the big skeins of each colour into smaller balls or bobbins and have several balls of each colour attached at once. For example, join a separate ball for each of the triangles. That way, you can simply drop the working yarn and pick it back up again on your way back in the next row.

When switching to a new colour, insert your hook into the stitch for the last stitch of Colour A and pull up a loop, then, with Colour B, yarn over and complete the stitch by pulling through both loops with Colour B. Drop your working yarn in Colour A and continue with Colour B. You will pick your Colour A working yarn back up again when you need it.

If I am carrying yarn, I always carry it on the wrong side (instead of carrying it inside the stitch as you go). This ensures the front of the panel has clear lines and colours without any of the yarn carries showing through.

Front Panel (make 1 panel) with 3.5mm hook:

AZTEC THROW PILLOW CROCHET CHART PDF DOWNLOAD

Start in Country Blue.

Row 1: Ch 62, sc in each stitch across (61 sts).

Then, move on to Row 2 of the chart and continue working up the chart from bottom to top.

Here are some of my progress pics!

Back Panel (make 1 panel) with 3.5mm hook:

The back panel is completed entirely in Off White.

Row 1: Ch 62, sc in each st across (61 sts)

Rows 2-61: Sc across (61 sts).

Tie off. Move on to assembly below!

Assembly:

Step 1: Joining the Panels

Place the two panels together, matching up all sides (i.e. make sure the starting yarn tails are both in the same corner). The tension of the back panel will likely be tighter than for your front panel. This is normal. I repeat: This. is. normal. Do not freak out that your panels are different sizes! Simply stretch the back panel a little so that it lines up with the front. It will naturally stretch into place as you crochet around anyway.

**Make sure the front of your pillow is facing you as you crochet around the outside.**

Starting on the left side at the top, begin attaching the panels together by chaining one and single crocheting around the outside of the panels in Off White.

(Sc, ch, sc) in each corner.

Continue crocheting all the way around until you have three sides completed and just the top is open. Pull up a loop and leave this for now.

Step 2: Stuffing

Stuff your pillow!

Make sure you push the stuffing all the way into each corner.

You will want your stuffing to be quite firm but not over-stuffed. Too much or too little stuffing will cause it to become lumpy.

Continue to crochet across the top of your pillow. Top up stuffing after every few stitches.

Close with a slst but do not tie off.

Step 3: Adding the Border and Tassels 

Ch 1 and Rsc in each stitch around the pillow to create a beautiful cord edging to finish it off.

(Rsc, ch 2, rsc) in each corner.

Slst to beginning st and tie off. Poke the yarn tail back inside the pillow.

Finally, make 4 tassels and attach at each corner and you’re done!

That’s it! Enjoy!

 

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17 thoughts on “Aztec Throw Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

    1. You could try adding several rows around each panel before you attach them, almost like a border!

        1. You can try that and simply repeat the pattern, however, the end of the dark blue zigzag part will not line up exactly with the beginning of the zigzag part when you repeat.

  1. Converting a bag to a pillow happened to me recently too. It was a nice bag, but I have so many. I had even lined it, so it was easy to convert to a pillow.

    1. You can certainly repeat the starting chain as many times as you want to make it as wide as you want (and similarly for height) but, unfortunately, the pattern would not be a perfect repeat.

  2. I’ve never tried tapestry crochet with more than 2 colors. How do I know when to carry the yarn through the stitches, etc. Thanks!

    1. Hi Lily,

      I never carry yarn inside/through the stitches, as it results in some colours bleeding through. Instead, you should carry them along the back of the panel (i.e. float the yarn). For this pattern, you can pretty much always carry your yarn, since there are so few of each colour stitch before you have to change again; the floats/yarn carries will be pretty short.

      Hope that helps!

      Jillian

  3. I’m close to sewing this beautiful pillow together. While doing the sc, ch, sc do you skip a stitch under the chain?
    Thanks in advance for your help.

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