Crochet Pillow Cover – Crochet for a Cure

Spring brings new life and with it fresh possibilities. I think that’s what the Kayla crochet pillow cover embraces!

This past month has been an emotional roller coaster for us because both our moms passed away from Alzheimer’s. While my mom was in palliative care, delving into learning Tunisian crochet helped focus my sadness into positive energy. Working away on the design of the Kayla pillow, I would sit by mom and crochet while keeping her company.

Kayla Pillow – Crochet for a Cure

Mom taught me how to crochet when I was six. She instilled in me a love of everything DIY and craft. So it’s come full circle: we’re donating 100% of all pattern sales to benefit Alzheimers in memory of our moms!

Watch this brief intro to see what our passion project is all about:

Time for our Monthly Blog Hop

Understandably I missed the craft hop last month, but can’t wait to join in again today! So if you are visiting from Rebecca at Zucchini Sisters, welcome! At the bottom of this post, I’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

Craft as Therapy

It’s no secret that I love a good DIY reno, but when I want my mind and body to relax, I find that crocheting has a remarkably calming effect on me.

Any worsted weight yarn you choose – whether cotton, wool or synthetic – would work beautifully. Personally, I prefer natural fibres, so I selected Paton’s Classic Wool Worsted in gray and white. The neutral colour pallet will work with any decor year-round.

Without knowing anything about Tunisian crochet, I assumed I could just use the hook size recommended on the yarn label. But it turns out that Tunisian crochet works up much denser than regular crochet. So I would recommend this 6.0 mm double-end hook. Particularly essential for the two colour pattern of the Kayla pillow, is a double end hook.

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A big thank you goes out to Fabricville for providing some of the supplies for this project!

Crochet Pillow Cover – Back of the Kayla Pillow

I loved experimenting with different textures for the Kayla pillow, like this smock stitch.

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One of my favourite features of the Kayla Pillow is the button closure on the back of the cover, so it’s easily removable for washing.

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However, when I crochet the Kayla pillow for my sisters, I’ll incorporate an item that Mom made for the back of the pillow instead. That will make it more special to remember her by.

Crochet a Pillow Cover – How to Smock Stitch

The smock stitch on its own would make a beautiful pillow cover. So I’m going to show you how to do it in this video tutorial. Grab a 6mm crochet hook and some worsted weight yarn to crochet along with me (or whatever you have to practice).

The most important part in finishing the smock stitch is blocking it: the edges can curl like the dickens. Since, we’re all about upcycling here at Birdz of a Feather, I use a piece of styrofoam packaging to block my smock stitch work.

Blocking relaxes the stitches so it comes together like a charm when it’s time to crochet the removable pillow cover together! We’ll show you how-to block in a future post!

The crochet edge around the pillowcase is done with a crab stitch.

When you’re done crocheting your pillow cover, check out this tutorial on how to make a pillow insert!

How Can YOU Help?

Living without our memories and experiences is tragic. If you would like to support the cause, buy the Kayla Pillow e-Pattern (or gift it to a friend who crochets). Remember, 100% of all pattern sales benefit Alzheimer’s!

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If you don’t crochet, lend your support by helping us build awareness. Please share this link with your friends and family on social media (like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest) to help get the word out :).

For more cosy craft ideas, check out our Craft Ideas for Autumn.

Pin Kayla Crochet Pillow Cover Pattern

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More Craft Ideas from the Creative Craft Blog Hop

Check out the jewelry chest from my friend Jenna at the Painted Apron. I’m always in awe of her artistry! When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

 

69 thoughts on “Crochet Pillow Cover – Crochet for a Cure

  1. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom, Sara. My condolences to you and family. You have a wonderful gift and memories of learning to crochet from your mom! Your pillows look amazing. My mil tried to teach me how to crochet but I just couldn’t pick it up. But she did inspire me to craft for which I am eternally grateful. She, too, died from Alzheimer’s. It’s a horrific disease. Kudos for your cause for this awareness!

    • Thank you Gail! So sorry to hear that your MIL suffered from Alzheimer’s too. Hope you’ll share the link to help spread the word :).

