The faux cable crochet pillow is the ultimate “trick the eye” pattern — it looks complicated and labor-intensive, but it’s secretly easy to make. Using a simple “twist and pull” technique on long crochet chains, this faux cable crochet pillow gives you that gorgeous chunky braided cable look without ever working a single real cable stitch. Your friends will be amazed; your secret is safe with us.
This faux cable crochet pillow works up surprisingly fast in bulky Bernat Blanket Yarn — the textured chenille gives the chunky cable look extra dimension. Made to fit a 24-inch pillow form, the finished cover is dramatically oversized and statement-worthy. You’ll find yourself wanting to use the “twist and pull” cable hack on tons of other projects too!
Why You’ll Love This Faux Cable Crochet Pillow
This pillow is a showstopper that’s secretly simple:
✔ Looks like complex cable knitting — actually just sc + sl st + ch loops
✔ “Twist and pull” technique creates fake braided cables
✔ The faux cable crochet pillow works up fast in bulky yarn
✔ Made for a dramatic 24-inch pillow form
✔ Beginner-intermediate friendly — no cable stitches required
✔ Chunky Bernat Blanket Yarn gives extra dimensional pop
✔ Perfect cozy farmhouse, modern boho, or Scandinavian home decor
✔ Folks will think you spent hours on it
Pattern Details
The faux cable crochet pillow is worked flat in a rectangular panel using single crochet, slip stitches, and long chain loops. The cable effect is created in the finishing step — twisting and pulling the chain loops through each other to form interlocking braided “cables” that look exactly like real cable knitting.
Skill Level
Beginner-intermediate. Requires sc, sl st, ch, and the twist-and-pull cable hack.
Finished Size
Made to fit a 24-inch pillow form (approximately 24″ x 24″ finished).
Yarn Weight
Super bulky (#6). Bernat Blanket Yarn is the recommended brand for the chenille texture.
Materials You’ll Need
- 2 skeins of Bernat Blanket Yarn (or any bulky weight yarn — take note of gauge below)
- Crochet hook size L (8.00mm)
- 24-inch pillow form (insert)
- Yarn needle for finishing and seaming
- Scissors
For the most dramatic faux cable crochet pillow effect, stick with super-bulky Bernat Blanket Yarn — the chenille texture really shows off the chunky braided cable look. Any bulky weight yarn works as a substitute if you match gauge.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- rep — repeat
- RS — right side
- st(s) — stitch(es)
The Faux Cable Crochet Pillow Pattern
Foundation
Ch 67.
Row 1 (right side)
1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each of next 3 ch. (Sl st in each of next 10 ch. 1 sc in each of next 6 ch) three times. Sl st in each of next 10 ch. 1 sc in each of last 4 ch. Turn.
Row 2
Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 4 sc. (Ch 10. Skip next 10 sl st. 1 sc in each of next 6 sc) three times. Ch 10. Skip next 10 sl st. 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. Turn.
Row 3
Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 4 sc. (Sl st in each of next 10 ch. 1 sc in each of next 6 sc) twice. Sl st in each of next 10 ch. 1 sc in each of last 4 sc. Turn.
Continue
Repeat the last 2 rows (Rows 2 and 3) until work from the beginning measures 48 inches, ending on a Row 3.
Fasten off.
Creating the Faux Cable Chain Links — The Trick!
Here’s where the faux cable crochet pillow magic happens:
With the right side facing, find the first set of horizontal chain “bars” at the foundation row. Twist the 1st horizontal bar to form a loop. Draw the 2nd horizontal bar through the 1st bar without twisting. Then repeat: draw the next bar through the previous bar without twisting, all the way up the column of chains.
Continue until all chain bars in that column have been worked into a linked braided cable. Sew the last loop to the second-to-last loop to secure the end.
Repeat this twist-and-pull process for each column of chain bars. You’ll end up with 4 vertical “cables” running the full length of the pillow panel.
Finishing
Fold the panel in half (or thirds for an envelope back) and seam two sides together with your yarn needle. Insert the 24-inch pillow form and seam the remaining side closed (or leave it as an envelope opening for easy removal).
Weave in any remaining ends. Plump up the pillow and enjoy your finished faux cable crochet pillow!
Tips for the Perfect Faux Cable Crochet Pillow
- Keep tension loose on the long chains: too-tight ch-10 loops are hard to twist and pull. Aim for relaxed loose chains.
- Use a stitch marker: place a marker at the end of each column of cables to keep track of which one you’ve already braided.
- Don’t accidentally twist: when pulling the bar through the loop, keep it flat — twisting the wrong way messes up the cable look.
- Sew the end loop down securely: the very last loop in each cable column needs to be sewn to the row below it or the cable will unravel.
- Try other colors: classic cream is gorgeous, but charcoal grey, sage green, or dusty rose all look stunning in this faux cable crochet pillow design.
- Adjust pillow size: for a 20-inch pillow, work fewer foundation chains (start with ch 55) and finish at 40 inches. For an 18-inch pillow, ch 47 and finish at 36 inches.
- Make a runner: the cable hack also looks great on table runners or chunky throws — try a smaller version first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this faux cable crochet pillow take to make? Plan for 8-12 hours total — the panel works up fast in bulky yarn, but the twist-and-pull cable finishing takes some time.
Is this beginner-friendly? Beginner-intermediate. You only need sc, sl st, and ch — but the chain-link finishing technique is the “trick” you’ll need to wrap your head around.
Can I make this in a different size? Yes — adjust the foundation chain in multiples of 16 + 3. So 67 for 24″, 51 for 18″, 35 for 14″. Adjust panel length accordingly (panel should be 2x the pillow height).
What if my cables don’t look braided? You’re probably twisting the bars wrong — they should pass straight through, not twisted. Try again with a slower hand on the first cable column.
Can I use a different yarn? Yes — any bulky weight (#5 or #6) yarn works. Bernat Blanket gives the chenille texture; regular bulky wool gives a more traditional look.
Do I need an envelope back? No — you can seam all 3 sides closed if your pillow form is permanently in. An envelope back lets you remove the form for washing.
Can I sell finished pillows? Yes — small batch sales are allowed for personal income. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the designer.
More Chunky Crochet Patterns You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this faux cable crochet pillow, you’ll love these related chunky patterns:
- Honeycomb Knit Throw — Chunky Cable Pattern
- Double-Sided Chunky Knit Blanket
- V-Stitch Throw — Free Crochet Pattern
- All Hearts Pillow — Free Plushy Pattern
- Knit Cable Pumpkin — Free Fall Pattern
Save This Faux Cable Crochet Pillow Pattern
Want to come back to this faux cable crochet pillow pattern later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it when you’re ready to fake those gorgeous cables — and share it with your crochet friends!