Planning a Summer Crochet cushion or Pillow

Summer cushions make lovely crochet projects and I love to crochet them sitting in my garden on warm sunny days. Handmade summer cushions are perfect for garden furniture, garden rooms and conservatories.

Make your summer cushion as simple or as complicated as you like. Even the simplest designs look stunning with the right choice and right combination of colours. Granny squares always make a lovely cushion or simple rows of dc’s (sc) with a few rows of popcorn stitches stitched with pops of colour look gorgeous. It’s often the colours you choose that make a design original to you and make it a stand out piece of work. 

The shape of your cushion also influences design and not every cushion or pillow has to be square. I love bolster cushions and they work really well for garden furniture and garden benches. Round cushions look very pretty and oblong shaped cushions also work well, but one of my favourite cushion styles is square oversized, they have real impact.

When it comes to yarns summer cushions work perfectly in cotton and cotton blend yarns and one of my all time favourites is Scheepjes Cotton fun. You can read a review of this yarn here. It comes in a whole range of beautiful colours from subtle to bright, giving you a fantastic choice for your summer cushion.

When it comes to colour for my summer cushions I love soft cream and whites with pops of colour or very bright throughout with clashing colours such as orange with bright pink, lime with blue. Somehow they look good on garden furniture on warm summer days.

Your summer cushion might be made with motifs or rows of crochet and you can make groups of smaller motifs stitched together to make a larger motif. see an example of this here. The simplest way to make a cushion is to create a rectangle whether this is made up of motifs or stitched row by row. When you have made your rectangle of crochet simple fold over to make an envelope style cushion and if you want to make it even simpler crochet together on the right side with a contrasting yarn.

Summer cushions don’t have to be for your garden furniture they make lovely housewarming gifts and cheery gifts for someone who is not well.

Find comfy crochet cushion patterns here.....

Crochet on the go

If like me you can’t go anywhere without a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, crochet on the go is a must but what to make and what to take?

Your project on the go has to be simple and easy to make without lots of different yarns and complicated patterns. Here’s what I do when travelling and crocheting, usually in a car, on a train and sometimes on a bus! I hope it helps!

1. Have one specific crochet project for making on the go, one that you can finish off later at home
2. Sometimes I simply make motifs using up yarn scraps and decide later what to use them for. I keep the yarn scraps in a large plastic container
3. Take a net bag to keep your work protected and so you can see what’s inside to make finding a specific yarn, motif or hook easier
4. Take a notepad and pen to keep track of where you are in a pattern and for the ideas and inspiration you have along the way
5. The obvious choice for a project on the go is motifs they are usually small and easily transported. They also have the benefit of been quick to complete, making them perfect for shorter journeys or on the way to and from work
6. Make sure your projects on the go are simple travelling can be full of distractions!
7. If you are using large balls of yarn rewind to make smaller ones so they are easier to transport
8. If you are making a garment just take one part to make, such as the front or back
9. You can also consider making a project with finer yarns, these are lighter and usually smaller to transport
10. Take along, as well as your yarn and crochet hook, scissors, darning needle (threaded through a piece of paper), small tape measure or folding ruler, the part of the pattern you need (photocopy to make it easier) and spare hook

My favourite crochet Stitches and what I use them for

Do you have favourite stitches, ones you love to make and love the look they create? In this blog I'm talking about my favourite crochet stitches and what I use them for. When I first started to crochet I dreaded finding patterns I liked that included picot stitches, made by creating a small ring in chains worked usually in the middle of your work! I struggled to make them look good; they were either too slack or too tight. Now I love them. Take a simple net pattern and add a few picots and you create something much finer than plain crochet net. Picots are easier to make if you make your stitches not too tight. I also love picots added to edgings. If your edging has a rise and fall add the picot to the rise.

Child's crochet jacket

Chio
 Another stitch I was not keen on when I first started to crochet was popcorn stitch, made by joining the first stitch to the last stitch of q group of trebles (double crochets) shells.  I think the problem I had was my tension was too slack producing a large loop at the top of the popcorn that did not look good! With practice popcorn stitches are now another favourite of mine. They look lovely used in baby blankets and add a warm texture to women’s crochet scarves.

Front row posts made usually with trebles (double crochets) produce crochet that looks like knitted ribbing and create a very pretty reversible fabric, thicker and more rigid than usual crochet. Front row posts are worked around the stem of the stitch on the row below the one you are working on. This creates the perfect stitch for bags and crochet cushions.