  2. What an incredibly beautiful idea and pattern. I’m so very sorry for you and your husband’s loss Sara <3 My thoughts are with you both. I've registered on Ribblr and just waiting for them to send me the confirmation email so I can purchase the pattern. I have absolutely no idea how to crochet, but my bestie is a master at using that hook thing and I've sent her the link so she can make one for me.

    • That is so awesome Michelle. Thank you SO much for registering! If your friend registers, you can “gift: her the pattern so she can make it for you :). The e-Pattern has videos with every step to help her learn the stitches, but I think even a beginner can learn by watching 🙂

      • I learned a huge amount just watching your video, Sara. That one stich looks just like knitting, which I can do. So now I’m all fired up to learn more.

        • Well, you know where to reach me my friend. I’m happy to help you learn 🙂 Tunisian crochet is very much like knitting – with only one needle. This is my first Tunisian crochet project and I have to admit, I’m ‘hooked’ – lol.

  3. Your pillow is beautiful Sara…I lost my mom to Alzheimer’s and everything I buy from amazon goes to support the Alzheimer’s search for a cure…thank you for doing this Crochet for a Cure!
    Jenna

    • Thank you Jenna! I’m so sorry you also lost your Mom to Alzheimer’s. I didn’t know you could support a cause through Amazon; how does that work? I hope you’ll share the link to help spread the word 🙂

      • Yes, you can choose what charity you want to support on Amazon by going to the tab that says Account and Lists. Then click on AmazonSmile charity lists, and it will display a list of charities you can choose from so every time you make a purchase a portion of that money will be donated to your charity of choice

        • That is awesome Jenna – unfortunately the program isn’t available in Canada but I do hope anyone seeing reading this comment from the US will take note 🙂

  4. I’m so sorry to hear about your moms. How sad! I hope you find peace and comfort during this time. I enjoy crocheting, too!

    • Thank you Liberty! I hope you’ll consider buying the pattern, since you crochet, and sharing the link to get the word out :).

  5. Sara, I so sorry for the loss of your mother and mother-in-law. What a cruel disease. It’s wonderful that you have love and talent for crochet that she passed on to you. The pillow is beautiful and one to cherish.

    • Thanks so much Carol! I hope you’ll help share the link to help us build awareness of our fundraiser :).

  6. Your pillow is gorgeous. What a great way to get something good out of such a terrible time. I’m so sorry to hear about both of your moms at the same time. That’s a lot. I’m in the midst of my own Alzheimers journey with my Dad. It’s a really hard thing to go through. I’m so glad you decided to be in the hop this month.

    • Thank you Andrea! I’m so sorry you’re going through the same thing with your Dad. I know how hard it is, so if you ever need an ear, or a shoulder to cry on, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to be participating this month too; it really does help in the healing process to keep busy.

  7. That is so pretty…I have to admit all of your technical jargon is beyond me. I do think I knew how to knit and crochet at one point in my life, but like sewing, it didn’t hold any interest for me. My mother still finds great joy in crocheting almost every day! The detail on your pillow is lovely!

    • Thank you Chloe! I personally find crocheting so relaxing. It’s wonderful that your Mom still crochets! Perhaps you can gift her the pattern?

      I hope you’ll help us build awareness of our fundraiser by sharing the link to the pattern 🙂

  8. What a pretty pillow cover, and such a thoughtful fundraiser. Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

  9. Sara, you know I think you’re doing a great service to your mons and their memory.

    Adding piece from your mom for your sisters pillow back is a wonderful gift.

    I will share this as much as I can.

    Your strength is amazing.

    Cindy

    • Thanks so much for your kind words Cindy and for sharing. I’d love nothing more than to see a cure in our lifetime and believe that every little bit helps.

    • Thanks Terrie. Pillow are like potato chips; you really can’t stop at one – lol!

  10. Dear Sara, I am truly feeling your pain 🙁
    My own sweet mom is at this very moment dying from a stroke.
    I am two states away, and can not be with her.
    I will keep you and your sisters in my prayers.

    • My heart goes out to you; I’m so sorry about your mom. You’ll be in my prayers too.

  11. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother and mother-in-law. It’s wonderful that you the have shared the memories and love of crocheting from her. The pillow is beautiful I don’t crochet but so appreciate the time and talent it takes. Take care.

