If you’re a knitter, there’s no better feeling than making something for your home. Maybe you’ve always wanted to make a blanket for the couch, but lack the confidence to pull it off. Or maybe you’re looking for a project that will allow you to use up some of those leftover balls of yarn in your stash.
Or maybe you just want to make something special for yourself or someone else who loves knitting!
Whatever the reason, these 15 free patterns will help get you started with some simple projects that can be made quickly in any skill level with minimal materials costs—and best yet: They really are fun!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Knitting is a fun and creative way to enhance your home decor. |
| Knitted pillows and throws are great DIY projects for beginners. |
| There are plenty of free patterns and guides available online for anyone looking to learn more about knitting for the home. |
| Choosing the right yarn and needle size can make a big difference in the outcome of your knitted pillows and throws. |
| Knitting can provide a sense of relaxation and comfort while also giving you the satisfaction of creating something beautiful for your home. |
Sweater pillow
Knit this sweater pillow in the round, using a circular needle. Cast on 100 stitches and work 10 rows of garter stitch.
On your next row (Row 11), begin working back and forth in stockinette stitch – knitting one row and purling the next – until you’re ready to switch to ribbing.
Work 5 rows of k1 p1 ribbing before binding off loosely with a stretchy bind-off method such as Kitchener stitch or Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind-off. Weave in ends and enjoy!
Add a touch of coziness to your home with our knitted pillow patterns, perfect for snuggling up with a good book on a cold day.
Basketweave throw
Like the basketweave pattern, the diamond weave is another classic knit that can be used for almost any knit project.
This time we’ll use chunky yarn and a circular needle to create a throw sized blanket that’s sure to keep you warm on those chilly nights.
- Cast on three stitches with the larger needle
- Purl one round with working yarn attached to left hand needle
Knit first stitch from left hand needle onto right hand needle as if to purl, slip second stitch from left hand needle onto right hand needle as if to purl and pass first stitch over second stitch (the one you just slipped).
Slip this new stitch off of your right hand needle, leaving two stitches on it.
Repeat steps 2-3 until you have 15 stitches total on both needles (with 10 on your right).
You will now begin working in rounds.
In order for each round not to come out lopsided or bumpy, we are going to “smooth” out our stitches by slipping them back onto our LHN so they sit evenly around all sides of our square(s).
Square pillow
Knit a square pillow. This one is as simple as it gets, and you can use any type of yarn to make it! This stitch is worked in garter stitch, so all you do is knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side.
If you want something more decorative, try adding a border around your square by working an eyelet or lace pattern with 4-stitch garter stitches at each corner (or any other border pattern that suits your fancy).
If you’re looking for a unique way to change up your home decor, consider making a rug from scratch. Not only will it add warmth to your space, but it’ll also showcase your creativity.
Diagonal knit throw
This is a simple, but elegant diagonal pattern. It’s also a great pattern for beginners who want to try their hand at lace knitting.
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn, about 1100 yds (969 m) of light-colored worsted weight yarn and 200 yds (183 m) of dark-colored worsted weight yarn.
- Size: 42 x 70 inches (107 x 178 cm). Use fewer repeats if you want it smaller or more repeats if you want it bigger!
I used this pattern to make a “table runner” style blanket that was 40 by 80 inches long before seaming up the sides and adding fringe along the edges.
Heart throw
- Cast on a multiple of 6 sts.
- Work k1, p1 rib for 1.5 inches, ending with a WS row.
- Begin main pattern: Row 1 (RS): *P3, increase in next st*, repeat from * to * to last 5 sts, p5.
- Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
- Row 3: *P4, increase in next st*, repeat from * to * until last 4 sts; p4; ssk last 2 stitches together as one (omit this step if you’re only working the pattern on half of your work).
Repeat rows 2-3 until your rectangle measures approximately 18 inches wide by 35 inches tall (make sure it’s not too short or too long).
Finish with an i-cord bind off: Work 4 more rows after completing row 3 above; bind off remaining stitches loosely across each row using a crochet hook size H/8mm; weave in ends and block lightly if desired!
Oceanic throw
You will need:
A size 15 circular needle
Double knitting yarn in the color of your choice
Enough to knit a throw that measures the width you want, plus extra yarn for the edge. I like to use two skeins of Schulana 4-ply worsted weight wool (#6), which is bulky but not too thick, and feels soft against the skin. If you prefer something thinner or thicker than this, adjust accordingly as needed.
To begin: Cast on stitches with your chosen technique (I like long tail cast on) until you have an amount of stitches equal to twice the width of your finished piece multiplied by three (example: if you want a 60″ wide blanket/throw, cast on 120 stitches).
Work in stockinette stitch for about 1/3rd less than total length desired until you have enough yarn left for finishing off (or just keep going!)
Transform your living room into a cozy haven with a hand-knitted throw that’s sure to impress your guests. Our guide will help you get started on this fun project that’ll keep you warm all winter long.
Cabled throw
You can use the same pattern for a blanket or a throw, or even a scarf! When it comes to cables, the possibilities are endless. For this project, I made a cabled throw that was finished with fringe at each end.
You will need:
- Four skeins of yarn in your favorite color (I used two different colors)
- Size 10 needles
Stocking stitch cushion
Stocking stitch is a type of knitting that makes for a very simple pattern. It can be used for all sorts of things, including this pillow.
If you’re new to knitting, this pattern is easy to follow because it uses only knit and purl stitches. To begin your stocking stitch cushion, cast on 50 stitches using worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles. Knit every row until the piece measures 12 x 12 inches or desired length, ending with a wrong side row (WS).
