Crochet cushions

Size 32 x 32cm

You will need
• Elle Family Knit Chunky in a variety of colours
• 5,5mm crochet hook
• 32cm square cushion cover
• inner cushion to fit
• oddment of 4-ply yarn in a main colour
• matching coloured sewing thread

Before you begin
These cushions are crocheted using the basic granny motif. One is designed in smaller motifs that are joined together to create a patchwork, the other is made in one large motif. The motifs are a good way to use up oddments of chunky yarn; choose a main colour that will dominate the design. We used ecru for both cushion covers, keeping it neutral so the colour of the fabric does not show through the crochet. If you are unable to find a cover the right colour, you could make your own.

To make
Cushion with small granny motifs
Each motif measures 8 x 8cm. Note Work a different colour for each rnd after the 2nd rnd for more interest.

1st rnd: work 6 ch sts, sl st in first ch to make a ring.

2nd rnd: working into the ring, work 3 ch (this counts as the first tr), 2 tr in ring, * 2 ch, 3 tr in ring; rep from * twice more. Join to the 3 ch at the beg of the rnd with a sl st.

3rd rnd: work 5 ch (first 3 ch are the turning ch for the tr st, the rem 2 ch are for the 2 ch sp); 3 dc, 2ch, 3 dc into first 2 ch sp of previous rnd, this forms the corner, * 1 ch, (3dc, 2 ch, 3dc) into next 2 ch sp; rep from * twice more. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch st of first ch.

4th rnd: work as given for 3rd rnd, using the instructions in brackets for the corners, then work * 1 ch, 3 dc; rep from * into spaces along the side of the square, with 1 ch before next corner.

This completes one motif. Continue in this way until you have 16 completed motifs.

To make up
Darn in all the ends at the back of the work and cut excess threads away. Place two squares with the right sides together and stitch together using a small neat back stitch in 4-ply yarn. Join the next square in the same way. Sew rows of four squares together then join the rows together to form the patchwork cover.
Block the completed patchwork to fit the cushion cover. Using small neat slip stitches and matching sewing thread, sew the patchwork to the front of the cushion cover.

Cushion with one large motif
Work as given for the small motifs until the 4th rnd is completed.

5th rnd: for this rnd and all foll rnds, work as given for 4th rnd in small motifs using the instructions in the brackets for each corner and then work * 1 ch, 3 dc; rep from * into every sp along the side of square, with 1 ch before the corner. Continue working in rnds until the motif measures 32cm square.

To make up
Block the completed square to fit the cushion cover, then sew as for the patchwork cushion.