Glue Ghosts!! 👻

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The hook makes a small, quiet sound as it slips through each loop, and the growing piece rests lightly across your knees while the afternoon fades. This little project, Glue Ghosts!! 👻, has that pleasant kind of repetition that lets your hands settle before your thoughts do. You can make it beside a mug of coffee on a rainy couch day, or carry it to the porch when the air first turns cool. The fabric grows steadily, row by row, with enough texture to keep your fingers interested but not so much that you need to stare at every stitch.

Why Glue Ghosts!! 👻 Is So Soothing to Crochet

Some crochet projects ask you to count constantly. This one gives you a little more room to breathe. The main fabric uses double crochet, a stitch that works up quickly and creates a soft, flexible surface without feeling fussy. Once the first few rows settle into place, your eyes can follow the shape while your hands remember the movement.

I made this on the couch during a rainy evening, with the yarn basket tucked beside my chair. The first rows curled more than I expected, but after the fabric grew heavy enough, it settled across my lap. That small change felt reassuring. Crochet often looks a bit uncertain before it finds its rhythm.

The finished piece is a small rectangular throw pillow cover, sized for an 18-inch pillow form. It gives you something useful at the end without requiring several weeks of work. Many people find crocheting calming because the repeated motion creates a gentle rhythm, and this pattern leaves enough space for that rhythm to develop.

You can work it in a single color for a quiet, simple look, or change colors every few rows for soft horizontal stripes. A coffee-colored neutral suits an armchair, while winter white or muted blue feels at home on a guest bed. The project also works well during those long fall evenings when you want your hands busy but your attention only partly occupied.

The texture comes from the placement of the stitches rather than from complicated post stitches or bobbles. That keeps the surface comfortable against your hands and makes the cover easy to use. You will still count, especially at the beginning, but the pattern soon becomes familiar.

How Glue Ghosts!! 👻 Comes Together

You will crochet two matching rectangles, then join three sides and finish the fourth with a simple button closure. Each rectangle begins with a foundation chain, which is the first chain of stitches that supports the rest of the fabric. After that, you work rows of double crochet with a turning chain at the end of each row.

A double crochet, abbreviated dc, uses one yarn over before you insert the hook and creates a taller stitch than a single crochet. The turning chain gives the next row enough height to begin evenly. This combination suits the pillow cover because it grows at a steady pace and leaves the fabric soft rather than stiff.

This pattern uses US crochet terms. UK readers often find these posts too, and the same word can mean a different stitch there, so please keep that difference in mind. In this pattern, double crochet means the US double crochet, not the UK treble crochet.

The pattern is beginner friendly, although joining the rectangles and lining up the button loops takes a little patience. Allow about three to five evenings, or roughly four to six hours of relaxed crochet time, depending on your tension and how often you pause. You do not need to hurry this piece. The quiet repetition is part of why it is pleasant to make.

Pattern at a Glance

Keep these details nearby before you begin, especially the stitch multiple and finished measurements.

• Skill level: Beginner
• Finished size: 18 inches by 18 inches (46 cm by 46 cm)
• Gauge: 14 double crochet and 8 rows measure 4 inches (10 cm)
• Yarn: Worsted weight (weight 4, medium), about 1,020 total yards from 6 skeins of 170 yards per 100 g skein
• Hook size: H-8 (5.0 mm)
• Other supplies: Yarn needle, scissors, tape measure, 3 stitch markers, one 1-inch button, and a 20-inch pillow form
• Stitch multiple: Any multiple of 2 stitches, with 2 extra chains for the turning chain
• Estimated time: About 4 to 6 hours over 3 to 5 evenings

Materials for Glue Ghosts!! 👻

• Worsted weight yarn, weight 4 medium, acrylic, about 1,020 total yards, or 6 skeins at about 170 yards per 100 g skein (an easy-to-find washable choice)
• H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook (a half size up or down is fine depending on your tension)
• Yarn needle for weaving in the ends
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Three stitch markers, optional but helpful for holding corners and button loops
• One 1-inch button, or a button you can swap for a wooden or plastic button of similar size
• One 20-inch pillow form, preferably polyester fiberfill inside a fabric cover

I used a worsted weight acrylic yarn because a pillow cover meets hands, furniture, and occasional crumbs. Acrylic keeps the project affordable and washable, and it does not require the special handling that some animal fibers need. A common example is Red Heart, although any worsted weight acrylic with a similar yardage will work.

Make a gauge swatch before you commit to the full cover. Work enough double crochet rows to measure at least 4 inches, then count 14 double crochet across and 8 rows high. Those twenty minutes can save you from finishing a cover that will not fit the pillow form.

If your swatch has fewer than 14 stitches across 4 inches, try a smaller hook. If it has more than 14, try a larger hook. A half size up or down changes the fabric gently without forcing you to fight your natural tension.

