This cushion has been such a happy project to work on, a quick and spontaneous make which I used to test out my new Raindrops stitch pattern. I also wanted to try using chunky yarn for the first time, so the combination of the new stitch and the new yarn was a whole new experience for me.
I've used Stylecraft Special Chunky yarn, worked on a 6mm hook, in eight colours as follows ::
♥ Raspberry ♥ Lipstick ♥ Fondant ♥ Camel ♥ Meadow ♥ Aspen ♥ Lavender ♥ Denim
There is enough yarn here to make two of these cushions, you only actually need 4 x 100g balls of chunky to make a 45cm cushion in this pattern.
Unusually for me, I chose to order these colours into a repeating stripe (you know I usually go for random, so this was yet another new experience for me). I deliberately went for a rainbow effect, I think I might have been subconsciously trying to counter balance the extreme drabness of the weather we've been having! It's rainy and grey, lets make yarn rainbows!!
The very rainbowyness of this project really did lift my spirits and the very chunkyness of the yarn made the rainbow stripes grow satisfyingly fast. I have to say, I did find this chunky yarn quite physical to work with. The Stylecraft Speical chunky is a lovely yarn, very soft and squidgy and bouncy, but with a 6mm hook it did take quite a bit of "working", if you understand what I mean, and that made it quite slow going. I found I could only work in quite short bursts before my fingers and hands began to ache a little, so this would put me off using chunky yarn for a blanket project. It is GREAT cushion yarn though, as the resulting fabric is so soft, dense, and well, chunky!
I tried hard to deal with my tail ends methodically as I went along. With this pattern, you change colours every other row, so there are a LOT of ends for a reasonably compact project. My method is to crochet over the tail ends as I work the first 8-10 stitches, then pick the ends up with a darning needle and weave them back on themselves right to the outside edge.....
....like so. You can then just snip them off at this point. It's a secure way of dealing with tail ends, plus you don't get the yarn ends poking out in the middle of a row this way, as they sit neatly at the edge of the work. I use this method for all stripy crochet (including the ripple).
The Raindrops pattern is a great success I think. I struggled with it a little at first (I had trouble keeping the edges straight), but after adjusting the pattern I managed to put that right. I love the textural look of it, and the way it allows the colours to dance around with each other.
I made this cushion cover in one long piece, which allowed for a front, a back and a bit extra for an envelope style button flap thingy. The finished length needs to be twice that of your cushion, plus an extra third of the cushion depth. So if you are making a 45cm cushion, your crochet needs to measure 45cm wide, and 105cm deep (45+45+15).
The button hole strip was easy to make, worked in four rows as follows ::
Row 1 this is still part of the Raindrops pattern, the row with long and short half trebles (this will become clear when you read the pattern!)
Row 2 this is a row of double crochet
Row 3 this is the button hole row....I wanted to make 8 button holes, so with 50 stitches I did some maths. I worked dc three times, then a chain-2, skip-2 to make the button hole, then dc 4 times to make the space between the button holes, then another chain-2, skip-2 button hole, then dc 4 times etc etc.
Row 4 this is the final dc row. Work dc's into each dc from the previous row, putting 2dc's into each ch-2 button hole loop.
The button holes look quite small, but I did test them out with my 23mm buttons and they were fine. Crochet stretches remember, so don't make your button hole loops too big.
Shall we take a look?
Seven colour repeats in total. I worked out that three repeats fit the 45cm cushion perfectly, so I would need 6 repeats to cover the front and back. The seventh extra repeat (which measures about 15cm) will form the envelope flap.
You can see above that the bottom of the crochet is very skewed! This shows where I had trouble with the pattern in the beginning (remember this was me sampling the raindrops stitch from scratch), I had to adjust the way I started and ended each row in order to make it grow straight. So please if you don't mind, can you just overlook that wonky bit? Ta.
This is my method of constructing this type of cushion. It's a bit rough and ready (basically fold, stitch and turn outside-in), but it works.
1. Lay out your crochet piece, with the button flap sitting at the top. Right side facing uppermost, wrong side facing the floor.
2. Fold over the top button flap. My top flap measures 15cm and is approx a third of the total cushion height.
3. Fold up the bottom edge so that it meets the top (folded) edge. You should now be looking at something roughly square in shape, with the wrong side facing you uppermost.
If you look at it from the side view, you can see that the button flap is sandwiched between the front and back. Rights sides are facing in together, wrong sides are on the outside. The bottom edge sits neatly lined up with the top (folded) edge.
