Crafty Crochet: Blanket-To-Pillow Magic

crochet blanket that folds into a pillow

A crochet blanket that folds into a pillow is a handy, space-saving item to have. It can be used as a travel pillow or blanket, and some designs even include handles for ease of carrying. This multi-purpose item is a great gift idea for new homeowners, neighbours, or family members who enjoy a quick nap. With a bit of creativity, it can also be customised with colours and yarn types to suit the recipient's taste. The pattern for this project is beginner-friendly and includes detailed instructions with pictures to guide you through the process of crocheting your own blanket-pillow combination.

Characteristics Values
Name Crochet Quillo
Size 38 x 28 inches (blanket), 16 x 12 inches (bag/pillow)
Yarn Weight Worsted Weight (4)
Yarn Colors Pink and white
Yarn Amount 20 oz. of each color
Hook Size N/A
Stitch Type Half Double Crochet (hdc)

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Crochet blanket patterns for beginners

Crochet is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be picked up by anyone! If you're a beginner, making a blanket is a great place to start. Blankets are less complex than other patterns such as clothing or hats, and often use only one stitch.

To get started, you'll need a crochet hook, yarn, scissors, and a pattern. It's important to choose the right yarn for your project – as a beginner, chunkier weight yarns are a good choice as they work up faster. You might also want to try a few different fibres to see which you prefer.

  • Single crochet
  • Half double crochet
  • Double crochet

Once you've mastered the basic stitches, you can try making some simple crochet blankets using these stitches. Here are some beginner-friendly patterns to get you started:

The Lapsang Crochet Blanket Pattern

This pattern uses a really simple crochet cable stitch that is easy to learn and creates a beautiful drape.

The Larksfoot Crochet Blanket Pattern

If you want to try something a little different to a traditional Granny blanket, the Larksfoot pattern is a great option.

The V Stitch Crochet Blanket Pattern

This pattern creates a soft and delicate look with a super simple stitch combination that lines up to create little 'V' shapes.

The Granny Block Crochet Blanket Pattern

This pattern puts a twist on the traditional Granny blanket by working in rows instead of going round and round, making it easier to keep track of your stitches.

The Ripple Stitch Crochet Blanket Pattern

While a bit more complicated than the others, this pattern is still doable for beginners and creates a beautiful ripple effect.

The Oolong Crochet Blanket Pattern

The Oolong pattern uses the cute Cabbage Patch stitch to give a textured look that appears tricky but is actually quite simple.

With a little practice and patience, you'll be crocheting beautiful blankets in no time!

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Crochet pillow designs

Crochet pillows are a fun, easy, and satisfying project that adds a personalised decorative touch to any space. They are a great way to express your creativity and improve your crochet skills. Plus, they are functional and can be customised to suit your home decor.

Basic Crochet Pillow

Cushion covers are an excellent project for beginners as they often use basic crochet stitches and simple shapes like squares and rectangles. You can easily customise the pillow to align with your decor or make it a gift for a loved one.

Removable Crochet Pillowcase

An envelope-style cover is a great option for a removable pillowcase. To make this, simply crochet a rectangle that is 2.5 times the length of your pillow and fold it to create an overlapping square at the back. This allows for hassle-free washing and style swapping.

Personalised Ombre Crochet Pillow

These pillows use multiple strands of yarn to achieve a gorgeous ombre effect, with zero colour changes. You can add cross-stitch detailing to create a special message or design, making it a thoughtful gift for a new parent, friend, or homeowner.

Mud Cloth Boho Pillow

Inspired by traditional African textiles, this pillow pattern features dense, even fabric created by holding two strands of yarn together. You can add texture using beginner embroidery skills and replicate the mud cloth embroidery design or create your own.

Granny Square Heart Throw Pillow

This modern statement piece is easy to make and uses just two squares and a cushion insert. While the red heart makes it perfect for Valentine's Day, it also works well in a dorm room or baby nursery.

Bobble Pillow with Fringe

This crochet cushion cover is made up of three pieces: one full front and two overlapping back pieces connected with stylish buttons. Using half double crochet stitches, bobbles, and bohemian fringe, this neutral design pairs well with a farmhouse style.

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Yarn weight and hook size

When choosing the yarn weight and hook size for your crochet project, it's important to consider the desired characteristics of the finished blanket, your personal preferences, and the level of warmth and softness you want to achieve.

