Colourblock Cushion :: Ta-dah!

For quite a while I've wanted to find a satisfying project to use up the yarn oddments I've gathered after making so many blankets in the past year or so. I wanted to make something bright and joyful that used a mixed palette of many colours, but using only small quantities of each colour. A quick, portable project that could be popped into my bag and taken with me on holiday, to the beach, to the cafe, to friends houses.

I enjoyed winding up these small 20g balls of yarn using my trusty yarn winder, arranging them into on old plastic tub to create a pleasing colour palette to work from. And then I got busy with my 4mm hook.........

.....and made a whole stack of these small three-round Solid Granny Squares.

It's a very easy pattern used by crocheters all over the world, a variation on the classic granny square. I didn't create the pattern (It's been around in the public domain for a long time), but I did write up a tutorial to show how I make them {here}.

I also shared my method of joining these squares which creates an almost invisible seam and a very neat finish. The secret is to leave 30cm tail ends when you finish crocheting each square, then use these ends to methodically stitch the squares together. I wrote a full tutorial to explain this process which you can find towards the end of the Solid Granny Squares pattern.

I just love seeing all these colours together, the harmonious and cheerful look makes me very happy :)

I didn't labour over these squares at all, I simply made a few here and a few there, working my way through my yummy box of colours until I had made enough. I made 63 squares in total using 36 different colours of Stylecraft Special DK, arranging them in a 7 x 9 block and joining them by stitching them together row by row....

....^^^very pleasing, wouldn't you say?!

Each square measures approximately 7cm across, and I made enough to be able to fit round a rectangular 30 x 50 cm cushion pad {I bought mine from Amazon here}

The idea was to simply fold the crochet in half....

...with right sides together and use the same stitching technique to join the two short sides together square by square. The crochet then becomes a tube, which is ready for a bit of edging around the two open ends.

After a fair bit of deliberation, I kept the edging very simple, working three rows of treble crochet and a final row of double crochet (UK terms).

Colourclock Cushion Edging

:: ROUND 1 :: start in any stitch, chain 3, then work 1 treble in each stitch around. When you come to the bit where two squares join, you need to space the trebles out as evenly as possible when you work over the stitched seam (as in the above picture).

Remember you are effectively working in a big circle around the edge, so you will end up arriving right back to where you started. Slip Stitch into the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-3 to close the round, then fasten off and darn in the ends securely.

I took the above photo to give you a visual idea of how the cushion cover should be looking at this stage - your cover should fit your cushion pad quite snuggly, with only a tiny bit of overlap over the two short sides.

:: ROUND 2 :: the second round of the edging is a simple round of treble stitches. So start in any stitch, chain 3, then work 1 treble into each stitch around. Slip Stitch into 3rd chain of beginning chain-3 to close the round, then fasten off and darn in the ends.

The third and fourth rounds are worked in the same colour.

:: ROUND 3 :: start in any stitch, chain 3, then work 1 treble into each stitch around. Slip Stitch into 3rd chain of beginning chain-3 to close the round, but don't fasten off.

:: ROUND 4 :: chain 2, then work 1 double crochet into each stitch around. Slip Stitch into 2nd chain of beginning chain-2 to close the round, then fasten off and neatly darn in the ends.

Work the second edging at the other end of the cushion cover in exactly the same way. Now it's time to Button Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I opened up my button tin and picked out a colourful selection of 15mm buttons, you will need 14 x 15mm buttons in total for this project. I already happen to have a mixed collection of different sized coloured buttons for just this sort of thing, but if you wish to buy some then search for "mixed craft buttons" on eBay or Amazon. I did a little search and found these ones (I like the mix of colours) but there are loads to choose from on the internet. Don't go off on a button-buying frenzy now, tempting as it might be, and please don't blame me if you end up with a sizeable button stash.....

....right, back to the cushion. The idea for the button closure is very simple and very effective. First job is to get some pins and mark out the spacing for your buttons. Fold you cushion cover neatly in half, then open up one end slightly - you will be stitching the buttons to the INSIDE/WRONG SIDE of your cushion cover. Start by finding the centre and mark with a pin, then evenly space 3 more pins on either side (seven in total). Mine worked out as being one pin every 8 stitches.

This is what it should look like - pins pinned along the inside edge, evenly spaced and centred. Choose seven 15mm buttons.

I managed to find a darning needle that had an eye big enough for the yarn to thread through, but small enough so it would fit through the holes in the buttons. Secure your thread at the base of round 3, exactly where your first pin is. Stitch the button in place (remember it will be on the inside/wrong side of your cushion cover!)

Work your way along, securing your yarn at the base of round 3 where the pin marked the place, then neatly stitching on a button using yarn.

If you can't find a darning needle to accommodate the yarn and size of button hole, simply use a sewing needle and sewing thread to stitch on your button instead.

ooooooooooo, looking beautifully neat and buttony!

Now do you see what's going on here, have you worked out the cleverness of this button closure yet?

You simply use the gaps between the treble stitches in round 3 as button holes, ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nifty or what????!!!! The simplicity of this idea pleases me hugely, and it is just soooooo neat!

Sweet, sweet cushion cover with your buttony edging, oh I do rather like your charming good looks and your happy colour combos!

You may have already noticed that I deliberately arranged the colours in two halves. So the first half (picture above) has a definite rainbow effect....

....and the second half has a more random patchwork effect. You can also see in the above picture that the buttons aren't visible on the reverse side.

I absolutely love the buttons, I know it's all very predictable, but I just can't help my button-loving heart ♥

I also really love how p-l-u-m-p the cushion turned out to be, this cushion pad has a polyester hollowfibre filling so will probably flatten a bit as the cushion gets used....

....but right now I am loving the plumpety-plump look and feel of it.

