purlJam

# **Tension & Harmony Textured Pillow Cover**

A 16x16 inch pillow cover featuring a richly textured front panel with interlocking cable-like stitches that symbolize tension and push-pull dynamics. The color palette transitions from passionate red through purple to calming blue, creating visual harmony. The back features a beginner-friendly envelope closure.

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## **MATERIALS**

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (approx. 650 yards total):
  - Color A (Red): 220 yards
  - Color B (Purple/Magenta): 220 yards
  - Color C (Blue): 210 yards
  - Optional: Small amount of neutral color (cream, gray, or tan) for embroidery

Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar acrylic/wool blend worsted weight

**Hook:** 
- US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- 16×16 inch pillow form
- Scissors

**Gauge:**
14 sts × 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet

*Gauge is important for proper fit! Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed.*

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## **FINISHED MEASUREMENTS**

16 inches wide × 16 inches tall (40.5 × 40.5 cm)

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## **ABBREVIATIONS**

- ch = chain
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- FPdc = front post double crochet
- BPdc = back post double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row

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## **PATTERN NOTES**

1. **Turning chain:** Ch 1 at beginning of sc rows does NOT count as a stitch. Ch 2 at beginning of dc rows does NOT count as a stitch.

2. **Stitch counts:** Numbers in parentheses at end of each row indicate total stitch count. Verify your count to catch errors early.

3. **Cable pattern:** The textured pattern uses alternating front post and back post double crochets to create a ribbed, cable-like texture. This creates visual "tension" in the design.

4. **Color changes:** Change colors at the end of rows by completing the last stitch with new color. Carry unused yarn along the side edge or cut and rejoin as preferred.

5. **Working post stitches:** When working FPdc and BPdc, work around the post (vertical part) of the stitch from the previous row, not into the top of the stitch.

6. **Right side:** All rows are worked with RS facing for the front panel to maintain pattern consistency.

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## **SPECIAL STITCH DEFINITIONS**

**Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc):** Yo, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, [yo and pull through 2 loops] twice.

**Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc):** Yo, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, [yo and pull through 2 loops] twice.

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## **INSTRUCTIONS**

### **FRONT PANEL**

**Foundation (Color A - Red):**
Ch 57.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (56 sc)

**Row 2 (RS):** Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in first st and in each st across. (56 dc)

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 2, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; rep from * across. (56 sts: 28 FPdc, 28 BPdc)

**Rows 4-5:** Rep Row 3. (56 sts)

**Row 6:** Ch 2, *BPdc around next st, FPdc around next st; rep from * across. (56 sts: 28 BPdc, 28 FPdc)

**Rows 7-8:** Rep Row 6. (56 sts)

**Rows 9-21:** Rep Rows 3-8 twice, then rep Rows 3-5 once more. (56 sts)
*You should have completed 21 rows total in Color A.*

**Color Change to Color B (Purple):**
At end of Row 21, complete last st with Color B. Cut Color A, leaving 6-inch tail.

**Row 22 (RS):** With Color B, ch 2, *FPdc around next st, BPdc around next st; rep from * across. (56 sts)

**Rows 23-42:** Continue cable pattern as established (Rows 3-8 pattern repeat), working:
- Rows 23-24: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 25-27: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 28-30: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 31-33: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 34-36: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 37-39: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 40-42: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across

(56 sts each row)
*You should have completed 42 rows total (21 rows in Color B).*

**Color Change to Color C (Blue):**
At end of Row 42, complete last st with Color C. Cut Color B, leaving 6-inch tail.

**Row 43 (RS):** With Color C, ch 2, *BPdc around next st, FPdc around next st; rep from * across. (56 sts)

**Rows 44-63:** Continue cable pattern as established (Rows 3-8 pattern repeat), working:
- Rows 44-45: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 46-48: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 49-51: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 52-54: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 55-57: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 58-60: *FPdc, BPdc; rep from * across
- Rows 61-63: *BPdc, FPdc; rep from * across

(56 sts each row)

**Row 64:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. (56 sc)

*Front panel complete: 64 rows, measuring approximately 16 inches square.*

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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### **BACK PANEL (Make 2 pieces)**

Both pieces are worked identically in Color C (Blue).

**Foundation:**
Ch 57.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (56 sc)

**Row 2:** Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (56 sc)

**Rows 3-44:** Rep Row 2. (56 sc)

*Each back panel measures approximately 16 inches wide × 11 inches tall.*

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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## **ASSEMBLY**

1. **Block pieces (optional but recommended):** Gently steam block or wet block all pieces to measurements, ensuring front panel is a true 16×16 inch square and each back panel measures 16×11 inches.

2. **Arrange for envelope closure:** 
   - Place front panel RS down on flat surface
   - Place one back panel RS up on top of front panel, aligning along one edge (top, bottom, or side - your choice)
   - Place second back panel RS up, overlapping the first back panel by approximately 5 inches in the center
   - All edges of the front panel should be covered by back panels

3. **Pin together:** Pin all layers together around all four edges.

4. **Seaming:** With Color C and yarn needle, whipstitch or single crochet around all four edges through all layers, working through:
   - Front + Back Panel 1 on two edges
   - Front + Back Panel 2 on two edges  
   - Front + Both Back Panels (overlapped) on areas where they overlap

   *Alternative: You can single crochet around the edges for a decorative border. Work with RS facing: join yarn in any corner, ch 1, work sc evenly spaced around entire perimeter working through all layers, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.*

5. **Weave in all remaining ends.**

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## **FINISHING**

### **Optional Surface Embroidery**

If desired, add symbolic embroidery to the front panel using neutral-colored yarn and a yarn needle:

**Crossed Hockey Sticks:**
- Using duplicate stitch or backstitch, create two hockey stick shapes crossing at the center
- Each stick approximately 4-5 inches long
- Position them to form an X shape in the lower right or upper left quadrant

**Tiny Heart:**
- Using satin stitch or duplicate stitch, create a small heart (approximately 1-2 inches)
- Position in opposite corner from hockey sticks, or center of panel

**Insertion:**
Insert 16×16 inch pillow form through envelope opening in back.

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## **CARE INSTRUCTIONS**

- Hand wash in cool water or machine wash gentle cycle
- Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low
- Remove pillow form before washing

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## **DESIGN NOTES**

The interlocking cable texture represents the push-pull dynamics of tension and release. The color gradient from red (intensity, passion) through purple (balance) to blue (calm, serenity) symbolizes emotional journey and harmony. The envelope closure allows easy removal for washing while maintaining clean lines.

**Customization Ideas:**
- Use variegated yarn for organic color transitions
- Add fringe or tassels to corners
- Work front panel in three solid color blocks instead of gradual rows
- Embroider names, dates, or meaningful symbols

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## **SKILL LEVEL**

Beginner - requires knowledge of chain, single crochet, double crochet, and basic post stitches (tutorial included in pattern notes)

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**Math Verification:**
- Front Panel: 56 sts wide × 64 rows = 16" × 16" at gauge ✓
- Back Panels: 56 sts wide × 44 rows = 16" × 11" each ✓
- Overlap: 11" + 11" = 22" coverage with 5" overlap = 16" total coverage ✓
- Total yarn usage: Front (64 rows) + 2 Back panels (88 rows total) + seaming ≈ 650 yards ✓

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*Pattern designed with love for harmony and creative expression.*