Make a gorgeous loop texture throw pillow (it’s easy!!)

In today’s post: Learn how to use loop yarn to finger knit this cool textured throw pillow.

I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, but having mild carpal tunnel means I have a really hard time holding knitting needles or crochet hooks for long periods of time. Last fall I discovered loop yarn, which was revolutionary for me. Loop yarn has loops already sewn into it, making it super easy to knit with just your fingers even if you have no idea how to knit.

Last fall I made two different blankets: this buffalo check blanket using the basic knit stitch, and this pretty cable knit blanket. I have another blanket planned, but while checking out some free patterns I came across the instructions for this awesome loopy textured throw pillow.

The blanket got tossed aside and I started this throw pillow the next day and finished it in a couple of hours. Today I’m sharing an instructional video that will show you exactly how to make one too!

I just about swooned when I saw this color at the craft store. It’s called Seafoam and it might be the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen! This is what it looks like when you purchase it:

Loop Yarn brands

I’ve now tried three different loop yarn brands, so I thought I’d give you a quick rundown of my thoughts on each. I’ve purchased all of them from Jo-Ann, and always on sale. This yarn isn’t cheap, but it’s tons of fun to work with if you’re willing to watch for sales, which happen regularly. I think there’s at least one more brand that I haven’t tried yet – when I do I’ll update here!

Bernat Alize Blanket EZ yarn

This was the yarn I’ve used for both of my blankets, and I’ve really loved it. It’s extremely soft, so much so that my kids fight over the blankets regularly. It comes in a larger size ball and is available in quite a few colors, including some really pretty variegated colors (like the one I used on the cable knit blanket). It has held up well so far and is machine washable. The thing I like best about this brand is the really fantastic website that has tons of free patterns, including the one for today’s pillow.

Off the Hook yarn by Lion Brand

I used this yarn for today’s pillow, and I really love it as well! It’s also very soft, but feels slightly sturdier than the Blanket EZ yarn, which I actually like better when you’re using the basic knit stitch. And the colors! They have a really great selection of solids in the most gorgeous shades, as well as some variegated shades. This yarn comes in smaller balls, about half the size of the Blanket EZ, which are also half the price. Again, this one is machine washable and I’d definitely recommend it.

Big Twist Loopity Loops Yarn

This is the last yarn I’ve tried, and it’s definitely my least favorite. It’s pretty and extremely soft, but there was a good bit of shedding while I knitted it up, and it just doesn’t feel nearly as sturdy as the other two yarns.

How to make a loopy textured throw pillow

The pattern for this loopy textured throw pillow is from the Yarnspirations site found here. It’s written for a 20 inch throw pillow, but I always have 18 inch pillow forms on hand, so I adapted the size down to 18 inches. I also found the written pattern just a little hard to follow (maybe because I’m not a knitter), so once I figured it out I made a video explaining exactly how to make it. Enjoy!

Watch the video here:

 

Loop Yarn Tips

• To start a loop yarn project, always cut open the last loop on your strand to make a tail. At the end of your project you can tie off and snip the tail, or just weave it in.
• When you get to the end of your ball of yarn and need to start a new one, cut open the last loop to create a tail. Tie the tail of the old yarn to the tail of a new ball of yarn, and just continue looping with the new yarn. At the end of your project you can weave the tails in.
• Stop at the end of each completed row and flatten out your loops, ensuring none of them are twisted. Also check the backside of your project at the end of each row to make sure you haven’t skipped any loops – it’s easy to fix if you only have to pull out part of one row to do so!
• I find it easiest to work with loop yarn if I have a flat surface to work on. If I want to sit on the couch instead of at the table, I just place a picture book or other lightweight flat surface on my lap as I’m working.

This is what the front of the pillow looks like once completed:

And this is what the back of the pillow looks like:

 

Let me know if you give loop yarn a try! I’d love to hear what you’ve made or what you think about the different brands of yarn. Thanks for visiting!