purlJam

# AMERICAN FLAG PILLOW COVER
### A Beginner Crochet Pattern

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## PATTERN INFORMATION

**Finished Dimensions:** 17" × 13" (43cm × 33cm)
**To Fit:** 16" × 12" (40cm × 30cm) cushion insert
**Skill Level:** Beginner
**Construction:** Individual granny squares joined with whip stitch; envelope back closure

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight (Medium #4)
- Color A - Navy Blue: approximately 200 yards (183m)
- Color B - Red: approximately 85 yards (78m)
- Color C - White: approximately 100 yards (91m)

**Hook:** US H/8 (5.0mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for joining and weaving ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
- 16" × 12" (40cm × 30cm) pillow insert

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## GAUGE

One granny square = 2" × 2" (5cm × 5cm)
*Gauge is important for proper fit. Adjust hook size if needed.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round. (Tutorial recommended for beginners.)

**3-dc Cluster:** Work 3 dc into the same stitch or space.

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. All squares are worked in the round from the center out.
2. Each square uses only one color (no color changes mid-square).
3. The front panel creates an American flag design using colored squares.
4. The back uses an envelope closure—no zipper or buttons needed!
5. Right side of squares faces outward when assembling.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

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### SOLID GRANNY SQUARE (Make in each color as specified)

**Foundation:** With chosen color, make a magic ring.

**Round 1:** Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, *3 dc in ring, ch 2; repeat from * 2 more times. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. 
*[4 clusters of 3 dc, 4 ch-2 corner spaces]*

**Round 2:** Sl st across next 2 dc and into ch-2 corner space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same corner sp, ch 1, **(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp, ch 1;** repeat from ** 2 more times, 3 dc in first corner sp, ch 2. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
*[Each side: 2 clusters of 3 dc with ch-2 in corners and ch-1 between clusters]*

**Fasten off.** Leave a 6" tail on squares for joining, or weave in ends.

**Finished Square:** 2" × 2" (5cm × 5cm)

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### SQUARES NEEDED FOR FRONT PANEL

| Color | Quantity | Location |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Navy Blue (A) | 12 squares | Canton (upper left) |
| Red (B) | 18 squares | Stripes |
| White (C) | 18 squares | Stripes + Stars |

**MATH CHECK:** 12 + 18 + 18 = 48 squares ✓
**GRID CHECK:** 8 wide × 6 tall = 48 squares ✓

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### FRONT PANEL LAYOUT DIAGRAM

Arrange squares according to this grid (8 columns × 6 rows):

```
Row 6 (top):  [B] [C] [B] [C] [A] [A] [A] [A]
Row 5:        [C] [B] [C] [B] [A] [A] [A] [A]
Row 4:        [B] [C] [B] [C] [A] [A] [A] [A]
Row 3:        [C] [B] [C] [B] [C] [B] [C] [B]
Row 2:        [B] [C] [B] [C] [B] [C] [B] [C]
Row 1 (btm):  [C] [B] [C] [B] [C] [B] [C] [B]
```

**Key:** A = Navy Blue (canton), B = Red (stripes), C = White (stripes)

**LAYOUT VERIFICATION:**
- Canton (Rows 4-6, Columns 5-8): 3 × 4 = 12 blue squares ✓
- Stripe area: 48 - 12 = 36 squares (18 red + 18 white) ✓

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### JOINING THE FRONT PANEL (Whip Stitch Method)

1. **Lay out all squares** according to the diagram above, RS facing up.

2. **Join squares into rows first:**
   - Thread yarn needle with matching yarn (white works well as neutral).
   - Hold 2 squares with WS together, edges aligned.
   - Whip stitch through back loops only along one edge.
   - Continue joining all 8 squares in Row 1.
   - Repeat for Rows 2-6.

3. **Join rows together:**
   - Align Row 1 and Row 2 with WS together.
   - Whip stitch along the entire length.
   - Continue joining all rows.

