17 Free & Easy Pillow Knitting Patterns

If you’re looking for a quick and cozy way to refresh your space, knitted pillows are the perfect home décor project.

 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned knitter, making your own pillow covers is both relaxing and rewarding. 

From chunky textures to playful shapes and timeless cable designs, these 17 free and easy pillow knitting patterns will help you create something beautiful and functional. 

With just a few basic supplies and your favorite yarn, you can knit stylish cushions to match any room or craft a heartfelt, handmade gift. 

Get inspired and start stitching your next comfy creation!

What Supplies Do You Need To Knit A Pillow?

Knitting a pillow is a fun and satisfying project, whether you’re dressing up your sofa or crafting a heartfelt, handmade gift.

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to get started!

 1. Yarn

Choose yarn based on the look and feel you want. 

A natural fiber, like Cotton, wool blend, or even artificial ones like acrylic, is a great choice.

Worsted (medium), bulky, or super bulky is ideal for pillows. 

Solid colors, variegated yarn, or textured yarns like boucle or chenille yarn add visual interest.

Check your pattern for the recommended yarn type and quantity. 

Pillows often require 1–3 skeins, depending on size and stitch.

Helpful resources

• Yarn Weight Guide {+Conversion Chart}
• Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers 
• How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

 2. Knitting Needles

Select needles based on your yarn weight and pattern:

• Straight or circular knitting needles (usually US size 8–11 / 5–8 mm)
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are used for knitting in the round or for decorative shaping. – The Best Double-Pointed Knitting Needles – A Guide

Always swatch first to ensure your gauge is accurate.

3. Pillow Insert or Filling

Options include:

• Pre-made pillow insert (standard sizes like 16″x16″, 18″x18″, etc.)
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing (great for custom shapes or textures)

Choose an insert about 1″ larger than your finished cover for a fuller look.

 4. Tapestry Needle / Yarn Needle

You’ll need this for:

• Sewing pieces together with the mattress stitch (if working flat)
• Weaving in ends
• Closing seams or inserting zippers/buttons

 5. Scissors

A sharp pair for cutting yarn cleanly—essential for finishing your project.

Optional (But Useful) Extras

• Stitch markers – Help track pattern repeats or row beginnings
• Zipper, buttons, or envelope-style flap – For removable covers
• Blocking tools – To shape and smooth your knitted fabric

Related post: Knitting Tools For Beginners + Essential Accessories

Knitted Pillow Sizes Guide: How Big Should Your Pillow Be?

Whether you’re knitting a cozy couch companion or a decorative bed accent, knowing the right pillow size can help you plan your project with confidence. 

Here’s your go-to guide for the most popular knitted pillow sizes—and tips to customize them too!

Common Knitted Pillow Sizes

These sizes match standard pillow inserts, making it easy to find filling that fits your beautiful handmade covers. 

Pillows come in all shapes and different sizes. 

You can make a round pillow, a square, a rectangle, or a heart-shaped one. 

• 12 ’’ x 12’’ – 30 x 30 cm – Square 
• 16 ’’ x 16’’ – 40 x 40 cm – Square 
• 18 ’’ x 18’’ – 45 x 45 cm – Square 
• 20 ’’ x 20’’ – 50 x 50 cm – Square 
• 26’ ’x 26’’ – 65 x 65 cm – Square 
• 12’’ x 16’’ – 30 x 40 cm – Rectangular 
• 14’’ x 20’’ – 35 x 50 cm – Rectangular 
• 14’’ – 35 cm diameter – Round
• 18’’ – 45 cm diameter – Round

How Much Stuffing Do You Need for Each Pillow Size?

If you’re knitting a pillow and stuffing it yourself (instead of using a pre-made insert), it’s helpful to know how much polyester fiberfill (or a similar filling) you’ll need.

The right amount gives your pillow that perfect balance of softness and support, without being overstuffed or floppy.