I decided that due to the thickness of the layers of chunky crochet that I would stitch instead of crochet the edges together. I picked yarn the same colour as the button flap. Hold all three layers at the top of your cushion firmly together and begin stitching (over-sew), starting from the top edge and working your way down. Keep stitches close together and as neat as possible, make sure they pass through all three layers of crochet.
Keep going, making small over-sew stitches. Once you pass the end of the button flap sandwiched in there, you'll only be sewing through the two front and back layers. Work all the way down to the bottom, then fasten off securely.
Now do the same on the other side. Start at the top fold, stitching through the three layers, working all the way down to the bottom edge. Now it's time to Turn!
You have worked your stitching up on the wrong side, so now all you have to do is turn the whole thing the right way out. Push your fingers into the corners to poke them out and make them neat. Your stitches will be visible, but hopefully the seam should look neat enough. Homespun, remember? You can't really be too much of a perfectionist here.
Your button flap should now be sitting neatly on top of your cushion back, overlapping it by about 15 cm or so. Time to sew on your buttons! I went for 23mm resin buttons in rainbow colours, which I bought from Wool Warehouse HERE (you have to select/buy them as individual buttons, all the colours should be there if you look through the list). I have to say I LOVE these buttons very, very much. They are Happy buttons!
I stitched my buttons using normal sewing thread.
Oh, beautifully buttony! You can see the stitched up side seam there, it's not too untidy I don't think.
I think we might be pretty much needing a swift Ta-dah now.......
Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One gloriously bright and bouncy Rainbow Raindrops cushion.
And this is the buttoned-up back, which I love rather much more than the front, oh that row of happy buttons really makes me smile☺!
This rainbow cushion is very much at home here in the Attic, already being used on a daily basis for important snuggle activity.
It's unashamedly jolly, bright, bouncy and happy.
And squidgy. Did I already mention how squidgy this chunky yarn is? Mmmm, yes it really is.
Now then, about the pattern, this Raindrops Stitch I've been going on about. Would you like to give it a go? Fancy working up some stripy, textural rows of dancing colour? I've been working very hard this past week working on the tutorial for you, and I am very happy to let you know that it is all ready to go. YEs! It really is.
Happy, happy hooky my friends....have fun!
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Hello.
I am trying this cushion and pattern for the first time but my work is really wonky. I tend to have tight tension but it seems more than that. Shall I unpick or restart?
Posted by: Rosie | April 23, 2020 at 04:09 PM
These are just stunning, would make a fabulous baby blanket also!
Posted by: Wedding Pixie | June 09, 2017 at 02:06 PM
Hi Lucy,
My son and girlfriend bought me your rainbow cushion cover set for Christmas which was a lovely surprise.
However, I am having a problem with the wonky sides. I see from other comments that it is not just me...thankfully and wondered if you have any tips as to where I am going wrong?
Much appreciated.
Posted by: Fiona McIntosh | January 20, 2017 at 10:04 AM
Is this usa terms?
Posted by: Sher | May 01, 2016 at 03:04 PM
Hi Lucy,
I love your blog and your patterns and have bought several of your wool packs.
I started your raindrop cushion this evening, but it is turning out at an angle. Can you give me any help in how to straighten it up please. I don't really want to crochet any more until I know what I'm doing wrong.
Thanks very much.
Jane.
Posted by: Jane Kirby | March 28, 2016 at 08:03 PM
I did it I did it I am very happy I finished my cushion, where can I show it to you?
Posted by: Maria Luisa Luque | January 24, 2016 at 06:40 AM
Sent for the complete package for the raindrops cushion - making it for son & daughter-in-law for their caravan & 20th wedding anniversary. As other comments I ended up with crooked sides. Undid all, third attempt and extra careful reading of your very good tuition I seem to be getting better but my sides still do not look as good as yours. Am doing 16" cushion (48sts)so working out buttonhole spacing is proving a bit taxing for my old brain. They might get it for their 21st anniversary at this rate!
Posted by: Enid (ancient octogenarian) | July 18, 2015 at 12:31 PM
This is such a beautiful design and I can't wait to start it! I don't have a 6mm hook my biggest is a 5mm hook, will that be alright to use with chunky yarn? Thanks for all your lovely patterns and advice :)
Posted by: Jessica | January 01, 2015 at 03:07 PM
Hi Lucy
I have hopefully got the correct link to make contact and comment. I met you in Skipton in July.We had a coffee together, I live in Cornwall. You may remember me. I love the vivid colours in your cushion. I am going to have a go, but before I do, I want to try a ripple cushion. You were busy crocheting the coast ripple blanket. I love the colours in the blanket. Is it poss to make a cushion in the ripple pattern? I have never been successful trying to do a ripple pattern in the past. However, you have explained how tos go about it in your excellent way, so I am going to take the plunge and get the colours from Style Craft so that I can replicate the effect you created in your blanket. If successful, I will have a go at making the blanket in the same colours. Thank you Lucy for all your inspiration that you share with us. Linda
Posted by: Linda Packer | September 18, 2014 at 09:19 PM
This is absolutely gorgeous! Every time I follow a link to your blog I am delighted. You do such beautiful work. Bravo and thank you for all of the inspiration.
