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Southern ray
Eagle ray
Pillow-Rays
Pattern by Ty Bailie
Jumbo Manta
Manta
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Introduction
Welcome everyone to the Pillow-Rays pattern! Get ready to transform your
stringray / manta ray dreams into a reality and create the sickest pillows ever.
Before we get started, I just want to say thank you to everyone for supporting
me & my crochet dreams… you all mean the world to me & it’s always such an
extreme pleasure to do what I do. Secondly, I want to recognize the testers that
helped bring this pattern to life & helping me out big time on my first official
pillow pattern.
Now… time to get into the details.
This advanced-beginner pattern consists of a variety of step-by-step
demonstrations and mini tutorials for each technique needed to create the
pillow-rays.
There are 4 different graph designs in this pattern. There are two different
sized graphs from the manta ray design (jumbo and medium), an Eagle ray, and
southern ray design.
When making the pillow rays, you will need to follow graphs. These graphs
can only be accessed via the Stitch Fiddle website however, you can print out
the graphs if you prefer to work offline. Graph links are provided for left and
right-handed crocheters as well as some mini tutorials of how to navigate
Stitch Fiddle & read the graphs.
With all that being said ...I hope you love this pattern as much as I loved
making it & best of luck, love Ty Bailie ♥️
3 Fun facts
Manta Ray Eagle Ray
Sounthern Ray
Named “manta” meaning Known by many
Dasyatis Americana,
blanket in Spanish due to different names such as
has a large flat diamond
their large flat body shape. white-spotted eagle ray,
shaped disk and lacks a
“chuchos” (from
Diet Venezuelans) and
distinctive head.
Contrary to their large size, painted rays in Ecuador. Size
they filter feeders preying Size While males only grow
on microscopic organisms
to be a .8m in width,
such as zooplankton. With a wingspan of 3
females can grow to be
meters, these speedy
Intelligence rays can make giant
over double that size,
2m.
Manta rays have an leaps out of the water.
extremely high intelligence Diet Diet
and long-term memory.
Southern stingrays
They have the largest brain Eagle rays tend to feed
have an opportunistic
to body ratio than any on mollusks, clams,
diet consisting of
other fish! crustaceans, octopus
worms, shrimp, crabs,
and smaller fish.
Size Studies indicate that the
and smaller sized fish.
Manta rays are amongst rays are more active Cleanliness
some of the largest fish in with food searching at
high tide rather than The southern stingray
the ocean with a wingspan
low. will sometimes visit
up to 7 meters & weight up
cleaning stations where
to 2 tons. Life span bluehead wrasses and
Gentle Giants Eagle rays have a
Spanish hogfish will eat
parasites and mucus
Manta rays despite being so lifespan of up to 25
from the body.
large are harmless to years, reaching sexual
humans & their tales have maturity at 4-6 years of Venom
no barb separating them age.
Although these
from stingrays Fingerprint stingrays are no
Fingerprint Each Eagle rays has its
aggressive, they do
have venomous barbs
Each manta has its own own unique markings of
on their tail when
unique spots on their spots and rings that
threatened.
underside similar to a separate them from
human fingerprint. each other, just like a
human fingerprint.
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Table of contents
Title 1
Intro 2
Fun facts 3
Table of contents 4
Contact info 5
Terms of use 5
Abbreviations 5
Materials needed 5
Configuration 6
Overview of steps 6
Dimensions 7
Graph demo 8
Graph key 9-11
Stitch fiddle links 12-13
Stitch fiddle demo 14
Written instructions while tracking progress 15
Border rows 16
Gills 17
How to surface crochet 17
Graphs for Gills 18
Finishing the Gills 19
Linking the panels together 19
Making the tail 20
Tester gallery 21-22
Closing page 23
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Abbreviations:
Contact info:
o Ch = chain
Instagram: Ty_bailie o St / sts = stitch / stitches
o Sc = single crochet
Email: tybailie.crochet@gmail.com
o blo = back loop only
o Sl st= slip stitch
Terms of use
You can sell or gift your finished project.