Slip stitch is almost the forgotten crochet stitch used often to join rows together, particularly in older crochet patterns. Used on its own slip stitch can create lovely effects and are very simple to stitch. I use slip stitches to join motifs together and to create edgings for table runners and throws. Add a chain between your slip stitches on an edging to make a very pretty frilly edging.

My all time favourite stitch is the half treble (half double crochet) in a similar way to slip stitches the half treble was (in early patterns) used as a transitional stitch. On large shells half trebles (half double crochets) were used to move the work along from a dc (single crochet) to a treble (double crochet) without too large a leap. Now they have come into their own and they appear in many modern patterns. This stitch has the benefit that it grows quickly and creates a lovely top ridged effect. It’s the perfect stitch to use in plain patterns to produce something that looks classy. I use the half treble in my cluster scarf, basket and rug.

Working in back loops is not really a stitch it’s more of a technique, but is something I use a lot. It creates a gorgeous ridge which makes the base of crochet baskets look amazing.

Tapestry Style Crochet Cushion with Large Squares

Designing and creating beautiful crochet designs that are simple and rewarding to make is my life’s work! This cushion designed in 2018 is a modern contemporary design and the large squares and blocks of colour have big impact.

My inspiration was the wonderful Aztec tapestry design bags created by South American crocheters. While tapestry crochet has been around for a while these crocheters have taken it to a whole new world of possibilities. Tapestry crochet is very simple to make and can be used to create elaborate designs and pictures.

I used two toning colours for the design I created the cushion so the colour changes are easy. Make it in black and white for a very contemporary design perfect for a modern home. The design uses only double crochet (single crochet) stitches so is very easy to make, once you have mastered how to change colours and the pattern include a tutorial on how to do this.

Make the cushion bigger by adding more blocks widthways or lengthways, just keep your proportions OK and the design would make a lovely floor cushion with six blocks square. As with all designs change the colours you change the look of your project completely.

I added a checkerboard effect border to add interest and to make the main design stand out as if framed. Full instructions included in the pattern. Grab the pattern here.....

Triangular Crochet Poncho

Violet/purple is the colour for 2018 that’s why I chose it! Poncho’s can be tricky to make with different shapings and joinings. By making this crochet poncho in motifs it is much easier to put together and gives you the flexibility to change the size so you can easily make it any size you like, by adding or taking out motifs. Use the plan provided and it will be easy to do this, just remember to keep a check on the size of the neck opening. Make for yourself or smaller for a child

The motifs are not the traditional granny square; I’ve added some popcorns to give the poncho more texture and interest. This design is quick to make with an easy repetitive pattern. If you are a crocheterer who want an easy relaxing pattern with clear instructions, then this one is for you!
Make this lovely lighter weight poncho for yourself or as a gift. If you want a thicker chunkier poncho use a chunky or Arran weight yarn and make fewer motifs.

I’ve included a plan and an image file to help you make your poncho. Block motifs to square them off. A pretty tassel edging around the bottom and a generous loop stitch border around the top make this an interesting and different pattern to make.

The lovely think about this design is once you have made a couple of motifs you can use them to make other things such as a baby blanket, throw or table runner. Find the pattern here.....


Pattern suitable for beginners to crochet

Review of West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Arran

Good value for a 100gm ball I used the Forest Green shade it to make the lovely evening bag pattern in my Geometrics and Shapes collection. West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Arran is quite a course yarn, it wouldn’t work for children’s clothing or scarves, but it’s the perfect yarn for the small evening bag. Firm and robust for holding and handling, it would be perfect for thick chunky knits and jackets.

The yardage for Aire Vallet Arran (100gram ball) is 200m/219 yards. The yarn has a high wool content of 75% Wool 25% Nylon.

Aire Valley comes in a range of colours including Forest Green and red, pinks, this seasons plum, violet and blues, plus the fusions range in green, lilac and red blends. It's also available in the cocktail range of bright multi coloured blends.

You can buy direct from West Yorkshire Spinners. 

What's in a name?

Discovering new crochet stitches and techniques in books, online and in blogs can be both inspiring and intimidating. The names of stitches and techniques can vary and be confusing. This can mean nothing to you or stand for time spent learning something new rather than starting a new crochet project! Sometimes it’s the abbreviations that can put you off or reams of text describing new stitches you need to make to complete the pattern.

It can be even more intimidating if the new techniques and specialist stitches use particular equipment such as with broom stick crochet. Or crochet hooks that look more like knitting needles for Tunisian crochet! The decision is, is it worth investing in new equipment? Will you be able to make good use of it?

