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Pillow Support Crochet Pattern & Stretches for Crochet Fatigue

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While crocheting, especially in the crochet crunch time leading up to the holidays, your body may begin to experience crochet fatigue. What in the world is crochet fatigue, you ask? If you experience a sore neck, sore shoulders, sore elbow, or sore hands after a crochet binge then you, my friend, are experiencing crochet fatigue. Which means you need a pillow support for crochet!

Support pillow for crochet fatigue free crochet pattern

This pillow gives our elbows something on which to rest which, in turn, brings the work closer to the face. This means that we are not hunched over trying to see our stitches. Did you know that for every inch your head hangs forward (while crocheting/knitting/playing on your cellphone/reading etc) an additional eight to ten pounds of pressure is placed upon your upper back and shoulders? For each and every inch! Talk about straining those muscles, which then begin to weaken, which leads to dull aches and headaches, which leads to less crochet time, which leads to sadness and despair. For me, at least. šŸ˜‰

Crochet stretches

Free crochet pattern pillow support

Stretches for Crochet Fatigue

Before we get to the free crochet pattern for the pillow support, let’s go over the WHY you get crochet fatigue and some basic stretches that will help you crochet longer and more comfortably.Ā  If you watch the weekly LIVE videos on the Heart Hook Home Facebook page, you’ll know that my sister, Dr. Meadow, is a professor of anatomy at a prestigious chiropractic college. She is also a knitter, crocheter, and general crafter. A BIG thank you to her for explaining what muscles/nerves we are straining as we work and how to strengthen said muscles (even if we can’t pronounce them). Ha!

The deep neck and upper back muscles that take the brunt of the abuse of crochet fatigue include: trapezius, rhomboid major and minor, levator scapulae, splenius capitus and cervicis, semispinalis cervicis and capitis, erector spinae groupĀ cervical and capitus portionsĀ (longissimus and spinalis in particular).

It’s okay if you didn’t read all of that. šŸ˜‰

Many of the forearm and wrist movers (flexors, extensors, and rotators) originate just above the elbow. The fast and repetitiveĀ twisting motion of crochet means that these muscles can become inflamed. Stretching these muscles and varying their movements can get the blood flowing and relieve tension on compressed nerves.

The continued and prolonged forward head translation (hanging your head to see your stitches or to play with your cellphone etc) can cause problems on the front side of our bodies, too.Ā Compression of the nerves and vasculature to the arms leads to tingling, a dull ache, pain, and loss of strength in the arms (usually on both sides in this case). Also, since the muscles on the lower front of the neck help to increase the size of the rib cage when we breathe (especially deeply), it means reduced volume of breath and less oxygen to your tissues.

Finally, all this repetitiveĀ and compressive strain of crocheting, sitting too long in one position, etc, can remodel the bones over time so that they become unable to realign properly. That puts pressure on neurovasculature (arteries, veins, nerves) leading to pain, numbness, tingling, bad skin tone and texture, loss of strength, etc etc.

Thanks, Meadow! Now let’s discuss what we can do about it, mmmkay?

Some stretches that will alleviate crochet fatigue:

Wall Angels will help to strengthen the upper back and shoulder region. For this exercise you will stand as straight as possible with your back against the wall; shoulder blades touching the wall at all times. Bend your elbows and raise and lower your arms as you would to make a snow angel in the winter.Ā  This strengthens the muscles which support your neck and head.

Forearm stretches will help to alleviate the crochet fatigue in your arms and elbows.Ā  Place your hands flat on the wall and stretch those muscles out.

Take a break! I know, I know. TRUST ME, I know. You get in a crochet groove, your behind is molded your chair, and you’re knocking out that project.Ā  If, however, every time you get up to get a drink, to use the restroom, or to tend to the kids or pets, take a few minutes to stretch those muscles out and you’ll be able to crochet longer and more comfortably!