You can substitute another worsted weight yarn, but check the label for yardage and plan for about 1,020 total yards. Cotton will create a firmer, less stretchy cover and may show creases more clearly. Wool can make a lovely fabric, but untreated wool may felt with warm water or agitation, while superwash wool tolerates machine washing better. Do not press acrylic with a hot iron because acrylic can melt. If you need to shape it, block it cold or use steam from a distance without touching the yarn.

Step by Step

1. Difficulty and stitch multiple: This is a beginner-level project worked in rows of double crochet. The stitch multiple is any multiple of 2 stitches, with 2 extra chains for the turning chain.
2. Make a gauge swatch with your H-8 (5.0 mm) hook. Work 14 double crochet and 8 rows, then measure the center rather than the loose edge. Adjust your hook if your gauge differs noticeably.
3. Chain 64. A chain, abbreviated ch, forms the foundation chain, or starting row, for the fabric. Keep these chains relaxed so the bottom edge does not pull tight.
4. Row 1: Work 1 double crochet in the third chain from the hook, then work 1 double crochet in each chain across. The first two chains count as the turning chain and do not receive another stitch. You will have 62 double crochet.



5. Row 2: Chain 2 and turn. The chain 2 is your turning chain. Work 1 double crochet in the first stitch and in each stitch across, placing the final double crochet in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. You will have 62 double crochet.
6. Rows 3 through 62: Repeat Row 2 for 60 more rows. At the end of every row, count 62 double crochet before turning. The fabric may feel loose at first, then become easier to hold as its weight gathers in your lap.
7. Check the size after Row 62. Your rectangle should measure about 18 inches wide by 18 inches tall (46 cm by 46 cm). If your measurement differs by less than an inch, the pillow cover will usually still work, since the fabric has some flexibility.
8. Fasten off the first rectangle by cutting the yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail, and pulling the tail through the final loop. Make a second rectangle in exactly the same way, beginning with a chain of 64 and ending after Row 62. Each rectangle should contain 62 double crochet across every row.
9. Place the two rectangles together with their right sides facing outward. The right side, abbreviated RS, is the side you want visible on the finished cover. The wrong side, abbreviated WS, faces inward when the pieces sit together.
10. Use stitch markers to hold the side edges and the bottom corners. Join the first three sides with single crochet, abbreviated sc, working through both layers. A single crochet is shorter and denser than a double crochet, so it makes a sturdy seam without adding much bulk. Work about 62 single crochet along each side and 62 across the bottom, keeping the corners neat.
11. For the open top edge, work 1 single crochet across the back rectangle only, then make the button loops across the front flap. At each loop position, chain 6, skip 2 stitches, and continue with single crochet. Test the loop over your button before finishing it. If the button feels tight, add 1 or 2 chains.
12. Sew the button to the front rectangle with the yarn needle. Place it beneath the matching loop, about 1 inch below the top edge. Fill the cover with the pillow form and close the button before checking the corners.
13. Look over the seams and gently stretch the cover into shape. Weave in the ends by threading each tail through several nearby stitches, changing direction once or twice, then trim the excess. Acrylic usually does not need blocking for this project, but you can block it cold if the edges need a small adjustment.

If a mistake shows up, you do not need to unravel the whole project immediately. At the end of a row, check whether you still have 62 double crochet and whether the last stitch sits in the top of the turning chain. If you find a missing stitch several rows back, pull out the rows slowly until you reach it, then place the live loop on your hook and continue.

When you pull back, work one row at a time rather than tugging at the entire fabric. I once missed a stitch near the edge and carried on for three rows before noticing the sloping side. Taking those rows out felt irritating for a minute, but the corrected edge looked better and the fabric became easier to join.

Where This Piece Finds Its Place

Glue Ghosts!! 👻 works well as a soft accent on the couch, in a reading chair, or in a basket beside an armchair. The 18-inch size fits a standard decorative pillow form, so you can change the look of a room without committing to a large project or a permanent color choice.

For a quiet living room, choose one neutral shade and let the stitch texture do the work. For a porch or sunroom, try two colors in broad blocks, changing yarn at the end of every 10 rows. Keep the tails on the wrong side and weave them in carefully so the cover stays comfortable when someone leans against it.

This makes a thoughtful holiday gift when you pair it with a pillow form and a small handwritten note about the color choice. You could also crochet the cover in the recipient’s favorite team colors, a college palette, or soft shades for a new apartment. For a baby shower, use it as a decorative nursery pillow only under adult supervision, since buttons and loose parts are not safe for children under three.

If you give it to a child, remove the button and sew the opening closed instead. Anything used in a crib or car seat needs to stay snug and secure, and a decorative pillow should never be placed where it could cover a baby’s face.