I urge you not to be intimidated by having to learn something new and so stick with your tried and tested crochet designs and styles. Incorporating new stitches and techniques in a crochet project makes the project more interesting to work, results in a high class finish and you create a stand out project.

The chances are you’ve already used some of the stitches and techniques in more intricate patterns or have the skills you need and you do not realise it. For example my peacock leaf crochet scarf uses Tunisian crochet (not named in the pattern) but you do not need any specialist equipment to make this crochet scarf. The Tunisian crochet in this design is simple enough for a newbie to crochet to make.

More often than not the pattern you are looking at is much simpler than it at first appears. To give yourself confidence in tackling something new it’s worth using a simple design or pattern that you are familiar with and adding a few specialist stitches. As always keep a check on your tension. You can for example easily change a pattern that uses groups of trebles(double crochets) for cross trebles (cross double crochets). This will use the same number of stitches and looks very pretty. 

If your design uses a mesh pattern add a picot to the chains between stitches. For example if your pattern asks for 3 chain to make the spaces then make 4 chain with a dc picot into 3rd chain from the hook with another chain to complete the mesh gap. It will look so much more attractive than a plain mesh.

If your design uses groups of trebles (double crochet), crochet around the stem of the stitch on the row below, this makes a denser finished project, but uses the same number of stitches and creates a completely different look.

What to make with one ball of yarn

When you feel the need to create something in crochet but time, circumstances or the need to use up some of your stash makes it a necessity, what can you make with one or two balls of yarn?  Of course it all depends on the size of your ball of yarn and the thickness of the yarn, but even 1 ball of chunky or double knit (light worsted) can be used to make something.

One 50 gm ball of double knit (light worsted)  yarn will make one place mat or 4 coasters
Amigurumi are always popular and it’s easy to make a very cute amigurumi with one ball of double knit (light worsted) yarn.

With one 100gm ball of double knit (light worsted) you could make a cushion front. Just add a contrasting material back.

Crochet bootees or sandals for babies are gorgeous and a 50gm ball of yarn will be all you need.

A mug holder, made with two or three granny squares. It’s good to make something useful!

Christmas decorations. Use traditional colours such as white, red and bright green, but any colour will work with a few sparkly beads. One colour Christmas decorations look very sophisticated.

Lavender bags make delightful gifts and are ideal makes for fundraising events. They look lovely made with a cotton based yarn thick or thin.

Use one ball of double knit (light worsted) or chunky cotton to create a small storage basket to keep your jewellery or buttons safe

Crochet a necklace using a cotton based yarn, just add a few buttons or beads.

Crochet brooches are very pretty and take very little yarn.

Decorative crochet flowers are special. Add them to jumpers, hats, cushions or to make in a simple corsage.

Pom poms. Okay so not crochet but pom poms add something special to crochet hats, crochet flower wreaths and children’s jumpers.

Crochet key rings take very little yarn. You could make an entwined knot or a small amigurumi.

One ball of yarn will make a child’s hat.

Crochet headbands or ear warmers, pretty, chunky or elegant don’ take much yarn. Use wool based for warmth and cotton based for pretty flowery styles.

A book mark. Even a simple design will create something lovely to give as a special handmade gift or for fund raising.

Finishing off

When you spend time making something special and original to you finishing off well will show your work in the best light. Remember if you are making something like a scarf both sides of your work will be on show!

Make one extra chain for a more secure finish before weaving in ends. Fastening off the ends of thicker yarns, thread through denser areas of the same colour.

To keep the back of your work tidy crochet over loose ends as you work if you can. This works well if you are working with a thicker yarn or making a close work pattern. Doing this also makes finishing off easier.

Make sure the corners of cushions or bags are fully pushed out, use the back of your hook to do this.
If you are using a fine cotton yarn block out your motifs and your work will look 100% better.
For cushions and scarfs block edges to get a crisp straight edge finish.

Depending on what you are making if your first chain row is a bit loose crochet a dc(sc) row at both edges of your work or all around.

Attaching a material lining or backing add right side to right side with your work and use a matching shade of cotton. Use stem stitch and your stitches will disappear into the fabric of your crochet stitches.

Use back stitch on the wrong side when stitching motifs together.

If you don’t like sewing you can double crochet or slip stitch motifs together or even use something a bit more complex to make the joining of the motifs a feature of your work.

Leave long ends when finishing off or changing yarn, so you have enough to fasten off securely.
Sounds obvious, but invest in a pair of sharp embroidery scissors to make your finish ends  neater
Trim pompons and tassels so all strands are even

If possible use your main thread for stitching on buttons

If you can crochet edgings directly on to cushions and baby clothes rather than stitching it on for a better and more secure finish.

