Winter may be coming, but that doesn't mean I need to be stuck inside! We spent last week end making the most before the cold and frost of canberra settle in. My handy partner and helpful friend did the back breaking work of the turning soil and laying down turf. Which we hope will establish before the first frost. Me, I grabbed whats left of the eggplants, tomatos and chillis, while wrangling our little one.
Our little peach was our motivator to create this small lush haven. We've slowly converted our space into a sensory garden with a small grassed area.
Come winter, there's nothing worse than trying to keep her inside when I can see the passion in her face that she needs to be explore the outside world.
While keeping all the needs of my little one are important, the little creature comforts for myself can't be overlooked. I plan to spend some time out here, toddler, coffee, games, gardening and whatever else happens on the day.
I have an awesome up-cycled garden seat and table a good friend repaired for me. my favourite seat in outdoors. I wanted something machine washable and durable for outside to sit with. Acrylic isn't my first choice of fibre to work with, but in some instances like these it's qualities suit the items use.
Before we begin, the row length and count are totally adjustable to suit any cushion size you've chosen. This pattern was created for a IKEA cushion, measuring 68cm x 30cm approx.
So lets start this project!
Here's what you'll need |
x4 balls of Lion brand
15mm Hook
5, 20mm buttons
Large yarn needle
Large eye sewing needles
Ruler
Scissors
cushion insert approx 68cm x 30cm
Key |
ch: chain
rpt: repeat
dc: double crochet
lttr: Linked triple treble
Method |
ch 48
Row 1: ch1, dc into each ch. 48
I haven't given detailed instruction for this. The dc stitch can be through the back loop or through the chain bump if you prefer.
Row 2: ch4, lttr into each st. 48
Chain 4, Insert hook into second chain from the hook through the back bump, yarn over, and draw the yarn through. Repeat this into each chain bump.
There will be 4 loops on your hook
Once you've completed this first linked stitch connected to the chains, it gets easier! so stick with it.
The beauty of these linked stitches are, you have the height of a triple treble without all the spaces and gorgeous linear lines across your work.
Insert your hook into the stitch next to the chains, yarn over and draw the yarn through. 5 loops on your hook
Now like a normal triple treble, yarn over and draw through two loops, repeat 3 more times till 1 stitch remains on your hook. See the images below.
Can you see the 3 horizontal bars across the stitch? You're off to a cracking start!
Now the linked stitches are drawn through the horizontal bars of the previous stitch.
To do this Insert hook into the top of the horizontal bar of previous stitch, yarn over and draw the yarn though.
Do this twice more. then insert the hook into the dc stitch, yarn over and draw the yarn through. There will be 5 loops on your hook.
Like the previous stitch, yarn over and draw through two loops, repeat 3 more times till 1 stitch remains on your hook.
Nailed it! continue like this till the end of the row. there will be 48 stitches.
Rpt rows 1 and 2, 12 times
Rpt Row 1 to finish. 25 rows total
Both sides of the fabric are beautiful! Do you like the linear lines of the linked stitches or the rough texture of the back? It’s entirely up to you which side you'd like on the outside of your cushion.
I chose what is normally the wrong side of my work as the right side. These are the photos featured in this post.
Construction |
With right sides together over lap the edges by 1 inch/ 3cm and offset the overlap to 1/3 the length from the top. Make sure the short overlap layer is the final row. This has the lovely finish on the edge.
Sew both sides together, I used backstitch. Pin in place if you need to.
Before you turn the work right side out, sew, trim and tidy up any loose ends
Position buttons evenly across the width of the cushion. With 5, 20mm buttons this works out to be approx. 12.5cm apart
Sew each button with a shaft. This will keep it raised and sit nicely when buttoned up.
I've used a worsted cotton I often crochet baskets with. Sew two loops through the button, holding a few millimetres height
Wrap the yarn around the shaft a couple of times, from the bottom to the top. With the needle, draw through the shaft from the top to the base and fix at the base with a knot.
On this photo you can see how nicely the button sits on top of the cushion.
Pop in your cushion insert and you're done!
Enjoy this soft cosy cushion, whether in the yard or inside.
Leah x