Simple hearts pillow cover– free crochet PATTERN

Simple Hearts Pillow Case is a free crochet pattern for a textured crochet pillow cover, designed especially for Valentine’s Day and cozy crochet home décor. This crochet pillow case pattern features raised heart stitches that create a soft, romantic texture, making it a beautiful handmade crochet gift or a stylish decorative accent for your home.

Textured crochet pillow cover with heart pattern displayed on a sofa as Valentine’s Day home decor.

About this free crochet pillow case pattern

This free crochet pillow pattern is designed to fit a 16-inch pillow and works perfectly as a Valentine’s Day crochet gift, anniversary present, or thoughtful handmade home accessory. Beyond seasonal décor, this crochet pillow cover is ideal if you want to refresh your sofa, update your living room pillows, or add warmth and texture to your home décor with crochet.

Designed for the confident beginner, this crochet pattern is a great introduction to textured crochet stitches and decorative techniques. The stitch repeat is easy to follow and enjoyable to work, making this project relaxing while still helping you build skills for more advanced crochet designs.
The pattern is written using US crochet terms and includes clear, beginner-friendly instructions.

Simple Hearts Pillow Case is a practical and versatile free crochet pattern that combines texture, comfort, and timeless design. Whether you’re searching for a free crochet pillow case pattern, a textured crochet pillow cover, or a meaningful Valentine’s Day crochet project, this design is a lovely way to create a cozy, heart-inspired accent for your home.

Finished textured crochet pillow case with heart stitches, perfect for Valentine’s Day home decor and handmade gifts.

Materials

Yarn: Loops&Threads, Soft Classic Ombre (100% Acrylic; #4 Medium / Worsted Weight; 120 g / 196 m [4 oz / 214 yd] per skein), color Pink Ombre– approx. 280 g (457 m/500 yd/9.33 oz) used.

Feel free to substitute the suggested yarn with any yarn of similar weight and fiber, as long as gauge is achieved.

HOOK: US I-9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

NOTIONS: yarn needle, scissors, tape measure.

abbreviations

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

st(s) – stitch(es)

yo – yarn over

rep – repeat

cm – centimeter(s)

in – inch(es)

yd – yard(s)

g – gram(s)

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

[…] –repeat the stitches or sequence inside the brackets as many times as indicated

(…) – indicate the stitch around which the front post (or back post) stitch is worked

SPECIAL STITCHES

Sk1-FPpuff – skip 1 stitch and work front post puff stitch

Ret1-FPpuff – return 1 stitch back and work front post puff stitch

Gauge

Front panel: 12.5 sts and 16 rows = 4 in [10 cm] in textured pattern of front post puff stitches and sc using suggested hook.

Back panel: 12 sts and 16 rows = 4 in [10 cm] in pattern of sc using suggested hook.

Gauge is taken after blocking.

CONSTRACTIONS NOTES

  • The pillow case is worked in two separate panels
  • Each panel crocheted in turned rows
  • Joined together using a zigzag slip stitch joining method

STITCH NOTES

  • The turning chain does not count as a stitch throughout the pattern.
  • Always skip the stitch directly behind each front post puff stitch.
  • Front post puff stitches are always worked around the post of the stitch two rows below.

To avoid distortion or curling of the fabric, make sure to work front post puff stitches loosely and evenly. Excess tension on front post stitches can cause the pattern to lean or tighten.

Instructions

FRONT PANEL

Row 1: Ch 47, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Row 2 (WS) and every alternate row: Sc in first st and each st across; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Row 3 (RS): sc in first st, [Sk1-FPpuff, sc in next 2 sts, Ret1-FPpuff, sc in next 6 sts] 4 times, Sk1-FPpuff, sc in next 2 sts, Ret1-FPpuff, sc in last st; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Close-up of textured heart crochet stitch made with front post puff stitches in a free crochet pillow pattern.

Photo shows completed Sk1-FPpuff, sc in next 2 sts, Ret1-FPpuff

Rows 4-12: Sc in first st and each st across; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Row 13: [sc in next 6 sts, Sk1-FPpuff, sc in next 2 sts, Ret1-FPpuff] 4 times, sc in last 6 sts, ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Rows 14-20: Sc in first st and each st across; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Rows 21-60: Rep rows 1-20 twice more.

Rows 61-63: Rep rows 1-3.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

CHART

Crochet stitch chart showing heart pattern repeat for a textured crochet pillow case pattern.
Crochet chart legend with stitch symbols for a free crochet pillow cover pattern.

The diagram shows the stitch repeat for Rows 1–20. Read RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right. Refer to Key for stitch symbols.

Once finished, the front panel should measure approximately 15 inches [37.5 cm] in width and 15.5 inches [39 cm] in height.
Reference photos with measurements are included (click to enlarge).

Front panel width measurement for a free crochet pillow case pattern fitting a 16 inch pillow.
Front panel height measurement for a textured crochet pillow cover with heart stitches.

BACK PANEL

Row 1: Ch 47, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Rows 2-63: Sc in first st and each st across; ch 1, turn – 46 sts.

Do not fasten off. The working loop on the hook will be used to begin joining. Once finished, the back panel should measure approximately 15 inches [37.5 cm] in width and 15.5 inches [39 cm] in height (click to enlarge).

Back panel width measurement for a free crochet pillow case pattern fitting a 16 inch pillow.
Back panel height measurement for a free crochet pillow cover pattern worked in single crochet.

FINISHING

Place both panels side by side with the right sides facing up, aligning all edges evenly.

The panels are joined along the edges using a zigzag slip stitch joining method, worked alternately from one panel to the other.

Start joining at the edge where the yarn is attached after finishing the back panel:

  • 1. Insert your hook into the next stitch along the edge of the front panel from front to back. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all loops on the hook, completing a slip stitch.
  • 2. Then insert the hook into the corresponding stitch along the edge of the back panel from front to back. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all loops on the hook, completing a slip stitch.
  • 3. Continue repeating Steps 1 and 2, alternating between the front and back panels, working evenly along the edge until the panels are joined.
Close-up of zigzag slip stitch joining used to assemble a textured crochet pillow case pattern.

Repeat these 4 steps, alternating in a gentle zigzag motion from one panel to the other, working evenly along the edge until the panels are joined.

Take care not to pull too tightly to keep the seam flexible and flat.

Side view of zigzag slip stitch seam on a finished textured crochet pillow cover.

Enjoy your creation — whether you gift it, display it, or sell the finished piece! Let it bring joy and comfort.

Finished textured crochet pillow case with heart stitches, perfect for Valentine’s Day home decor.

Pattern Reminders

  • This free pattern is intended for personal use only. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without the designer’s permission is not allowed.
  • You may sell finished items made using this pattern, but please credit the designer: Olha Bykova Crocheting.
  • Share your finished projects! I love seeing how you bring this pattern to life. Tag your photos with #OlhaBykovaCrocheting on social media.
  • For any questions about the pattern or techniques used, please refer to the stitch glossary or contact the designer.

Support my work and enjoy an easy, well-structured crochet experience you’ll love!

Wishing you many happy stitches and lots of joyful crocheting!

Loved this pattern? Take a look at my other textured and aran crochet patterns — each one made to bring a touch of cozy handmade charm to your next project.