Dréimire Pillow Cover

Dréimire Pillow Cover by Kristina Smiley

What is Being Made

The Dréimire Pillow Cover is a crocheted throw pillow cover designed to fit a standard 13" x 13" (33 cm x 33 cm) pillow insert. The finished cover measures 14" x 14" (35.6 cm x 35.6 cm), providing a comfortable fit with slight ease. This project is constructed from three separate panels that are crocheted flat and then seamed together: one front panel and two back panels that create an envelope-style closure with button fastening for easy pillow insertion and removal.

Design Features

The Dréimire Pillow Cover showcases a distinctive textural element on the front panel: the crochet ladder stitch climbs vertically up the surface, creating visual interest and dimension. The back features an envelope-style construction, a practical design choice that allows the cover to be easily removed for washing. Buttons secure the overlapping back panels, adding both functionality and decorative appeal to the finished piece.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Double Crochet (dc) – The primary stitch used throughout the cover, forming the base fabric structure
• Single Crochet (sc) – Used for shaping and finishing details
• Chain (ch) – Used for foundation chains and stitch construction
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) – Creates textural relief by working around the post of previous stitches
• Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc) – Works behind the post of previous stitches for dimensional effects
• Ladder Stitch – The signature stitch featured on the front panel, climbing vertically to create the cover's distinctive visual pattern

Crochet Techniques

This project employs several fundamental crochet techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The cover is worked in flat panels rather than in the round, making it easier to manage and seam. Post stitches (front post and back post double crochets) are used to create the ladder stitch effect, a technique that involves working stitches around the vertical posts of previous rows rather than into the top loops. This creates raised, dimensional lines that add textural interest. The three panels are then assembled using a tapestry needle to seam them together, and buttons are attached to complete the envelope-style back closure.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn in Pittsburgh Yellow (100% acrylic), a super chunky weight yarn. The project requires 3–4 skeins, with each skein containing 81 yards (74 meters) and weighing 5 ounces (142 grams).

Hook: US size N (10.0 mm) crochet hook, appropriately sized for the bulky weight yarn to achieve proper gauge and fabric drape.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming the panels together, plus buttons for securing the envelope-style back panels.

Gauge and Difficulty

The recommended gauge is 8 stitches and 4 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) worked in double crochet. This project is rated at Easy to Intermediate difficulty level, utilizing basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, and minimal shaping. The straightforward construction of flat panels and simple seaming make it accessible to crafters with foundational crochet knowledge, while the post stitch techniques add a touch of intermediate skill development.