You cannot copy/distribute this pattern or make tutorials of this pattern.
Please be respectful and give credit where it’s due.
Materials Needed
o 8mm crochet hook (use whatever size you want as long as it’s a couple sizes
smaller than recommended for tight stitches)
o Scissors
o Yarn needle
o Polly fill 1-2 bags depending on size
o Yarn, 2-3 colors depending on the design. I used Bernat forever fleece
(you can try whatever yarn you want), super chunky size 6; I also advise
using a hook 2 sizes smaller than the recommendation for a tighter stitch.
Each skein is 9.9oz / 280g and 194yds / 177m
Each design requires a different amount of yarn
Popular yarns testers used: bernat blanket yarn, big twist plush, loops and
threads sweet snuggles, Chunky monkey by scheepjes.
Bags of
Design Color 1 Color 2 Poly-fil
(32oz)
Jumbo Manta Black (4 skeins) White (5 skeins) 2
Manta Black (2 skeins) White (3 skeins) 1
Eagle (medium) Blue (2 skeins) White (3 skeins) 1
White (2 skeins)
Southern
Pink (2 skeins) + less than a skein 1
(medium)
for detailing
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Configuration
Each pillow design consists of
the same basic configuration
Overview of steps
Below is a paraphrased overview of steps on how to make your pillow:
1. Crochet two panels (back & tummy) identical in shape and size
2. Crochet 1 sc border row (2 for jumbo sized manta) around each panel
3. Surface crochet gills on the white (tummy) panel
4. Start linking the two panels together using a row of sc, in the color white
5. Once at the center bottom, change color and make a long ch for the tail, slst back
towards the base, change color & continue linking the panels
6. Stuff the pillow with polly fill / stuffing before crocheting the panels close.
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Dimensions
Below are the dimensions of Note that I used super chunky
each pillow; the width yarn with an 8mm hook. If
represents the wingspan & you use a samaller hook /
the length being head to tail. weight yarn, your dimensions
will be smaller.
Design Width Length
Jumbo Manta 60in / 152cm 45in / 114cm
Manta 27in / 68cm 22in / 55cm
Eagle ray 40in / 101cm 32in / 81cm
Southern 25in / 63.5cm 25in / 63.5cm
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Graph demo
Below is a little demo on how to read graphs.
**left- handed crocheters, these same rules apply
to you; however, your graphs are mirrored**
The pink arrows The blue arrows
represent even represent odd
rows, read left to rows, read right
right; these rows to left; these
will be “wrong rows will be
side” facing, “right side”
meaning you facing, meaning
should see all the image will
your loose ends & clear and you
floats when should see no
changing colors. loose ends.
Each box represents one single crochet stitch. Boxes that are completely white and bare
(meaning there’s no symbol on them) represent the absence of a stitch / no stitch.
Ch 1 after each row. The ch at the end of the row doesn’t could as a box on the graph (unless
there is a “C” symbol in the box).
I recommend counting your stitches every few rows, especially if you are new to graph work.
For cutout graphs, you will often see boxes with letters / symbols; these symbols might mean
that a decrease or increase needs to be worked, it’s important to understand and follow a key
for these graphs.
Often times with graphs, you’ll need to know how to change colors & carry yarn. Here are few
YouTube tutorials if you are unfamiliar!
https://youtu.be/8DunnVRRmRQ
https://youtu.be/6RLrJZNLWPA
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Graph Key
Here is a quick overview of the key to graphs
D = Decrease (less than 3)
I = increases (less than 3)
X = fasten off / cut yarn
R = reattach yarn
F = Foundation single crochet
T = turn
C = chain
Below are some demos to help you understand what to do when coming
across these symbols.
D = decrease
(Less than three)
Decreasing by 1: Decreasing by 2:
To make a single decrease, work your When working two decreases,
hook into the last two stitches of the work the same decrease (working
row, next yarn over and pull through; into two stitches to make a single
yarn over and pull through again to decrease) twice using the last four
complete the stitch. stitches of the row.