I finished making my cushion this morning at the studio where I happen to have seven (seven!) dining chairs plus two (two!) old Lloyd Loom chairs. That's a lot of chairs ready and waiting to star in a little photo shoot....

...but I think this particular chair took to the job in hand the best.

I dearly, dearly love this chair, it has a lot of sentimental memories attached and I wrote a little story about it here on my blog. Hard to believe that was six years ago now, my my, how time does fly when you're having lots of creative fun :)

I've loved making this cushion and sharing the journey with you, I wonder if you might feel inspired to make one for yourself one day? It's a great holiday project (those little squares like to travel you know) and I would really enjoy hearing about it if you do give it a go.

Here is a round up of the pattern information and materials used for this project ::

♥ Solid Granny Square pattern (including a how-to for the joining method)

♥ 30 x 50 cm polyester hollowfibre cushion pad

♥ 14 x 15mm coloured buttons

♥ 4mm hook (Clover Amour, my favourite), perfect for using with DK weight yarn.

♥ HAPPY HOOKING my friends!

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Comments

[Holly]

You clever thing! It looks gorgeous and I love your pins.

[Angela-Southern USA]

Who doesn't love buttons?! You can never have too many! ; ) I love how you've chose to add them to both ends, must do that on the next one I make. I too will use that method sometimes for the "button holes." It's looks right at home and cosy in your chair (s). I'm currently seaming rows together on my heart blanket, then onto the edge.

[Pam]

Fabulous! Thank you for taking so much time to take such great photos and going through the stages in such detail. It must take you ages - really does give so much pleasure and inspiration! x

[Debs]

Oooh, this is wonderful! I've got all those brilliant Stylecraft colours and am all set to follow your lovely tutorial. This post was the most marvellous colour-fest, thank you, thank you, thank you, Lucy. xxxxx

[melissa]

I love your stuff, and you are very talented. Its always a treat to pop over. I was so hoping this pillow would be something other than the usual, standard rainbow/Skittles colors you always use. They are wonderful to be sure, but on everything?? Do you ever dream or plan or design anything that are not rainbow colors? Not a complaint, just a curiosity. I think after a while, the busy rainbow colors everywhere in the house would make me crazy. And eventually, everything begins to look a like. Just an observation from a nobody. :)

[Helen]

Love those colours, the cushion looks so good on your chair. I can imagine you getting comfortable for a bit of hooking with it in your studio. Hx

[Dawn]

Seeing your beautiful cushion finished has cheered me no end as I sit on the sofa after root canal work at the dentist today! I love your colour combinations ; they work so well together and look so jolly! Thank you for all the work you must put into your tutorials that you share so generously. Can't wait to make one of these beauties!
Best wishes from Dorset.

[Anja (ChériesCrochet)]

Love this pillow it is soooo Lucy :-)
Thank you for sharing your lovely work !

[Katalin]

Your blog makes me smile. Thank you for the colours. :)

[Sue]

Well done! Love your cozy corner. The colour palette is wonderful in your pillow cover and in the blanket behind it :)

[Lynda M Otvos]

Magnificent tute, Lucy; you're the best. The cushion cover rocks like no other I have seen on the Interwebs. Thanks for sharing your pattern and process.

[Jenny low]

Hi Lucy how is it that Sue pinners is exactly like yours ! Thank you for the marvellous tutorials they are so welcome.x

[Miek]

It really makes me happy, the colors of that pillow! I`ve printed the tutorial for taking with me on vacation with the caravan. I`ve finished the cosy stripe blanket and started the granny stripe blanket for my husband, (you know, cold evenings but not willing to go inside the caravan yet). So as you can think, you are with me on vacation this year;-)........in Holland
greetings Miek

[crafty mema]

a second favorite -after attic24-is reading what everyone else is doing
my morning trip around the world

oxoxoxox crafty mema

[Sarah]

You're so clever Lucy, great tutorial as always, I'm going to have a go with my leftovers and I've already got a small feather cushion that I use for yoga that desperately needs a new cover. Your colour combos are so cool too!

[Gillian]

Gorgeous! I really like a rectangular cushion.

[CJ]

It's brilliant Lucy, I love how you made it all from little odds and ends of leftover wool, and the buttonholes are genius. Sewing things together scares me, but you've done it so beautifully (and invisibly), you've inspired me. How welcoming it looks in your favourite chair. CJ xx

[Helen Moreton]

Hi Lucy. I always look forward to seeing your new creations ... this is lovely and cheerful! I have a question (if you have time) ... I'd like to start selling my crochet designs and i have a blog. I notice you sometimes show what you're doing before you post the pattern. Do you ever find people copy what you've done? Would you advise I don't post pics of my work until I've got the pattern finished? Many thanks! Hook on!

[Kaholly]

Very clever and just as sweet as can be! I'm making the afghan now and I'm so pleased with it.

[Claire]

Very clever, very vibrant, very you!

And love the way you forward plan details - like the rainbow effect one side, the random patchwork the other side.

[Teresa]

I collect all the previous opinions and compliments in a huge bunch and I put a beautiful ribbon on it and I give to you for all your fantastics works because I don't find any better to say.
Well, in fact yes... THANK YOU!!!

[gail.firenze]

Well Lucy all I can say is you never disappoint. I just love it and yes I will be making one.
Blessings Gail

[sew]

This must be one of your best! The buttons are the perfect finish and the 'buttonholes' simply genius! ♥

[Justine]

I've started and have made 5x squares!! I'm enjoying this little project. :-) Thank you Lucy!

[Teresa Kasner]

Bravo! Another wonderful project that I love and would like to make someday. You sure know how to knock it out of the park, Ms. Lucy! The buttons make it so cute! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)