There’s nothing quite like a giant, plush fruit to brighten up a bedroom or reading nook. This strawberry pillow uses “blanket” yarn, which creates a rich, velvety texture that feels amazing to touch. It’s a fast project, and because it’s a simple shape, it’s the perfect confidence-builder for new crocheters.
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Finished Size: Approx. 10–12 inches wide
- Terminology: US Crochet Terms
- Time Required: 3–4 hours
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Super Bulky (Weight 6) Chenille or Velvet Yarn (e.g., Loops & Threads Chenille Home).
- Colors: Crimson Red (Berry) and Sage Green (Leaves).
- Hook: 8.0mm or 10.0mm (use a large hook to match the bulky yarn).
- Extras: A large bag of polyester fiberfill, tapestry needle, and stitch markers.
Abbreviations
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase
- dec: Invisible Decrease
- ch: Chain
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- FO: Fasten off
The Pattern
The Strawberry Body
Using Crimson Red yarn:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- Inc in each st (12)
- [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18)
- [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)
- [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)
- [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)
- [5 sc, inc] 6 times (42)
8-15. Sc in each st around (42) - [5 sc, dec] 6 times (36)
- [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)
Stuff firmly with fiberfill. - [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)
- [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)
- [1 sc, dec] 6 times (12)
- Dec 6 times, FO. Weave tail through the remaining loops to close.
The Leaf Topper
Using Sage Green yarn:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- Inc in each st (12)
- [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18)
- Creating the leaves: [Ch 6, starting in 2nd ch from hook: 1 sc, 2 hdc, 1 dc, 1 sc in the next stitch of the round]. Repeat this 6 times around the circle to create the 6-leaf star shape.
- The Stem: In the center of the MR, join green yarn and ch 5, sc down the chain to create a small stalk. FO.
Expert Tips for Jumbo Plushies
- The “Invisible” Stuffing: Since this pillow is large, you’ll need a lot of fiberfill! To keep it from looking lumpy, tear your fiberfill into small, golf-ball-sized tufts before inserting them. This ensures the pillow stays evenly round.
- Hook Selection: With chenille yarn, your stitches will be invisible. If you find the “gaps” between stitches are too large, drop your hook size down one half-millimeter. You want a tight, dense fabric so the stuffing doesn’t show through.
- Attaching the Topper: Don’t just sew the leaf topper at the center. Take your tapestry needle and sew the edges of each of the 6 green leaves onto the red berry body. This makes the topper lay flat against the strawberry and prevents it from curling up.
Ready to make your strawberry?
This project is so satisfying because it grows so quickly. Once you’re done, it makes an incredible gift or a “pop of color” for your own bed!