If you're a beginner, it's advisable to stick to medium-sized hooks in the 4, 5 and 6mm range. These hooks are not too small, which can be fiddly, especially for those new to crocheting, and they're not uncomfortably large.

For a crochet blanket that folds into a pillow, you'll want to create a fabric that is relatively firm, so the pillow holds its shape when folded. A smaller hook is generally used to achieve a tighter fabric, which is ideal for 3D items like amigurumi figures, baskets, and hats. A larger hook, on the other hand, will result in a looser fabric with better drape, but it may not hold the firm shape required for your pillow.

The pattern for the "Magical Pillowghan" by Pamela Grennes recommends using a 6mm hook with super bulky/super chunky yarn. This type of yarn typically uses a 6mm to 9mm hook, so Grennes' pattern leans towards the smaller end of the spectrum, suggesting that a tighter fabric is desirable for this project.

When choosing your yarn weight and hook size, it's always important to keep in mind the gauge specified in your pattern and make adjustments as necessary. Creating a gauge swatch before starting your project will help you see what your stitches look like and determine if any adjustments are needed.

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Folding techniques

The folding technique for your crochet blanket-pillow will depend on the shape of your blanket and whether it has any additional features, such as handles or pockets.

If your blanket is rectangular, you can try the following technique:

  • Fold the blanket in half lengthwise, so that the wrong sides are facing outwards.
  • Sew or crochet the two long sides together, creating a long tube.
  • Turn the tube inside out so that the right sides are facing out.
  • Flatten the tube so that the sewn edges are in the centre and the folded edge becomes one side of the pillow.
  • Sew or crochet the two remaining open sides together to enclose the pillow filling.

If your blanket has handles, you will need to position them carefully during the folding process to ensure they remain functional. For example, the Crochet Quillo pattern by Sara Sach of Posh Pooch Designs includes handles and specifies that one handle should be sewn onto the blanket edge, while the other is sewn to the pillow or bag portion.

If your blanket has a pocket, you may want to position it on the outside of the pillow, so it can still be accessed. Alternatively, you could position the pocket on the inside, creating a secret compartment within the pillow.

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Gift ideas for homeowners

If you're looking for a thoughtful and unique gift for new homeowners, a crochet blanket that folds into a pillow could be the perfect present. This gift is not only practical but also showcases a special talent and a lot of care and effort. It's a wonderful way to welcome someone into their new home with a handmade item, and it's sure to be cherished for years to come.

The "Magical Pillowghan," as it's aptly named, is an innovative crochet pattern that serves a dual purpose. At first glance, it appears to be a simple crocheted pillow, but with a little magic, it transforms into a cosy blanket. This is an excellent gift idea, especially for those who appreciate the allure of a multi-purpose item. It's also a great way to add a personal touch to a new home, with the recipient being able to choose their own colour scheme to match their style and decor.

The crochet blanket-pillow is a versatile and functional gift. It can be used as a decorative pillow when not in use, and when needed, it unfolds into a snug blanket, perfect for curling up on the sofa. It's also an ideal size for travel, fitting easily into a car, RV, or plane. For those with young children, this could be a lifesaver on family road trips, providing both comfort and entertainment.

The pattern for the Magical Pillowghan is available online, and it's an intermediate-level crochet project. The yarn weight is super bulky or super chunky, and it's recommended to use a 6 mm hook. The pattern includes clear instructions and plenty of pictures to guide you through the process. It's a quick project due to the chunky yarn, and once completed, it will be a cherished gift for any homeowner.

In addition to the crochet blanket-pillow, there are other similar gift ideas that serve multiple functions. For example, the "Crochet Quillo" is a creative design that is a blanket, pillow, and bag all in one. It's a convenient size, measuring approximately 38 x 28 inches when unfolded, and it can be easily carried and stored when folded. The Quillo is another thoughtful gift option for homeowners, providing both comfort and functionality.

Frequently asked questions

It is a crocheted blanket that can be folded and turned into a pillow when not in use.

It is a practical, space-saving item that serves a dual purpose. It is also a great gift idea.

A super bulky or super chunky yarn in weight 6 is suggested for a quick project.

The pillow measures about 16 x 12 inches, a perfect travel size.

The blanket measures approximately 38 x 28 inches, a suitable size to lay across your lap or shoulders.

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