Pillow support for crochet fatigue

Pillow Support for crochet

Pillow Support Crochet Pattern

Materials:

Approx. 350 yards bulky (size 5) yarn
Crochet hook in size J/6mm
Polyfil (about 12 – 15 oz)
Pantyhose (optional, but it helps to keep stuffing from working its way out of the stitches! More on that here.)

Using pantyhose in crochet

Pattern Notes:

The chain at the beginning of the round does not count as a stitch.

The first stitch of each round is made in the same stitch as join.

I used the yarn under method of starting each row to help keep the seam from migrating.

The few slip stitches across the curved portions also help keep the pillow from twisting.

Crochet pattern for pillow support for crochet fatigue

Get the ad-free, printable PDF of this pattern here.Ā 

Pin it for later here.Ā 

Round 1: Magic circle, ch-2, 10dc in circle. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (10)
Round 2: Ch-2, 2dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (20)
Round 3: Ch-2, * dc in next, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (30)
Round 4: Ch-2, * dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (40)
Rounds 5 – 13: Ch-2, dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (40)
Round 14: Sl st in first (this helps to keep the pillow from curling) Ch-1, hdc in same and next 17 sts. Dc in next 22 sts, Join to first hdc with sl st. (40)
Round 15: Ch-1, hdc in same st, sc in next 16 sts, hdc in next. Dc in next 22 sts. Join to first st with sl st (40)
Round 16: Ch-1, hdc in same st, sl st in next 16 sts, hdc in next. Dc in next 22 sts. Join to first st with sl st (40)
Repeat rounds 15 & 16: FIVE times
**start stuffing**
Rounds 27- 31: Repeat round 15
Round 32: Sl st in first (this helps to keep the pillow from curling) Ch-1, hdc in same and next 17 sts. Dc in next 22 sts, Join to first hdc with sl st. (40)
Rounds 33 – 37: Ch-2, dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (40)
***if youā€™d like added width, simply continue until desired width reached***
Round 38: Sl st in first (this helps to keep the pillow from curling) Ch-1, hdc in same and next 17 sts. Dc in next 22 sts, Join to first hdc with sl st. (40)
Rounds 39 – 42: Repeat round 15
Round 43: repeat round 16
Round 44: repeat round 15
Repeat rounds 16 & 15: FIVE times
**add more stuffing**
Round 55: repeat round 14
Rounds 56 – 64: Ch-2, dc in each st around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (40)
**add more stuffing**
Round 65: Ch-2, * dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (30)
Round 66: Ch-2, * dc in next, dc2tog * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (20)
Round 67: Ch-2, dc2tog around. Join to top of first dc with sl st. (10)
Finish stuffing and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing end shut.

You. Are. Done! This support pillow will help eliminate crochet fatigue, but also remember to take breaks and to work your stretches. Crochet on, friends!

more Free crochet patterns and tutorials:

Straight Up EASY Vertical Stripes Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Pullover Crochet Pattern
How to Size Crochet Beanies + Master Beanie Pattern
Four-Hour Fall Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
Which Cotton? A Cotton Yarn Comparison for Crafters
How to Make an Invisible Join in Crochet
Caron Big Cake Carry-All Bag One Skein Wonder
How to Sew Crochet Pieces Together Using the Mattress Stitch

Comments

  1. Anna says

    June 18, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    Iā€™m having so much trouble keeping the seam from moving. Iā€™ve had to redo it 3 times. Canā€™t figure out what Iā€™m doing wrong. Iā€™m doing the yarn under on the first stitch. Should I also do it on the slip stitch to join? Is that what Iā€™m doing wrong? So frustrating.
    Reply

  3. Tia Castle says

    March 16, 2019 at 9:00 am

    Hi I struggle with instructions as it says the chains at the beginning of each round doesn't count as a stitch on row 3 it says ch2 then * DC next next stitch and 2 DC in next * My question is what do I do in the ch2 I can't tell if I do a stitch in it or not Thank you tia
    Reply

