Crochet Cushion by an Enthusiastic Novice

 Crochet owes it's widespread appeal to the fact that it is easy to do, and lends itself to so many delightful interpretations.

The simplicity and adaptability of the basic stitches tempt the novice to try her hand, and the expert to outdo herself

The Complete Book of Crochet by Elizabeth L Mathieson

 

I am passionate about crochet, but would not call myself an expert. After reading the quote above, I know that I fall into the Enthusiastic Novice category!

Here it is... The reveal of the creative endeavour that I waxed lyrical over in the last post.

 

A cushion cover created from leftover tapestry wool - some from tapestries done by my mom or myself, as well as a beautiful charity shop bag-full!

As I started out I wasn't absolutely sure of what the destination would look like, but I was excited to see what resulted from this cheerful random multicoloured yarn selection.

How I Did It:

I chose to make up small motifs - because of the relatively short lengths of wool.

I used size 3 1/2 crochet hook.  Tapestry wool thickness varied, but I found this size worked well with the average thickness.

Mini Motif:

First Round: Make a magic circle.  Chain 5.  Work (1tr and 2ch) into the circle 5 times.  Join with a ss to the 3rd of the first 5ch

Second Round: Ss into the first 2ch space.  Work 2 ch to count as first dc, 1 tr, 1ch, 1tr, 1dc into same space, (1dc, 1tr, 1ch, 1tr, 1dc into the next space) 5 times. Join with a ss into 2nd ch of first 2 ch

Pull thread through. Finish off centre thread.  Leave remaining thread for joining motifs together later..

Make 68 motifs in total.

Stitch the motifs together. 

Granny Square Backing:

First round:  Make a magic circle. 

Chain 3, 2tr, 2ch, (3tr, 2ch) 3 times, join with ss to 3rd of first 3ch.  Cut off yarn and finish off.

Second round: Start next colour in a 2ch space with a ss.  3ch to count as first tr, work 2 tr into same ch space, #1ch, work (3tr, 2ch3tr) into next 2 ch space to form corner.  rep from # twice more, 1 ch, 3tr into same 2ch space as beginning round, 2ch. join with a ss to first of 3ch.  Cut off yarn and finish off.

Third Round: Start next colour in a 2ch space with a ss.  3ch to count as first tr, work 2 tr into same ch space, #1ch, work 3tr into 1 ch space, 1ch, work (3tr, 2ch3tr) into next 2 ch space to form corner.  rep from # twice more, 1 ch, 3tr into 1 ch sp, 1ch, 3tr into same 2ch space as beginning round, 2ch. join with a ss to first of 3ch.  Cut off yarn and finish off.

4th - 17th Rounds:  Continue working the square in the same way.

Finish off ends where the colours are joined.  I had to join colours midway through some of the longer rounds when a colour ran out.

To Make Up: 

I made up a simple plain white linen undercover with a zip at the base.  

The cover is suitable for a 45cm square cushion.

Before hand-stitching, I pinned the the motif section front to the large granny square back, easing the slightly rectangular front to fit the square back. 

I left a gap in the base, and made chain stitch loops on the one side to fasten with buttons stitched on to the other side.

The cushion cover looks good both ways round!  

 There is a joy in wearing it, a subtle magic that goes into it, that the machine cannot copy or equal.  That is the secret of the charm of crochet - whether it is done for profit or as a hobby, a means of brightening a wardrobe or beautifying a home.  It's an art that grows on you.

 The Complete Book of Crochet by Elizabeth L Mathieson