Tunisian Crochet Cabled Pillow
March 2022 CrochetMastery
Skill Level: Easy | Hook: Size H or 5mm | Gauge: N/A | Dimensions: 22 inches around x 15.5 inches long
Tunisian Crochet has been featured in Yarn Bits Shop subscription boxes but this is the first time these particular tunisian stitches have been featured. The entire pattern is about cables! Cables are usually a knitting thing but it is very doable with tunisian crochet! Cables and the velvet yarn combination is perfect for throw pillows and while the pattern is short with two options, it is a fun addition to any armchair or couch! Happy Crocheting! ~Lauren
In this box, there are:
- Two Skein Bernat Velvet in one color- $24
- Cabled Crochet Hook- $10
- Cable Stitch Holder- $4
- Handmade Stitch Markers- $8
- Exclusive Pattern and Support- $10
Plus all Yarn Bits Shop Subscribers Perks! ($60+ Bimonthly Value!)
Overall Technique Notes
Skill Level: Intermediate-advanced
Tunisian crochet work is never turned and each row is worked in two parts: the forward and return pass. The forward pass picks up the stitches/loops onto the hook (hence why the hooks need to be longer) and the return pass works them off the hook. With this technique, the back of the fabric will look different than the front and curling is common (but can be tamed with blocking or a border).
The foundation row is started the same way for any tunisian stitch.
ch a number of stitches
Forward pass: roll chain forward slightly so the back bumps can be seen. Insert hook in 2nd ch back bump, yarn over, and pull through (2 loops on hook). Repeat for each ch across. Work end st for last st.
Return pass: Yarn over, pull through first loop on hook (basically a ch 1, known as return ch), Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook, repeat across until there is one stitch left on the hook. This stitch is now the 1st stitch of the next row.
Always skip 1st vertical bar and always work end st at end of row- first and last stitches do not count in patterns
Stitches Guide
Tunisian End Stitch: Insert hook under the last vertical bar and the bar that lies directly behind it (2 bars on hook), yo and pull through loop. Yo and pull through one loop.
Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS): Forward- bring yarn forward to front of work, insert hook from right to left under next vertical bar, bring yarn across the front of vertical bar and to back of work, yo and pull up a loop.
Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS): Forward– insert hook from front to back between the front and back vertical bars of the next stitch, yo and pull up loop.
Tunisian 6 sts Cable: Tks 3, slip st just worked onto cable needle and keep at front of work, Tks 3, slip sts from cable needle back onto hook
Overall Pattern Notes
There are two main size options- two square pillows (~14×14 inches) or one rectangular pillow (~14x28inches). After deciding which is desired, you have two options for cabled designs- single cable or multiple cables. The technique is the same, just the number of cables is different! Below are your options:
Two square pillows with:
- single cabled on both sides for both (both sides same)
- multiple cables on both sides for both (both sides same)
- one side has single cable and the other has multiple cables (sides are different)
One rectangular pillow with:
- single OR multiple cabled long strip on both sides (both sides same)
- single OR multiple cabled short strip on both sides (both sides same)
- single OR multiple cabled short strip on one side and long strip on other side (sides are different in terms of orientation of cables only)
- single/multiple cabled short strip on one side and single/multiple cabled long strip on other side (sides are different in terms of orientation AND number of cables)
If you’re not sure what you would like, it is suggested to start one side with either single or multiple cables and work until you make a square. After that you can decide to end there for two square pillows or continue for a long strip for a rectangular pillow. Note- I would not recommend the single cable for the rectangular pillows if working the long side, just because it’ll be a bit boring!
Tips: DO not worry about gauge too much, just check as you’re doing the 2nd side that the measurements are the same. Keep tension loose enough for loops so it’s easy to pick up stitches. Lastly, work in good lighting! The velvet yarn is fuzzy and can be challenging. If you need to practice with regular yarn prior to tackling the velvet, that is perfectly fine!!
Single Cable Pattern- Square or Short Side of Rectangle
Row 1 (foundation row): Chain 42. Pick up a loop from back bump in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, leaving all loops on hook. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Row 2: Tps 17, Tks 6, Tps 17, work end st. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Row 3: Work as for Row 2.
Row 4: Tps 17, Tks 3, yo, Tks 3, Tps 17, work end st. [43 loops on hook]. Return
Row 5: Tps 17, Tks 3, skip yo sp from previous row, Tks 3, Tps 17, work end st. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Row 6: Tps 17, Tunisian 6 sts Cable, Tps 17, work end st. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Rows 2-6 form pattern. Repeat for desired length then repeat rows 2-3 (should be ~14 inches for square or 28 inches for rectangle) and follow bind off steps. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Single Cable Pattern- Long Side of Rectangle
Row 1 (foundation row): Chain 82. Pick up a loop from back bump in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, leaving all loops on hook. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Row 2: Tps 37, Tks 6, Tps 37, work end st. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Row 3: Work as for Row 2.