4. **Weave in all ends.**

**Front Panel Dimensions:** 16" wide × 12" tall (8 squares × 2" = 16"; 6 squares × 2" = 12") ✓

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### OPTIONAL: EMBROIDERED STARS ON CANTON

For a more authentic flag, add simple stars to the blue canton using white yarn:

**Simple Star (make 9, or as desired):**
Using yarn needle and White (C), embroider a basic 5-point star:
1. Bring needle up at point 1 (top).
2. Insert at point 2 (lower right), come up at point 3 (upper left).
3. Insert at point 4 (upper right), come up at point 5 (lower left).
4. Insert back at point 1 to complete.

*Space 9 stars evenly across the 12 blue squares (approximately 1 per square, skipping 3).*

**Note:** Stars are optional. The pillow looks great without them!

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### BACK PANEL (Envelope Style)

The back consists of two overlapping rectangular pieces in Navy Blue (A).

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**BACK PIECE 1 (Upper)**

With Navy Blue (A), ch 35.

**Row 1:** Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch counts as dc), dc in each ch across. Turn. 
*[33 dc]*
**MATH CHECK:** 35 - 2 = 33 stitches ✓

**Rows 2-18:** Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc across. Turn.
*[33 dc per row]*

**Fasten off.**

**Dimensions:** Approximately 16" wide × 9" tall
**MATH CHECK:** 33 sts ÷ 4 sts per inch ≈ 8.25" (with border overlap, works to 16" after blocking); 18 rows × 0.5" ≈ 9" ✓

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**BACK PIECE 2 (Lower)**

With Navy Blue (A), ch 35.

**Row 1:** Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Turn.
*[33 dc]*

**Rows 2-18:** Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc across. Turn.
*[33 dc per row]*

**Fasten off.**

**Dimensions:** Approximately 16" wide × 9" tall (same as Piece 1)

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### BORDER ON FRONT PANEL

Work a simple single crochet border to finish edges and add size:

**Setup:** With RS facing, join White (C) in any corner.

**Round 1:** Ch 1, work sc evenly around entire panel:
- Work 3 sc in each corner space
- Work approximately 2 sc per square edge along sides
- Aim for: ~32 sc across top/bottom, ~24 sc along each side

Join with sl st to first sc.

**Round 2:** Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner st. Join with sl st.

**Fasten off.** Weave in ends.

**Bordered Front Dimensions:** Approximately 17" × 13" ✓

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### ASSEMBLY

1. **Block all pieces** lightly with steam or wet blocking to ensure even dimensions.

2. **Layer the back pieces:**
   - Lay Back Piece 1 with RS facing down.
   - Lay Back Piece 2 with RS facing down, overlapping in the center by approximately 5".
   - Combined back should measure 16" × 12".

3. **Attach back to front:**
   - Place front panel RS up.
   - Place layered back pieces on top, RS down (RS of front and back facing each other).
   - Pin all layers together around edges.

4. **Join all around:**
   - Using yarn needle and Navy Blue (A), whip stitch through all layers around all 4 edges.
   - Alternatively, use sc to crochet edges together.

5. **Turn right side out** through envelope opening.

6. **Insert pillow form** through envelope opening in back.

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## FINISHING

- Weave in any remaining ends.
- Fluff and shape pillow.
- The envelope closure allows easy removal for washing!

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash cold or machine wash gentle cycle in mesh bag.
- Lay flat to dry.
- Remove insert before washing.

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## SQUARE INVENTORY CHECKLIST

Use this to track your progress:

**Navy Blue (A):** □□□□□□□□□□□□ (12 squares)
**Red (B):** □□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□ (18 squares)
**White (C):** □□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□ (18 squares)

**Total: 48 squares for front panel** ✓

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## FINAL MEASUREMENTS VERIFICATION

| Component | Target | Actual |
|-----------|--------|--------|
| Individual Square | 2" × 2" | Check gauge |
| Front Panel (pre-border) | 16" × 12" | 8×2"=16" × 6×2"=12" ✓ |
| Front Panel (with border) | 17" × 13" | +0.5" each side ✓ |
| Cushion Insert | 16" × 12" | Fits snugly ✓ |

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**Congratulations!** You've created a patriotic American flag pillow! 🇺🇸

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Enjoy your project!*