I love Premier Puzzle Yarn. It’s the perfect choice for crocheting this blanket that converts into a pillow.
So far, I’ve used the colors Cat’s Cradle and Blue Acrostic. I loved those because of the subtle color changes. They make the nicest stripes.
This color, Kickball, is just as nice. The earth tones go from beige to brown, light orange to deep rust. Just when it seems to be leaning dark, the colors lighten up. It’s fun to watch the changes coming up and to see how perfectly they blend.
This is a 5 weight bulky yarn. It’s the Goldilocks of yarns-not too thick, not too thin. I also love how soft it is. Just perfect!
I used 4 skeins to make this 40” x 50” blanket and matching pillow pocket. I was able to get it and a few other colors at Walmart.com for $5.99 a skein! I hope you can also find it for such a good deal.
Let’s get started!
Chain 110 (or any even number to make the blanket as wide as you like)
Row 1
Skip 1 chain.
Herringbone half double crochet in the 2nd chain.
Herringbone half double crochet in each chain across
Chain 1, turn
Row 2
Place a herringbone half double crochet in the front loop only of the first stitch.
Place a herringbone half double crochet in the back loop only of the second stitch.
Continue to alternate front loop hb hdc and back loop hb hdc across.
To help keep the edge straight, when you put the last front loop hb hdc, also go into the chain from the previous row. See the video if you need to see an example.
Chain 1, turn
Repeat row 2 until the blanket is as long as you like.
I made mine 50“ long.
Now to make the square for the pillow pocket.
Let’s get started!
Round 1
Make a magic ring.
Chain 3, this will be part of the original corner space.
Make 3 dc in the circle.
Chain 1
Make 3 dc in the circle, chain 1
Make 3 dc in the circle, chain 1
Make 2 dc in the circle. Join the 3rd chain with a slip stitch.
Go under the chain space, bring the yarn through and make another slip stitch.
Chain 3 (this counts as the first dc of the round plus chain space. You’ll make the other 2 dc of the first corner when you come all the way around.)
Round 2
Make 3 dc in the chain space.
*Skip to the next chain space.
Make 3 dc in the chain space, chain 1, make another 3 dc in the chain space.*
Repeat from * to *
When you reach the first corner, go into the chain space below, make 2 dc. That counts as your first 2 dc of the first corner of the round.
Join the 3rd chain with a slip stitch.
Round 3
Bring the yarn through the chain space.
Slip stitch.
Chain 3
3 dc in the same chain space
In the next space, dc, then make front post treble crochet in the middle of 3 dc from 2 rounds below.
The front post trebles will always be in the middle stitch from 2 rounds below. Sometimes it will be into a dc. Sometimes it will be into a front post treble.
Continue the pattern. Each corner gets 3 dc, chain 1, 3 dc
When you reach the first corner, make 2 dc in the chain space from the previous round and join the 3rd chain with a slip stitch.
Go into the chain space, pull the yarn through and make another slip stitch.
Chain 3
Round 4
Continue the same pattern.
Repeat the pattern making as many rounds as you like to make the square as large as you want.
I made mine with 11 rounds. You may want yours bigger or smaller. It should be a little larger than 1/3 the width of your blanket.
Closing up the gaps:
This where I started making the edging. It will bridge the gaps on each edge.
Bring the yarn through the chain space and slip stitch. Chain 1
Sc, chain 1, sc in the corner chain space.
Now work a sc in each stitch. When you reach the gap, make a sc in the first stitch, front post treble in the middle dc from 2 rounds below, and sc in the next stitch. Be sure you skip the stitch behind the fp treble you just made.
Continue to the corner. Each corner gets a sc, chain 1, sc
Work that pattern around and slip stitch to the first sc.
Chain 1. Fasten off by cutting about a 3” tail and pulling through to tighten.
Sewing the pillow pocket to the throw:
You will sew the pocket on with the wrong side facing out. It will be on the right side when you fold it into a pillow.
Place the pocket at the bottom edge in the middle of the blanket.
Stitch 3 edges to the throw, leaving the bottom edge open.
Turn the blanket so the pocket is under the blanket.
Fold the blanket in thirds, using the seams of the pillow pocket as a guide. Fold onto the top of the pillow pocket.
Flip it over.
Fold and tuck the blanket into the pocket as you turn it right side out.
Voila! You have a pillow!
This is such a great way to use or store your throw.
It will make a great donation to cancer centers or assisted living facilities.
I can see it being used by children for sleepovers. Having their own blanket can be very comforting. They can also store some items in the pocket.
I hope you enjoyed making this throw that converts to a pillow, otherwise know as a “thrillow”!
Please leave any comments you like. They go straight to my email and I check it regularly.
Debi
