A big cream snowflake with eight arms fills a red panel between two green borders, each with a row of eight small cream stars, in the style of a classic Nordic sweater. It uses only three yarns, so there are fewer strands to manage than in the other Christmas patterns. The border rows change color 16 times each, but the small star repeats all the way across, so you find the rhythm after the first one. If you like Scandinavian style, this red and cream pillow looks cozy all winter, not only at Christmas.

The free pattern has the full color chart (64 stitches by 74 rows, 3 colors), every row written out with its colors in the order you work them, a printable pattern, and the chart as a picture to download. It explains how to read the chart, carry the colors, make the back (crocheted or fabric) and put the pillow together.

You need: worsted weight yarn (medium, 4) in 3 colors (Red, Cream, Green), a 4 mm (US G-6) or 4.5 mm (US 7) hook, and a 16 inch (40 cm) pillow insert. For the back, more yarn in one color, or fabric.

Gauge: 16 stitches and about 18.5 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet, carrying the colors. US terms.

We drew this design stitch by stitch. No image AI was used.