JessanneS
Posted by: Jessanne | September 16, 2014 at 12:12 AM
Hermoso!!!
Posted by: laura | July 02, 2014 at 08:20 PM
A
bsolutely gorgeous! Love your 'raimbow corner'... Perhaps I'll be able to have one like yours some day! The case is that I'm afraid I'won't have enough time in the rest of my life, which I hope will be very long, the thing is that the cue of my next projects is becoming too long for a lifetime ;) Does that happen to you as well?
Thanks a lot for sharing your beutiful ideas!
A hug with two kisses, the Spanish way!!!
Posted by: Angelica Calve-Vicens | June 25, 2014 at 09:27 PM
Love the stitch, but don't know how to make it with straight sides. Help!
Posted by: Eva | May 24, 2014 at 01:17 AM
What a fab idea, i'm all about cushions and throws at the moment. I'm half afraid though of how challenging it would be for me to create something similar as it looks so detailed!
Posted by: Maire | May 19, 2014 at 11:20 AM
Just finished mine but in a slightly bigger size and I'm a tiny bit in love!
Posted by: Jules | May 18, 2014 at 10:02 AM
just started making this and it is really easy to do. And the side edges are lovely and straight! Thanks so much Lucy :-)
Posted by: Lorna | April 27, 2014 at 05:14 PM
I absolutely LOVE this and I'm definitely going to give it a go.
Can I ask though how do you start it off, for your size cushion, how many chains?? Thank you xxx
Posted by: Paula | April 26, 2014 at 09:03 PM
I'm having a lot of trouble with this pattern, I consider myself to be an intermediate crocheter but this has me stumped. I've just posted a picture to your facebook page to show the problem. I've started the cushion twice now but it keeps going wonky. I've done a sample/tester square and it's done the same. I swear I'm following the pattern exactly. It keeps skewing to the right. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. Can you help? Thanks in advance
Posted by: Gemma Payne | April 25, 2014 at 05:11 PM
Just finished making the cushion. It was a lot quicker than I had expected so am going to give it to my sister for her birthday (hadn't thought I would finish it in time). I enjoyed making it and it was a real "people magnet" - I often crochet on the 'bus or in public and I've never had so many people ask me about what I'm crocheting. It also attracted another Attic 24 fan who recognised the design!
Just one thing - I found the technique you suggest about the ends distorted the side with the ends a bit. It doesn't show too much now the cushion's sewn up, but I don't think I'd use that method again.
Thanks again for the lovely pattern and your clear way of describing it.
Posted by: GC | April 01, 2014 at 12:26 AM
Hi Lucy - I love this cushion and already have some lovely colours of yarn that I could use but it is DK not chunky squidgy!
Do you think it would work if I used DK instead of chunky yarn? I can obviously just work the number of stitches and rows required to fit the measurements you have provided, but what hook size would you recommend I use?
Thanks for your help!
Posted by: Vikki Shelton | March 24, 2014 at 12:54 PM
Hi Lucy,
I am trying this pattern using shades of yellow and orange in a DK weight to make a blanket. It looks lovely...but I'm getting those wonky edges that I see at the start of your pillow, even though I *think* I'm following the directions correctly. I can usually figure such things out on my own, but wondered if you had suggestions?
Posted by: Roslyn | March 23, 2014 at 08:48 PM
Many thanks for posting the raindrops pattern and details of the cushion. I needed a new and colourful project so have bought the wool and am going for it. Just one thing - I couldn't see the number of stitches for the cushion anywhere, am I missing it? You mention 50 stitches when you're describing the button holes, but that doesn't work out as a multiple of 4, or a multiple of 4 plus 3, as you say in the raindrops pattern.
Posted by: GC | March 13, 2014 at 07:28 PM
It is beautiful! I didnt read the whole post, but I love the pictures and the buttons that you chose are just perfect!
Posted by: Silly Little Sheep | March 13, 2014 at 04:55 PM
wow loving yr site,beautiful
Posted by: martina wynne | March 12, 2014 at 10:51 PM
Besides your ripple blanket, which is my top love, this is the 2nd most gorgeous thing you have created!!! LOVE THIS!
Posted by: Jan | March 12, 2014 at 03:40 PM