  5. Emily Milam says

    January 30, 2019 at 7:08 am

    I found this pattern from the new traveling pillow pattern that you posted! I don't remember seeing it before but was thinking of buying a boppy nursing pillow for this exact problem. I was THRILLED to stumble upon this pattern! I think this is going to work out perfectly for me!!!!! I read in comments above about how to do the yarn under method... BUT when you say "I used the yarn under method of starting each row to help keep the seam from migrating." Does this mean that you did this on the slip stitch to join, or on your first stitch of the new row or the chain to start a row? I want to try to do this correctly. Thanks a bunch!!!!
    Reply

  6. Terry says

    June 29, 2018 at 10:56 am

    Thank you for the pattern and exercise tips. Thank you Dr. Meadows for the explanation. I love my chiropractor and visit monthly. She adjusts my wrists also and that is very helpful.
    Reply

  7. Bernie says

    June 24, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Hi from Canada Alberta. I'm making your support pillow total yah. So my questionschedule are. Did you extend if so how many more rows? How much would you charge for this thanks for making this I to free and just yah I'm at half way mark on the extended part after round 33 to 37 thanks!
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      June 27, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Hello Bernie! I crocheted mine exactly as the pattern states, but if you want to make it larger I would add to it in the middle portion. I'm thinking about $40 to crochet one? You could use the stuffing out of an old pillow to save on the cost of polyfil.
      Reply

      • Bernie says

        June 28, 2018 at 10:55 am

        We use our pillows here lol I just make the sleeve of it and they can stuff it lol if I ship it out anywhere. I made it the way you had it. Tried it but find it to big in hiegth for me so I sighs ripped it out and went to only 1 increase round I'm on the first bend. I'll post when I'm happy with it. Ty for replying back!
        Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      April 30, 2018 at 11:22 am

      Hi Linda! Normally with yarning over, you bring your yarn over the hook from back to front...with yarning under, we are bringing the yarn over the hook from front to back. This is done to help keep the seam from migrating. Hope that helps!
      Reply

      • Linda M says

        May 2, 2018 at 10:17 am

        Thank you for explaining. I tried to find out elsewhere, and never could. Thanks so much. Linda
        Reply

  11. Melba says

    October 23, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    I would suggest to those who are having printing problems that they copy and paste the pattern to a Word document and print from Word. That way, you only have to print the portion that you want.
    Reply

  12. Vanessa says

    October 23, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    Thank you to yourself and sister for this information. I suffered a serious RTA back in 2005, in which I damaged my back. Iā€™ve been crocheting on and off for about a year now, but I do find that I end up in a lot of pain, so Iā€™m hoping that this pillow will help me out. Many thanks once again.
    Reply

  14. Barbara says

    October 23, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    I want to thank you and your sister Dr. Meadow's for the great advice. I have been getting shots in my upper arm near the shoulder. For horrible pain in that area and now I am getting the same pain in my other shoulder. So aim going to try those excises and pray that they help. Also I'm definitely going to try make that pillow. I am a new beginner to chroching.
    Reply

  15. Loretha Dixon says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:12 am

    Why is it so difficult to print out the pattern from this site. It is not only this site, but sites that want you to download a site, that you dont need, in order to get to the pattern. Why not have a print pattern or article or both. I have adobe so I do not need another site or more websites to obtain a pattern. I like the pattern and the article but can only read it on the computer screen. For me this is not good, in that I dont like to sit at the computer to crochet or Knit, and most articles I like to read at my leisure and not rush to read.
    Reply

  18. Linda says

    October 23, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Can you put a print button on your patterns please? I don't always have time to crochet when I receive a new pattern that I like. Thank you in advance. And also, thank you for the great and helpful excersizes you've given us.
    Reply

  19. Karin says

    October 23, 2017 at 9:41 am

    This was a very interesting and informative article! It will be very helpful for many of my friends who experience these issues, and not just while crocheting! I can think of many areas of our lives where we put this pressure on our bodies. Thank you for sharing this.
    Reply

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