Two-Tone Velvet Unicorn Pillow Pal Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

Meet the Two-Tone Velvet Unicorn Pillow Pal — a squishy, huggable friend worked in ice blue and silver velvet yarn that feels like a cloud in your hands. This pattern is written for crocheters who are comfortable with single crochet, increases, and decreases, and want a cozy project that comes together with almost no sewing. The body is a simple flat rectangle that gets folded, joined, and stuffed, while the spiral horn, little ears, and four short legs are all attached with crochet joins instead of a needle. The finished pal is a rounded rectangle about 14 inches wide and 10 inches tall, with a soft silver band across the lower section and a whimsical white horn on top — perfect for a nursery, a reading nook, or a gift for a unicorn lover.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) velvet yarn, 100% polyester. Color A (Ice Blue): 1 skein, approx. 150 yd. Color B (Silver): 1 skein, approx. 100 yd. Color C (White): small amount, approx. 10 yd, for the horn.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or the size needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, and polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
• Finished size: Approximately 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide x 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall, excluding legs and horn.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• dec — decrease: work 2 single crochet stitches together into one stitch.
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• R / Rnd — row / round.

Gauge

14 single crochet stitches x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section in the middle; if your stitches are larger or smaller, change your hook size so the finished pillow matches the stated size.

Tips Before You Start

• Velvet yarn can shed and slip, so keep your tension relaxed and avoid ripping out stitches more than necessary — the pile hides small imperfections beautifully.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row of the body; the rectangle must stay at 40 stitches so the pillow joins evenly.
• When working the legs into the base rounds, use stitch markers to space the four legs evenly before you begin.
• Stuff the pillow firmly but not rock-hard, adding fiberfill in small handfuls so the velvet surface stays smooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pillow Body (Color A, then Color B)

Row 1: Ch 41, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (40 sts).

Rows 2–40: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (40 sts). Do not fasten off.

Change to Color B.

Rows 41–48: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (40 sts). Fasten off.

Legs (make 4, Color A)

Work into the base rounds of the body. Join Color A with a sl st to Row 1, leaving 8 sts from the side edge.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 5 sts (6 sts).

Rnds 2–6: Sc in each st around (6 sts). Fasten off.

Repeat for 3 more legs, spacing them evenly along Row 1 and Row 48 (two legs on each short end).

Horn (Color C)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [Sc, inc] x3 (9 sts).

Rnd 3: [2 sc, inc] x3 (12 sts).

Rnd 4: [3 sc, inc] x3 (15 sts).

Rnd 5: [4 sc, inc] x3 (18 sts).

Rnds 6–10: Sc in each st around (18 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Ears (make 2, Color A)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnds 4–6: Sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 7: [Sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 8: Dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Assembly and Finishing

Flatten the body. Join Color A with a sl st through both layers along the sides and top, working sc evenly to close, leaving the bottom open for stuffing. Stuff firmly, then continue closing the bottom. Attach the horn to the top center of the head using a crochet join: sl st through the horn base and the body. Attach the ears on either side of the horn, about 2 inches apart, using sl st joins. Weave in all ends. Gently shape the pillow with your hands and lightly steam or mist the velvet to smooth the surface; avoid heavy blocking, which can crush the pile.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the silver band for a pastel pink or lavender to create a different unicorn colorway.
• Add a small crocheted star or heart appliqué to the silver band for extra charm.
• Use a slightly larger hook for a looser, drapier pillow, or a smaller hook for a firmer, more structured pal.