Caring for Glue Ghosts!! 👻

Because this cover uses acrylic yarn, wash it in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Place it in a mesh bag if your machine has a strong agitator, and use a small amount of mild detergent. You can also hand wash it in a basin when the cover only needs freshening.

Remove the pillow form before washing. Press out extra water without wringing, then lay the cover flat on a clean towel and reshape the corners. Never hang it wet, because the weight of the water can stretch the fabric and pull the button loops out of alignment.

Acrylic usually keeps its shape without blocking, but you can block the damp cover flat if the seams look uneven. Do not use a hot iron. Acrylic can melt under direct heat, so use cold blocking or steam from a distance while keeping the iron well away from the stitches.

Store the cover folded rather than hung, preferably in a breathable basket or drawer. Keep it away from damp storage and strong sunlight, which can fade some colors over time. Acrylic does not attract moths in the same way wool does, but clean storage still helps the cover stay fresh.

Keep leftover yarn with its label so you have the dye lot if you need to repair or expand the project later. Even when two skeins look alike in the shop, different dye lots can vary slightly in shade.

Small Ways to Make Glue Ghosts!! 👻 Your Own

You can change the feel of this cover without changing the basic construction. Each adjustment has a small effect on size, drape, or care, so choose the version that fits the way you plan to use the piece.

• Try a thicker yarn with a larger hook for a chunkier cover. The fabric will grow faster and feel more substantial, but it may not finish at 18 inches. Measure after every few rows and stop when the rectangle matches your pillow form.
• Use a thinner worsted-style yarn with a smaller hook for a lighter, more closely textured cover. This may take longer and use more stitches, so make a fresh gauge swatch instead of relying on the original count.
• Change colors every 8, 10, or 12 rows for simple color blocking. Carrying yarn up the side can leave a visible strand, so cut the yarn at each change and weave in the ends as you go.
• Swap double crochet for single crochet if you want a denser fabric. Single crochet creates less drape and takes more time, but it hides the pillow form well and gives the cover a firm, steady surface.
• Resize the cover by changing the starting chain in multiples of 2, with 2 extra chains for the turning chain. Add or remove rows to change the height, then measure against your pillow form before joining the seams.
• Add a simple border after joining the three sides. One round of single crochet gives the edge a tidy outline, while a round of half double crochet, abbreviated hdc, adds a little more height. Half double crochet falls between single crochet and double crochet in height.
• For a gift, match the yarn to a room the recipient already uses. A soft gray suits a neutral couch, while autumn rust or deep green makes the cover feel seasonal without becoming difficult to store after the holidays.

I would keep the first version simple and make changes on the second. My hands warmed up after the first ten minutes, and by the middle of the second rectangle I no longer needed to think about every turning chain. That kind of familiarity makes variations much easier to judge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glue Ghosts!! 👻

Can I use a different hook size for Glue Ghosts!! 👻?

Yes, you can use a different hook size if you adjust for gauge. A half size smaller creates a denser fabric and helps keep the pillow form from showing, while a half size larger creates more drape. Work a swatch first and aim for 14 double crochet and 8 rows in 4 inches before beginning the rectangles.

What yarn can I substitute for the acrylic yarn?

You can substitute another worsted weight, weight 4 medium yarn with a similar yardage. Cotton gives you a firmer cover, while superwash wool gives you more natural stretch and tolerates machine washing. Untreated wool may felt, so wash it gently in cool water. Plan for about 1,020 total yards and always check your gauge.

What should I do if I find a mistake several rows later?

Pull back calmly to the row where the mistake began. Insert your hook into the live loop, count 62 double crochet across the row, and continue from there. If the mistake only affects the edge and the cover still measures correctly, you may choose to leave it. A tiny irregularity often disappears into the seam or pillow shape.

Is this project suitable for a beginner?

Yes, this project suits a beginner who knows how to chain and work basic double crochet. The rectangles use the same row repeatedly, while the button loops and joining require a little extra attention. Count at the end of each row, mark the corners during assembly, and give yourself permission to redo a fiddly section.

How long does it take to crochet this pillow cover?

Most crocheters will spend about four to six hours on the cover, spread across three to five evenings. Your tension, yarn changes, and joining pace will affect the time. The double crochet rows move fairly quickly, but weaving in ends and sewing the button add a quiet finishing period that you should not skip.

Does this pattern use US or UK crochet terms?

This pattern uses US crochet terms. In particular, the double crochet here is the US double crochet, which is called a treble crochet in UK terminology. The other abbreviations follow US usage too, including chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and stitch counts. Check your pattern glossary if you usually crochet from UK instructions.

Take the Time You Need

Let this cover grow at the pace your hands choose. A row before breakfast, a few more beside the evening lamp, or a quiet stretch on a Sunday morning all count as making. The yarn will wait, the stitches will teach you their pattern, and the finished piece will carry the calm attention you gave it.

Print