This entry-level intarsia crochet pillow pattern features a map of South America. Make it for the travel-lover in your life! Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with line-by-line stitch count on Etsy here, on LoveCrafts here, or get the free pattern below.
Why I Chose to Make a Crochet South America Pillow
As both crochet and geography lover I often design map patterns. (It’s probably not right to say I “design,” as the designs are already there!) You can read more about my story and love for crochet geography in my C2C Africa blanket post.
Following my Vintage Africa Map Blanket in the C2C crochet technique I thought I might propose something smaller. So if you’ve already tried that afghan, you might want a nice addition that makes a set!
OR: if a blanket is too much for you, but you like the idea of crocheting maps – start with this little South America Map Pillow.
This pattern is even simpler not only because it is so much smaller, but also uses only single crochet. Yes! Just single crochet. And some color changes, but just a few.
However, if you still feel intimidated, have a look at this 10x10cm/4×4″ map square, featuring South America! Free pattern is HERE.
Use Your Leftover Yarn
As for the yarn – more good news. To make the pillow I used the leftovers from Vintage Africa Map Blanket, which was made with Lion Brand Heartland. So if you’ve already purchased that yarn, just use what’s left.
The South America Map Pillow is crocheted entirely with single crochet stitch, so it’s really beginner friendly. It requires changing colors – which is briefly explained in the pattern itself and it’s not difficult at all.
Make both map designs and enjoy curling up under the C2C crochet Africa blanket with the South American pillow under your head, while reading a travel book or watching adventure movies!
And remember: there are many more maps to crochet! Treat these as inspiration and make your own pillow, blanket, potholder, placemat, washcloth or anything you like with nature’s beautiful designs! The world atlas is a big book!
Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more inspiration and check out my Etsy store for lots of crochet map patterns.
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF for the pillow with line-by-line stitch count on Etsy here or on LoveCrafts here.
Add to your Ravelry queue here.
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF for BOTH the blanket and pillow here.
Pin this pattern for later here.
Explanation: This small map pillow allows you to sit comfortably while reading your favorite travel book or scrolling Instagram for travel pictures.
To crochet this pillow pattern, you just need to know how to single crochet. With the leftover yarn from making Vintage Africa Map Blanket and graph, make it your weekend project!
Supplies:
- Lion Brand Heartland (Weight: 4/medium – 251 yds/230 m)
- Yarn A: Yellowstone (158) – 1 skein (or what was left after making Vintage Africa Map C2C Blanket)
- Yarn B: Acadia (98) – 1 skein (or what was left after making Vintage Africa Map C2C Blanket)
- Size H (5 mm) crochet hook
- pillow insert 12”x12”/30×30 cm
Gauge: 7sc x 8 rows = 2”x2”/5 x 5 cm
Finished Size: 12”x12”/30 x 30 cm
Abbreviations (in US terms):
ch – chain
RS – right side
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
WS – wrong side
yo – yarn over
Notes
- Pillow consists of two squares, one with map according to graph (FREE, below) and/or ad-free row-by-row written pattern, available on Etsy HERE or on LoveCrafts HERE ) and one plain. Both squares are made using single crochet stitch throughout. The squares are then joined with single crochet stitches worked along the edges.
- Squares are worked in rows, each row counts 43 sc.
- End each row with ch1, that does not count as a stitch, then turn your work and proceed with the next row.
- On the graph, each square represents 1sc.
Changing colors
- Before you start, divide your supply of yarn A into two more or less equal balls. It will be easier to work with two separate balls when changing colors starts.
- When next sc is marked as a different color on the graph, make the last yo of current sc with new color and continue with new color, leaving previous color on the WS.
- Use the intarsia technique: start a new ball of yarn for each new change of color. You can then pick up and drop the yarns as required, keeping all yarn ends on the WS. This way most of the time you will work with 3 balls: 2x color A, 1x color B.
PATTERN
Front square
Using yarn A, ch44.
← Row 1 [RS]: 1sc in 2nd ch from hook; sc across, (ch1, turn. 43sc: here and throughout)
Next: Follow the graph below, working from bottom to top, changing colors when indicated.
If you prefer ad-free, printable pdf with row-by-row color stitch count, and/or wish to support me, find it on Etsy HERE or on LoveCrafts HERE.
Back square
Using yarn B, ch44.
Row 1: 1sc in 2nd ch from hook; sc across, (ch1, turn. 43sc: here and throughout)
Rows 2-49: sc across.
Fasten off.
Join squares together
Align two squares WS together, Front square (with map) facing. Join yarn B to the top right corner, ch1 (does not count as a st), working along the top row of BOTH squares, 1sc in each sc, 3sc in the corner. Continue along side edge working sc in each row end, 3sc in the corner, continue along the foundation chain, 1sc in each ch.
Now the three sides of the pillow cover are joined together. Insert pillow and continue joining the fourth side as follows: 3sc in the corner, continue along the 4th side edge working sc in each row end, sl st into first sc of round. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
I invite you to try making the Vintage Africa Map C2C Blanket pictured below, they make a set together. Free online pattern is available here.
Thank you so much for choosing my patterns! Please share on social media using @pukapukapl tag Instagram so that I can see your makes and for a chance to be featured!