Snuggle up this Christmas with a beautiful little intarsia Santa pillow. Saint Nick’s beard and pompom are worked using two strands of fluffy, snow white angora yarn. You won’t be able to resist cuddling with the Jolly Old Elf who is sure to become an heirloom piece.

Size: 9x11” (23x28cm) unstuffed. Stuffing densely will stretch fabric.

Skill Level: experienced

Skills Needed: cast on, knit, purl, bind off, intarsia, read color chart, French knot, mattress stitch seaming

Materials:
Yarn:
Berroco Vintage, worsted (50% acrylic, 40% wool, 10% nylon)
150 yds 51173 Forest Floor green
30 yds 5150 Red
15 yds 5104 Mushroom
(or skin color of your choice)
10 yds 5145 Cast Iron black

Plymouth Angora (100% angora), sport weight, held double
30 yds 709 White

• US 5 (3.75 mm) needles
• tapestry needle
• pillow stuffing

Gauge:
20 sts x 28 rows = 4” in stockinette on US 5 needles using single strand of main yarn (not angora).
Note tight gauge for worsted yarn to prevent stuffing from showing through finished pillow.

This pattern was created in honor and memory of my favorite Christmas decoration: a crocheted Santa pillow made for me by my great aunt when I was a child. It took a seat of honor in my home and brought me many cozy Christmas memories, snuggled up, petting the soft angora beard. For more than 30 years, I eagerly reached into the boxes of Christmas décor in search of it each December until my puppy destroyed it in 2013.