Fiberfill Estimates by Pillow Size

These estimates are based on standard densities for soft yet plump stuffing. 

Actual needs may vary based on how firmly you like your pillows filled.

• 12 ’’ x 12’’ – 30 x 30 cm: You will need 6–8 oz (170–225 g)
• 16 ’’ x 16’’ – 40 x 40 cm: You will need 10–12 oz (280–340 g)
• 18 ’’ x 18’’ – 45 x 45 cm: You will need 12–14 oz (340–400 g)
• 20 ’’ x 20’’ – 50 x 50 cm: You will need 14–16 oz (400–450 g)
• 26’ ’x 26’’ – 65 x 65 cm: You will need 24–28 oz (680–800 g)
• 12’’ x 16’’ – 30 x 40 cm: You will need 8–10 oz (225–280 g)
• 14’’ x 20’’ – 35 x 50 cm: You will need 10–12 oz (280–340 g)
• 14’’ – 35 cm diameter: You will need 10–12 oz (280–340 g)
• 18’’ – 45 cm diameter: You will need 14–16 oz (400–450 g)

Fiberfill is usually sold in 16 oz (1 lb) or 32 oz (2 lb) bags.

One 1-lb bag is enough for most small or medium pillows.

Using a slightly larger insert than the cover (typically 1–2 inches bigger) creates a fuller, plumper, and more luxurious look. 

The pillow will feel firmer, sit better on furniture, and avoid that saggy or deflated appearance that can happen when the insert and cover are the same size.

How to Adjust for Custom Shapes

For non-standard or shaped pillows (hearts, animals, stars, etc.):

• Use the surface area + depth to estimate how much stuffing you’ll need.
• It’s better to buy slightly more than run out mid-project—leftovers can always be used for toys or mini pillows!

 Pro Tips for Stuffing Your Knitted Pillow

• Layer gradually: Add stuffing in small handfuls to avoid lumps.
• Fill the corners first: Use a knitting needle or chopstick to push filling into edges.
• Don’t overstuff: Knit fabric stretches! Too much filling can warp your design.
• For removable covers: You can still use stuffing by creating a fabric pillow insert to contain the fiberfill inside.

What is the best filling material for a pillow?    

The best filling material for a knitted pillow depends on your desired texture, shape, and intended use.

Here are the most popular and practical choices:

1. Polyester Fiberfill (Polyfil):
This is the most common and affordable option. It’s lightweight, hypoallergenic, machine washable, and gives a soft, puffy feel. Ideal for handmade and decorative pillows, fiberfill is easy to adjust and works well for both square and shaped designs.

2. Pillow Inserts (Pre-made):
For a polished, removable cover look, use standard pillow inserts filled with down, down-alternative, or polyester. These come in various sizes and offer structure while making cleaning easier—just take the insert out and wash the cover.

3. Foam (Shredded or Solid):
Foam provides firmer support and retains shape well. Shredded foam allows more flexibility and squish, while solid foam is ideal for lumbar or floor cushions. Some knitters sew a fabric liner around the foam to help the knitted cover grip better.

4. Wool Roving or Batting:
Natural wool stuffing offers eco-friendly warmth and a slightly denser, supportive feel. It’s breathable and holds shape nicely but is more expensive and usually requires a liner to avoid poking fibers.

5. Recycled/Upcycled Filling:
Scraps of yarn, fabric, or old clothing can be used as a sustainable stuffing alternative—great for scrap busting and adding unique texture and weight to your pillow.

Tip: If you’re using fiberfill or loose material, consider creating a fabric insert to hold the stuffing in place, giving your knitted cover better structure and longevity.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to the craft and need help with the knitting basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

• This includes cast-ons, bind-offs, basic knit stitches, short rows, and more. 
• Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.
• You can also check out this step-by-step guide on how to knit for beginners. – How To Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide
• If you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
• For extra help and to connect with more makers from the crafting community, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group. 
• If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here. – Free Crochet Patterns
• You can also find us on social media, Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok. 

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