Row 4: Tps 37, Tks 3, yo, Tks 3, Tps 37, work end st. [83 loops on hook]. Return
Row 5: Tps 37, Tks 3, skip yo sp from previous row, Tks 3, Tps 37, work end st. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Row 6: Tps 37, Tunisian 6 sts Cable, Tps 37, work end st. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Rows 2-6 form pattern. Repeat for desired length then repeat rows 2-3 (should be ~14 inches) and follow bind off steps. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Multiple Cable Pattern- Square or Short Side of Rectangle
Row 1 (foundation row): Chain 42. Pick up a loop from back bump in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, leaving all loops on hook. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Row 2: Tps 5, (Tks 6, Tps 6) two times, Tks 6, Tps 5, work end st. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Row 3: Work as for Row 2.
Row 4: Tps 5, (Tks 3, yo, Tks 3, Tps 6) two times, Tks 3, yo, Tks 3, Tps 5, work end st. [45 loops on hook]. Return.
Row 5: Tps 5, (Tks 3, skip yo sp from previous row, Tks 3, Tps 6) two times, Tks 3, skip yo sp from previous row, Tks 3, Tps 5, work end st. [42 loops on hook] Return.
Row 6: Tps 5, (Tunisian 6 sts Cable, Tps 6) two times, Tunisian 6 sts Cable, Tps 5, work end st. Return.
Rows 2-6 form pattern. Repeat for desired length then repeat rows 2-3 (should be ~14 for square and ~28 for rectangle) and follow bind off steps. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Multiple Cable Pattern- Long side of Rectangle
Row 1 (foundation row): Chain 82. Pick up a loop from back bump in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, leaving all loops on hook. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Row 2: Tps 7, (Tks 6, Tps 6) five times, Tks 6, Tps 7, work end st. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Row 3: Work as for Row 2.
Row 4: Tps 7, (Tks 3, yo, Tks 3, Tps 6) five times, Tks 3, yo, Tks 3, Tps 7, work end st. [88 loops on hook]. Return.
Row 5: Tps 7, (Tks 3, skip yo sp from previous row, Tks 3, Tps 6) five times, Tks 3, skip yo sp from previous row, Tks 3, Tps 7, work end st. [82 loops on hook] Return.
Row 6: Tps 7, (Tunisian 6 sts Cable, Tps 6) five times, Tunisian 6 sts Cable, Tps 7, work end st. Return.
Rows 2-6 form pattern. Repeat for desired length then repeat rows 2-3 (should be ~14 inches) and follow bind off steps. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing
Bind Off:
- Insert hook into the next stitch the same way as you were working the last row, yo, pull loop through BOTH loops on hook.
- Repeat across until you have one loop left.
- Cut yarn and pull through the end. Weave all ends in.
Border:
The border is to mainly finish off the edges AND join the two sides together. This is worked in regular crochet.
Round 1:
- Join to any corner of BOTH side (work in both sides corresponding sps here and on)
- Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in same sp- corner made, sc in each sp across to next corner, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner,
- continue around to last side, stuff the pillow with an insert or polyfill!
- Continue to first corner,
- Sl st to first sc. Do not turn. Check for warping before continuing.
Round 2:
- sl st to ch-2 sp of corner,
- (sc, ch 2, sc) in sp, sc in each sp across to next corner, (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner,
- continue around to first corner. Sl st to first sc. Do not turn.
Alternative Pattern Ideas
The velvet yarn is not ideal for many items beyond decorative ones but below are two ideas if pillows are not desired!
Scarf– Work short side of single/multiple cables and continue until yarn is used up or desired length is reached! You can modify the width as well by reducing the number of sts on both side of the center 6 sts.
Basket– IMPORTANT NOTE: This needs a bit of craftiness! This can be a basket cover if you want to find a basket or additional support will be needed to keep the basket standing.
- Make either single or multiple short side until desired circumference is reached (but don’t make it too big!).
- Sew two ends together.
- Make a circular base with regular crochet until it reaches the same diameter
- Attach base to one edge of the cable strip (can sl st around!).
- Cover existing basket or add support.
Blanket– More yarn will be needed but can follow the multiple cable pattern for a pretty design. Add multiple of 12 sts to increase width.
Need help? Email help@yarnbitsshop.com with any questions
Pattern Declaimer
This is a paid pattern originally designed for a Yarn Bits Shop subscription box.
You have permission to sell any item made from this pattern. However, you are not allowed to resell, distribute, duplicate, or share this pattern or downloads in any printed or digital form (in full), or to claim the pattern as your own original design. If you want to sell or share a picture of your work from this pattern, please clearly credit the design to me: Lauren Samar of Yarn Bits Shop (with link to the website when applicable).
Occasionally a mistake or typo falls through, please report them via email (help@yarnbitsshop.com) and the pattern will be updated accordingly.