Making cushions choose a cushion pad slightly larger than your finished cushion cover. Your cushion will look plumper and will show your work off more distinctly

If you are making button loops add a row of dc’s (sc’s) for more secure fastening than a simple row of chains.

How to adapt a crochet pattern

One of the things I love about crochet is its flexibility and the good news is you don’t have to be an experienced crocheter to change and adapt patterns. Although changing a pattern is not advisable for clothing. Adapt patterns to make your projects distinctive and to add a ‘wow’ to your crochet projects. Here are my favourite ways to do this:

• Change the yarn thickness of a cushion pattern to a bigger or smaller weight yarn. Change your hook size to create a bigger or smaller cushion. Using thicker yarns gives less definition than finer ones, but creates a lovely chunky feel.
• Add two yarns together to create your own blend of yarn to create a tweedy effect.
  
• It’s particularly easy to adapt patterns if the pattern uses motifs. For example change the actual motif of your pattern or mix and match motifs. This will work if the additional or changed motifs have the same finished size as the original pattern motif and you use the same yarn and hook.
• Add extra rows of dc’s (sc’s) ot tr’s (dc’s) to crochet cushions or throws to make a larger cushion.
• Add rows of flowers as you go along or on top of your work. This works well with bags, cushions and throws. Keep to the original size of the pattern and you will be OK.
  
• Change the colours of a pattern or add more colours. If a pattern has motifs use multiple colours or one colour for the centre of all your motifs for a completely different effect.
• Simply changing the main colour of your design from light to dark or subtle to bright will dramatically change your finished project
• Add picots to the edge of a cardigan or scarf. This won’t affect the pattern but will make it look special and finished.
• Add beads and buttons to the centre of crochet flowers if using a pattern with flowers.
  
• Replace standard buttons with hand crafted wooden buttons or crochet your own buttons
• Add a different edging to clothing, cushions and throws than the one in the pattern.
• Crochet on top even simple chains will highlight a specific area using a different colour.
• Instead on one big motif make 4 small ones that finished make the same size as the original pattern.
• Use shells or popcorns instead of groups of trebles (dc’s) adding chains or leaving spaces to get the balance of your pattern right.
• If using a motif pattern that stitches motifs together change this by crocheting motifs together using dc’s (sc’s) or slip stitches.
  
• If a pattern has groups of trebles (dc’s) and dc’s (sc’s) crochet into back loops only to create a pretty ridge effect this works on garments as well.
• If using motifs make the last row all the same colour to create a background look.

Special Stitches

For me a special stitch is something that takes a basic dc (sc), tr (dc) and uses it in another way to add another element to crochet projects. This might be by crocheting on the surface or rows of shells added to a baby blanket on garments or cushions or throws.

Special stitches don’t have to be complicated and for a beginner a special stitch will move your crochet projects on to the next level. My crochet rug looks good in its original version but special stitches added looks something really distinctive.

Special stitches can be everything from a cluster to a picot or more difficult such as bullion stitches. With a little planning you can add special stitches to kits or patterns to make them your own and create something truly original. For example if you are making a pattern with 3tr (3dc) groups turn them into a 3tr (3dc) clusters with 1ch worked on either side. Or turn a 4tr (4dc) group into a cross over treble group which looks really smart.

Clusters, shells, picots, spike stitches are all special stitches and all easy to make and to adapt into existing work or patterns.Adding a special stitch makes designs original and really stand out.

1. Use a contrasting yarn for your special stitches if crocheting on the surface and don’t be afraid to try a finer yarn or yarn of a different texture. 
2. A very easy way to add special stitches is surface crochet with surface chain or slip stitch. Image to make
3. Finish the top row of a project to give a very pretty finish with 1ch between dc’s (sc’s) as a very easy way to create picots.
4. If your design includes large areas of chains and spaces, add a picot to the chains. This looks very pretty.
5. Wiggle stitch is a very satisfying stitch to make. Worked through crochet spaces or filet crochet squares it’s a lot easier to work than it looks and very effective. Wiggle stitch tutorial
6. One clever way to use spike stitches, use a contrasting colour to create the effect you like. – tutorial link
7. Use a pair of dc’s (sc’s) worked together in 1dc (sc) then miss a dc (sc). This  looks really good and creates a textured effect
8. Work into the back loop or the front loop only of your stitches. This is a very simple and easy way to create a special stitch and creates a textured finish. Experiment with a sample to create the effect you like.
9. Clusters, bobbles and puffs are all special stitches and look very pretty worked in the same colour as you project or with a contrasting colour or yarn