Note that when making a decrease in Note that when making two
the beginning of the row work into the decreases into the start of a row,
first two stitches. work into the first four stitches.
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I = Increase
(Less than three)
Increasing by 1: Increasing by 2:
Each “I” in a box represents 1 stitch When working two increases, work the
same increase (working two single
To make a single increase, work two
crochet stitches into one stitch) twice
single crochet stitches into the last
using the last two stitches of the row.
stitch of the row.
When making two increases in to start of
When making an increase in the
a row, work one increase in each of the
beginning of the row, work two single
first two stitches of the row.
crochet stitches into the first stitch of
the row.
X = Fasten off / Cut yarn
R = Reattach yarn
From looking at the graph above, To reattach, I count the number of
row 4 shows a decrease of three decreases (in this case 3), and
stitches. Due to the number of reattach, working my first single
decreases exceeding two, I need to crochet in the fourth stitch of the
cut my yarn at the end of row 3. row.
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F = Foundation single crochet
C = Chain
Because the number of increases at By looking at the graph you can see the
the end of the row exceeds two, you start of row 4 requires a number of
need to work a foundation single increases that exceeds two.
crochet. Start by working into the To work these increases, you’ll need to
side loop on the last stitch of the make a chain at the end of row 3
previous row. Once finished with the (number of increases needed + 1 for
foundation sc, ch 1 & turn. end of row ch) and turn. Then start the
Here is a YouTube tutorial on the next row working into the second chain
foundation single crochet incase! from your hook.
https://youtu.be/YJZ_ZYv7ymw?si The chain will always be the same color
=MRKjbOZLNHTZVqxq as the stitches that lay on top / next
row.
T = Turn
A turn symbol just means when you
come to the end of the row and the
number of decreases exceeds two,
just turn at the last stitch of the
row.
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Stitch fiddle links
Now that you know how to follow the graph /understand the key, it’s time to hand over the
designs so you may start!!
Below are links to the graphs for both right and left-handed crocheters. With these links
you can download, track your progress, print, and even make a copy & edit these graphs.
Once finished working the graphs DON’T FASTEN OFF. You are going to work a border row
around each panel (2 border rows for the jumbo manta)
Right-handed links
Design Back panel Tummy panel
Jumbo https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1hqm- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1h26-
Manta 98j50c 46y88t
https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg2hwi- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1h0v-
Manta
5a66vk 8njv0i
https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1h3f- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1h3u-
Eagle
9qy8ni hkxrqr
https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1q1u- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1h0f-
Southern
hvj3w2 jsdfgt
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Left-handed links
Design Back panel Tummy panel
Jumbo https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfr2sn- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfr2sw-
Manta 1h68l5 duldpi
https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfr2sh- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfr2sl-
Manta
ch8mfk fosxa0
https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfr2od- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfr2o4-
Eagle
9s2ejk b3itv3
https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1e2g- https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sg1e26-
Southern
8yvrfv hn97w9
Just a little heads up!
If you notice your increases start
to curl downward, just ignore it! It
happens & it will straighten out
once you get to working the
decreases.
Eagle ray (tummy)
14 Stitch fiddle demo
Track your progress
You can now highlight
Open the link
Tap “progress tracker” the row you’re on & use
Tap the folder icon the side bar to adjust
the rows
Written instructions Here is a key for the written instructions:
B = black / back color (blue for Eagle ray,
red for the red stingray)
W = white sc
Inc = increase, 1 “inc” represents 1 stitch
(Inc [B] x 2), (B) x 5, (inc [B]) x 2 = 9 total sts
Dec = decrease
Ch = chain (note you will always ch 1 after
each row regardless)
F = foundation single crochet
Sc-cut = sing crochet then cut / fasten off
Sc-turn = single crochet then turn
From the same folder as You can now check your Reattach = reattach your yarn
above work, download & copy St space = absence of stitch (manta
Tap “written instructions” the written instructions graphs, Cephalic Fins)
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Written instructions while
tracking progress
While tracking your Then click “show The written
progress, click the Then click “more” written instructions will
row number instructions” now appear and
update by row
Here is a key for the written instructions (again):
B = black / back color (blue for Eagle ray, red for the red stingray)
W = white sc
Inc = increase, 1 “inc” represents 1 stitch
(Inc [B] x 2), (B) x 5, (inc [B]) x 2 = 9 total sts
Dec = decrease
Ch = chain (note you will always ch 1 after each row regardless)
F = foundation single crochet
Sc-cut = sing crochet then cut / fasten off
Sc-turn = single crochet then turn
Reattach = reattach your yarn
St space = absence of stitch (manta graphs, Cephalic Fins)
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Border row (s)
Once finished with the last row on the graph, you are going to want to make a
border row (2 rows making the jumbo manta).
