If you are a new knitter, but want to make something other than a scarf, a pillow is the perfect project. It requires some more materials and a little sewing, but knitting a pillow is very easy.
If you don’t know how to knit, check out this video on Youtube. It will teach you how to cast on, knit, and cast off. For this pattern you will also need to know how to purl.
If you want to practice different types of stitches, a knitted pillow is a great way to exhibit them. A basket weave stitch pattern looks beautiful on a hand knit pillow.
You can also use multiple colors easily when knitting a pillow. Using multiple colors makes the back side of the knitting look ugly, but on a pillow, only the front side is visible.
First, you need knitting needles. I would not suggest using very small needles, as these will make the project slower and more difficult. Size nine needles will work well for making a pillow.
You can choose any type of yarn you want, but the best is probably a soft or fuzzy yarn. Be careful with yarn that is too fuzzy as this can get tangled easily.
Once you have your knitting needles and yarn, you can start knitting. If you are working with size 9 needles, cast on at least 40 stitches for a good size pillow. If you start knitting and realize your piece is too big or two small, you can easily undo a couple of rows and start over with a better number.
Now, start out knitting one row, followed by purling one row. In my opinion, this makes a nicer pattern than just knitting, and also makes a bigger piece faster.
If you would like to integrate some fancier patterns into your knitting, check out this website that lists different stitch patterns along with photos of what they look like.
When you have finished knitting the first side of your pillow, cast off and knit the other side. Make sure that the two sides are the same size.
Next, you will need to find some fabric backing, and some stuffing for your pillow. You need the fabric backing because knitting is stretchy, and will stretch out of shape if you try to stuff it alone.
Cut two pieces of fabric the size of the two halves of your pillow. Put each fabric piece on top of its matching knitted piece, on the wrong (back) side of the knitting. Then, put the pieces of knitting right side (the side you want people to see) together.
All four layers should be in a stack, with the fabric pieces on the outside. Sew the four pieces together on three sides. Sew the fourth side, but leave a hole to put stuffing in.
Turn the piece right side out through the hole. Fill the pillow with as much stuffing as you can possibly fit in. Sew up the hole.
Your pillow is finished!