    • Thank you Mary! I hope you’ll still share it to help spread the word 🙂

  12. Such a lovely pillow, Sara. What a nice way to honor the memory of your mom and MIL. I’m very sorry for your losses. You make crochet look so easy! I love that your mom taught you to crochet at such a young age. It’s on my bucket list to learn to crochet one day. Thanks for the inspiration. Pinned!

    • Thanks Rebecca; I was so lucky to learn it young. I only picked it up a year ago again, but apparently it stuck with me all these years. I guess mom taught me well 🙂

  13. Sara, I’m so very sorry for your losses. I have found that the memories of times spent together have meant this most to me in the years since my mother passed, so I can imagine what a special place crochet holds in your heart. I this is a beautiful pillow and an even more beautiful gesture.

    • Thank you Kim; yes, I’ll definitely have great memories 🙂

  14. I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom and your mother-in-law. I am sending my sincere condolences and prayers of comfort to you and your family. My mom has Alzheimer’s and it is such a challenging, sad disease. This is such a wonderful way to honor your mother’s memory.

    • Thank you Lynne. I’m so sorry that you are going through the same challenges. My heart goes out to you. Sending strength and hugs.

  15. So Sorry for your loss Sara. This is such a great cause, your mom would be very proud,

    • Thank you Anita! I don’t know if it’s because of personal experience, but Alzheimer’s seems to be more prevalent these days. I hope a cure is found soon.

  16. Sara… the pattern is LOVELY! Makes me think about picking up crocheting! Alzheimer’s is a disease near and dear to my heart, as my mom has dementia that looks to be going by way of Alzheimer’s. So sorry for your losses… so much in one month! We are moving my mom for her current AL to another one this month. Her care has been less than stellar, and we just can’t justify it with Covid anymore! (The cost is crazy… isn’t it?) I’m delighted to be sharing your pattern and heart at Tuesday Turn About tomorrow! Pinned… twice!

    • I”m so sorry to hear about your Mom. We were so appreciative that my youngest sister and my husband’s youngest brother chose to live-in and take care of our moms 24/7. Because of that we were spared the Covid nightmare.

      Thank you so much for sharing the pattern today and for pinning!

  17. Oh Sara. What a beautiful way to honor your mom. I know she must be so proud of you. Alzheimer’s is such a torturous disease. Both for the person and their loved ones.
    Your pillow is stunning. It’s fun to see a whole new stitch.
    Thanks for your hard work and kind example.

    • Thank you so much Meegan! I do hope she’s looking down from above 🙂

  18. What an amazing job you have done with your beautiful pillow and to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. I’m sure you will be helping so many people affected with the disease. Your talent and thoughtfulness are above and beyond. Bless you and your family.

  19. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful crocheted pillow and a great idea behind. In my ex husbands family there are many who have died of Alzheimer disease: my ex husband and his mother and sister. Wish the science finds some cure.

    • Thank you Riitta; so sorry for your losses too. Hopefully a cure will come one day.

  20. So sorry to hear about your loss. Such a deep and thoughtful tribute.
    Happy Women’s day.
    Thank you for sharing with us at Meraki Link Party.
    Much love
    Naush

    • Thank you Naush! Happy Women’s day to you too 🙂

  21. This is just beautiful! I’ve never gotten much into the needle arts except for cross stitching but maybe one day!

    • Thanks Marty! I’m just the opposite; I haven’t done any cross stitching lol! I definitely want to try that.

  22. Sara, thank you for sharing this at the Friday with Friends link party!

  23. This beautiful throw pillow was our most clicked project from last week’s Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party. You’ll find it featured at this week’s, which goes live Saturday at 5pm EST.

    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.com

  24. Thank you so much for sharing with us – I’m featuring you this week when the new To grandma’s house we go party starts!

    • That’s awesome; thank you SO much; that means the world to me 🙂

  25. Such a beautiful pillow. So sorry to hear about the losses you have had 🙁 Someday I will have to retry crocheting. This inspires me to want to try again.

    • Thank you Karin! So glad you’re inspired to try; I really do find it relaxing!

  26. I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. What a beautiful pillow and so special that it was your mom who taught you to crochet. Such a good idea to create it for Alzheimer’s fund.

    • Thanks so much Marie! I really hope the money we raise can help in any way, no matter how small.

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