If you are wondering how to knit a pillow cover, whether you are skilled or a beginner at the craft, these few simple steps will guide you along the way.
With the appropriate texture of the yarn, knitted pieces are soft, and it feels warm and comfy when you get in contact with it. For that reason, it is usually done on sleeping materials, such as blankets and pillow covers, among many.
A Guide to Knitting Pillow Covers
Here are four simple steps on how to knit pillow covers:
Step 1: Prepare all the materials
For this DIY project, you would need the basic requirements for stitching activities, such as your needle and thread, basting pins, and cutting tools. You would also need a blank pillowcase, two knitting needles, a crochet pin, and balls of yarn.
Step 2: Choose the type of stitch pattern
Take note that this refers to the arrangement of the yarn, not the color and shape of the resulting product. With that said, there are countless numbers of stitching patterns all around the globe. The ones mentioned below are some of the rather famous and most-used ones.
There are the basic or garter, stockinette, reverse stockinette, rib, seed, cable, fair isle, and intarsia stitches, among many. All follow the differing organization of yarns and end up with a unique design of their own.
Step 3: Knit enough to cover at least the front of the pillow
The processes range from simple to complex, depending on the pattern. Regardless, you first have to make a slipknot on the yarn. Afterward, you cast it on the needle, start knitting depending on your chosen pattern, then cast it off to end the project.
To cast it on, insert the left needle in the loop from the knot and tighten it. Afterward, wrap the working yarn around your thumb, forming a hole where the needle can pass. Tighten the wool and repeat the steps until you cover the desired length.
Meanwhile, to cast it off, knit two stitches, and using the left needle, pull the first stitch over the second one and drop the other. Repeat this until only one stitch remains. Take 10 inches of yarn tail and wrap it around the needle. Next, pull the stitch over the end and tighten it.
Step 4: Sew the knitted piece to the blank pillowcase
Align the knitted pattern to your blank pillowcase and pin them together temporarily. To attach both panels together, sew around all the sides of the fabric cover, preferably with the same color of thread to not draw too much attention to the seam.
Tips for How to Knit a Pillow Cover
Generally, there are tips in knitting projects, which would also work well on pillow covers. However, these would not be unfamiliar to those who already have a high skill level in the craft.
Choose the type of needle wisely
There are different types and brands of knitting needles in the market, and they are made out of various materials. For beginners, the recommended varieties would be wood or bamboo because of their raw surface that reduces the friction with the yarn.
The size of the needle is based on the yarn
When you buy yarn or wool for knitting, the ball usually comes with labels. There, the recommended needle sizes are indicated. Take note that those are not necessarily required to be accurate, as a millimeter less or more would still work quite as well.
What are the Benefits of Using a Pillow?
Most of us have been using pillows for years, but do you know the benefits of using one? Here are some of the advantages of using pillows:
Spinal alignment
High-quality pillows are designed to keep your spine in natural alignment. The curve of your neck holds and supports the weight of your neck. It’s important to maintain this position even when you sleep. If your pillow is too high, it can cause a strain on your neck and back muscles. It can also cause your air pipes to narrow, which can obstruct your breathing and hinder a night of restful sleep. On the other hand, if your pillow is too low, it can also strain your neck muscles.
For comfort
Comfort is one of the main reasons why people use pillows. If the pillow you’re using feels comfortable, it will help you relax and sleep well, so you’ll wake up well-rested in the morning. Pillowcases can contribute to making the pillow more comfortable as well. Some people prefer cotton pillowcases, while others like silk or flannel.
Versatile
Pillows are versatile. This means they can conform to different types of sleeping positions. Some pillows can even adjust to the unique shape and sleeping position of the user. This helps in alleviating pain and pressure points.
The Bottom Line on How to Knit a Pillow Cover
Learning how to knit a pillow cover may not be as easy, more so if you didn’t have any experience beforehand. After all, it is a skill that takes time to be proficient on. Your first project may not look like what you expected, but it is still the product of your efforts.