This simple pillow was designed for my brother, Steve. Years ago, when I first learned how to knit, I made him a pillow for his apartment. That pillow, which was made of hand-wash only yarn and was seamed shut, has been looking quite sad lately. So I decided to make Steve a new one that could easily be tossed in the washing machine, but still looked worthy of resting on any couch or chair.

The Simple Stitch Pillow is knit in one flat piece and features three kinds of beginning-knitter-friendly stitches: the garter stitch, stockinette stitch and double rib stitch. Three large buttons keep the pillow cover closed. Although you could use virtually any super bulky weight yarn to make the pillow, I recommend Lion Brand’s Thick & Quick yarn because it can take a beating and is machine washable.

This pattern uses less than 3 skeins of Thick & Quick yarn and covers an 18 in x 18 in pillow insert.

Materials:
3 skeins of Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn (82% acrylic, 10% wool, 8% rayon) 106yards/ 97 meters, 6 oz/ 170 g per skein, in the Oatmeal color-way #123 OR 235 yards of super bulky weight yarn
Size US 13 needles
3 buttons (1.5-2in)
thread
sewing and tapestry needle
scissors
1 18in x 18in pillow insert

Gauge:
8 sts /4in in stockinette stitch pattern in recommended needle size

Measurements:
Before seaming piece together = 18in x 38in
After seaming = 18in x18in