Start the border on the “right side” (meaning you will have no loose ends /
floats facing you). Next, you're going to work a row of sc around the panel in
the same color of that panel.
*If you are making a jumbo manta, work a second border row. *
When finished, you can fasten off the back panel and leave the tummy panel
with the yarn still attached.
When working on the manta rays,
you will need to color change on
the white parts along the edge of
the panel.
For jumbo manta ray,
work two border rows
on each panel.
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Gills!
Now that you’re completely finished with the graph & the border rows, it’s
time to make the gills & mouth of the rays. The technique used for making the
gills is called surface crochet; it’s super simple but you want to make sure to
do it before stuffing the pillow (no mess).
Below is a little tutorial on how to work the surface crochet technique.
How to surface crochet
*Note you will be working with the “right side” facing you*
Step 1: Take your hook and insert it through the stitch you want to surface
crochet over. Next, yarn over and pull a loop from the inside.
Step 2: Now you can insert your hook through the next stitch, yarn over from
the inside, then pull through to the “right side” as well as the loop on your
hook.
Repeat the last step (step 2) to continue surface crocheting!
If you are unfamiliar with surface crochet & these steps are confusing to you
here are few YouTube tutorials
https://youtu.be/37P82z33iCc
https://youtu.be/0I3aH0EJjNI
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Graphs for Gills
Here are the graphs that I followed when surface crocheting the gills, mouths &
nostrils.
It’s okay if you don’t follow them exactly (even mine are not exactly stitch for stitch
perfect), just use these graphs as a guide!
Jumbo Manta Manta
Eagle Ray
Southern
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Finishing the Gills
Once you’ve fished surface crocheting, flip the the panel to the “wrong side” and
secure all your loose ends (I just tie knots).
I also want to share that for the Southern stingray I added a squiggly line of surface
crochet around the back panel. I didn’t make a graph for this, I just did it on the fly;
It’s pretty easy to recreate if you want but I’m not writing in-depth instruction for
it because there really wasn’t much thought behind it.
Linking panels together
Before starting, make sure the “right side” of your panels are facing outwards.
To crochet the panels together is super easy, all you have to do is start from the top,
and sc the borders together (in the tummy color). I use stitch markers to hold the
panels together & keep my stitches lined up.
*Once you get to the bottom where the tail should be STOP*
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Making the tail
Tail time!!
All you have to do to make the tail is, once you get toward the very middle
stitch of the bottom of the stingray, switch to the color you want your tail to
be.
Work a sc into the middle most st, then make a chain as long as you want your
tail to be (personally usually make the length from 55-85 stitches).
Once you have your desired tail length, work a row of slip sts back down
toward the base. Then switch colors again and continue linking the panels
together.
LAST STEP
Once reaching toward the end, leave a hole large enough to fill your pillow with
stuffing. After the pillow is stuffed to your satisfaction, finish linking the
panels together, fasten off & weave in that end!!
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Tester Gallery
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Finished!!!!
This marks the end of the pattern; I hope you LOVE your new
Pillow-Ray <3
Sources for the fun facts:
Dressledivers.com
Berrierreef.org
Montereybayaquarium.org
