Before every nap, and every night at bed time, my husband and I sing a few songs to our boys to get them settled. We sing songs that we remember from growing up and songs from our church’s children’s hymn book.
One song that always ends up in the rotation is “You are my sunshine.” I’m not sure why, but we all love it. If you listen to all of the lyrics you’ll learn that it is actually kind of a depressing song, so we just stick to singing the chorus!
That song has served as inspiration for this sunshine pillow crochet pattern that I’m sharing with you today. The boys love having their beds filled with all manner of squishy, comfy accessories. I knew that this happy pillow would fit right in, and serve as a reminder of our favorite bedtime song.
So far, my crochet posts have focused on specific stitches to give you a chance to perfect (or learn for the first time) your crochet skills.
{Single crochet Sailor’s Knot Belt, Half double crochet Eyelet Apron, Double crochet Fox Ear Headband, Combining Stitches Shell Stitch Shrug}
For this sunshine pillow crochet pattern, you will get to try the triple crochet, the double triple crochet, and even the triple treble crochet (I’ve linked to some great tutorials for your viewing pleasure).
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Sunshine Pillow Crochet Pattern
Here’s what you need to get started:
Supplies:
1 skein any worsted weight yarn (or try a bulky weight yarn to make it even bigger!)
Size H crochet hook (or bigger, depending on yarn size you choose)
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Scrap yarn for facial details
Pillow filling
Abbreviations & Definitions:
st- stitch
sl st- slip stitch
ch- chain
sk- skip
sc- single crochet
dc- double crochet
tr- triple (or treble) crochet: Yarn over twice. Insert hook into st. Yarn over, pull through st. Yarn over. Pull hook through first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through next two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through last two loops on hook.
dtr- double triple crochet: Yarn over three times. Insert hook into st. Yarn over, pull through st. Yarn over. Pull hook through first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through next two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through next two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through last two loops on hook.
trtr- triple treble crochet: Yarn over four times. Insert hook into st. Yarn over, pull through st. Yarn over. Pull hook through first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through next two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through next two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through next two loops on hook. Yarn over. Pull hook through last two loops on hook.
1. Ch 4. Sl st in first ch to form loop. Ch 2. Work 11 dc into center of loop. Sl st in top loop of ch 2.
2. Ch 2. Dc in same st. 2 dc in each remaining st around. Sl st in top loop of ch 2.
3. Ch 2. Dc in same st. 1 dc in next st. *2 dc in next st. 1 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. Sl st in top loop of ch 2.
4. Ch 2. Dc in same st. 1 dc in next 2 sts. *2 dc in next st. 1 dc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. Sl st in top loop of ch 2.
5. Ch 2. Dc in same st. 1 dc in next 3 sts. *2 dc in next st. 1 dc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. Sl st in top loop of ch 2.
6. Ch 2. Dc in same st. 1 dc in next 4 sts. *2 dc in next st. 1 dc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. Sl st in top loop of ch 2.
7. Ch 4. Dc in same st. Sk next st. *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next st. Sk next st. Repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of ch 4.
8. *Sc in next ch 1 space. (Dc, tr) in next ch 1 space. (dtr, trtr, dtr) in next ch 1 space. (Tr, dc) in next ch 1 space. Repeat from * around. Sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 to make a second sun shape. When finished, don’t fasten off!
10. With tapestry needle and scrap yarn, sew eyes and mouth into one sun piece, if desired.
11. Match two sun pieces together, work through corresponding stitches from each piece: Ch 1. *Sc in next dc st. Sc in tr st. 2 sc in dtr st. (sc, ch 2, sc) in trtr st. 2 sc in dtr st. Sc in tr and dc sts. Sl st in sc st. Repeat from * around. Before you get all the way around, stuff the inside with pillow filling. Now continue around, finishing with a sl st in last sc st. Fasten off, weave in loose end.
You did it!
How did you do with those insanely tall stitches!? I went a little crazy with them, and the whole “weather” theme, and made a cloud and rain drops mobile too! I’m sharing the pattern over on my blog, Love City, today and would love for you to stop by and say hello!
Yingting Guan
This pattern is really cute. However, I have difficult in finding some patterns for beginners like me. When I clicked into some links, I would see many patterns are too difficult for me because I has no knowledge of crochet before. If there is a sign of level evaluation it will be great.
Ashlee
thanks for the recommendation. I would say all the patterns on the site are more advanced. I’d recommend a crochet blog (this is a food and cake blog with a few random crochet patterns). A speciality blog will have more beginner projects.
Gloria
I am an experienced crocheter. I thought this would be great for my granddaughter. I am using a bulkier yarn and k needle. With bulky yarn the sun points get too long and have spaces. I’m afraid the stuffing will come out. Also, It would be very helpful to know the number of stitches in each round. I had no trouble until row 8. Following instructions, I barely made 6 points and the sun picture has 8.
Would love to make this. I think she will have fun with it.