To create the stockinette portion of the piece, use size 8 needles and knit every stitch with some waste yarn in the same color as your project.
When you are ready to reveal your work go back over this section once more before weaving in your ends so that they are hidden from view at either end of each color block.
Looking for a unique piece of wall art to add to your home decor? Learn how to make a stylish and affordable knitted wall hanging with our easy-to-follow guide
Diamond lace cushion
Materials:
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss HW in Graphite (1 ball) and Wool of the Andes Sport in Slate (1 ball)
Needles: US size 6/4mm circular needle, 16-inch length or longer; tapestry needle
Gauge: not critical for this project
Size: approximately 18 inches wide x 18 inches long
Directions
With Graphite, cast on 60 stitches.
Work back and forth in rows for 15 rows, then bind off loosely. Do not cut yarn.
With Slate, knit 2 rows. Do not cut yarn after last row is completed.
Turn work so that you are now working from left side instead of right side (WS). Purl 1 row across all 60 sts with Slate as before; do not turn work again yet! You will continue working from WS until it’s time to bind off loosely at end of Diamond Lace Cushion pattern section below.
Repeat steps above until finished with Diamond Lace Cushion pattern section below.* Bind off loosely by knitting 2 stitches together through back loops over first stitch on needle then repeating this process across entire row until all sts have been bound off.
Weave in ends carefully so they don’t show on front sides!
Bobble motif pillow
Knit this pillow with bulky yarn, and use a large needle size such as US 17 or 19. Make sure that your bobbles are all the same size and at least 1.5 times larger than the hole in the middle. You’ll need to cast on 32 stitches using US 17 needles. After working approximately 2 inches of garter stitch (knit every row), begin working bobbles according to these instructions:
Row 1: K14, p1, k1 into next st (make sure you knit into the back loop).
Row 2: K11, p2tog tbl across next 4 sts (this decreases one stitch), k1 into next st (make sure you knit into the front loop).
Row 3: Purl across row
Repeat rows 1-3 for pattern until desired length is reached – about 9 inches for my pillow cover worked with Cascade Yarns’ Bulky 100% wool yarn but feel free to adjust this measurement according to your personal preferences! Now it’s time to bind off loosely!
Take your home decor to the next level with our crochet patterns that’ll add a touch of personality and charm to any room. Trust us, your guests will be impressed.
Sage green pillow cover with buttons
Needle size: US 6 (4mm)
Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Yardage: Approximately 400 yards of a worsted weight yarn. I used Cascade 220 in color #8010, Sage Green. You’ll need 1 skein for this project.
Pattern: This pattern is available to purchase as an individual PDF download or through Ravelry’s In-App Purchasing program (both links below).
Cable and eyelet square pillow cover
A simple cable and eyelet blanket stitch square is the perfect design for a soft pillow. Knit in worsted weight yarn, you can easily make this project work up quickly.
The finished size will be about 16 inches square, but as always with knitting patterns, feel free to adjust your gauge and needle size to make your blanket larger or smaller if desired!
The pattern calls for only two colors: pink and white – but feel free to use whatever colors you want! I used Lion Brand Heartland Worsted Yarn in Country Rose (Ombre Effect) and White Frosting. But any worsted weight yarn would work great!
Heart-stitch pillow cover with buttons
- Cast on 40 stitches.
- Work in the round, decreasing 4 stitches every other row until there are only 20 stitches left.
- Bind off and weave in ends.
Make a buttonhole by casting on 3 stitches on either side of the opening, working back and forth for about 2 inches (5 cm), then bind off when you reach the same number of stitches that are left on your needle (for example, if you have 20 stitches left after binding off, make a buttonhole with 20 sts).
Attach buttons to each end of your pillow cover by weaving them through both layers of fabric just below where you made your buttonholes.
Cabled throw with fringe
Knitting For The Home: 15 Patterns For Beautiful Pillows And Throws is a great purchase for anyone who loves to make their own home furnishings, and it would make an excellent gift for any knitter or crocheter.
With over 20 different patterns ranging from basketsweave throws to cabled throws with fringe, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
Conclusion
You’ll love the way these projects make your home feel like a comfy place to relax and hang out. They also make great gifts! If you are looking for more knitting patterns, take a look at our other free knitting patterns collection: Free Knitting Patterns For Your Home.
Further Reading
For more free knitting patterns for pillows, check out Treasureie’s Blog
Get inspired with these beautiful knit pillow patterns from Knitting News.
Find more knitting patterns for pillows and cushions in this collection of free patterns from NobleKnits.
FAQs
What kind of yarn is best for knitting pillows?
Cotton or wool yarns are great for knitting pillows. Worsted weight yarn is usually recommended for pillows.
What size should I make my knitted pillow cover?
The size of the pillow you make depends on your personal preference. A standard size pillow is generally around 20 inches square, but you can make covers in any size you want.
What’s the recommended knitting needle size for knitted pillows?
The size of your knitting needles depends on the yarn you’re using, the stitch pattern, and the size of the pillow you’re making. Generally, a size 8 or 9 knitting needle is recommended for worsted weight yarn.
Can I wash my knitted pillow cover?
Yes, you can wash your knitted pillow covers. Be sure to follow the washing instructions for your yarn to avoid damaging your work.
How do I change the size of a knitted pillow pattern?
To change the size of a knitted pillow pattern, you can adjust the number of stitches and rows you cast on or change the gauge of your yarn or needles. Be sure to check the math of the pattern to make sure any changes you make won’t affect the overall look of the pillow.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!