tutorial - chunky crochet sofa pillow cover by tara schreyer

Chunky knits are everywhere and we can see why. It is gorgeous and brings a cozy feel to any room. I wanted to try my hand at it and this was my creation. Want to make your own?

Materials
- 4 Balls of Loops & Threads™ Ginormous (100 yds/92m;15.8 oz/450 g)
- 25 mm (Size 50) crochet hook
- 120" (10') of 1.25" ribbon
- body pillow (measuring approx. 45" x 16")


Finished Size
Approximately 45" (114.3 cm) x 16" (43.2 cm). It has lots of stretch in these stitches.

Gauge
8 slip stitches x 8 rows = 6" square

Instructions for the Chunky Crochet Sofa Pillow Cover

Pillow Front/Back (make 2)

Chain 21.

Row 1: Working in back humps of chains, slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain to end, turn - 20 sts. (Mark the first and last stitches of row with a stitch marker as it is easy to miss these stitches. Continue to move markers with each row.)
Row 2: (Mark as right side) Chain 1, working in the front loops only, 1 slip stitch in each stitch to end, turn - 20 sts
Row 3: Chain 1, working in the back loops only, 1 slip stitch in each stitch to end, turn - 20 sts
Rows 4 - 67: Repeat Rows 2 & 3 thirty-two more times
Row 68: Slip stitch in back loops only in each slip stitch to end - 20 sts
Fasten off, leaving a very long strand for stitching up the length of the pillow.

Finishing
Lining up the first and last rows, place wrong sides together and slip stitch the two panels together along the long edges. Leave the short edges open. 

Stuff the pillow into the pillow cover.

Cut four 1.25" ribbon into 30" (2.5') lengths. On the side of the pillow, weave two of the ribbons through a few loops on the inside of the pillow at the 7th stitch from each side.

 
 Tie into a bow or knot and trim the ends to the desired length. Repeat on other side.

Don't forget to share your finished projects on Ravelry. Can't wait to see everyone's projects!!

tara.

new crochet pattern - numbered storage bins by kim miller.

Numbered Storage Bins by Kim Miller

Numbered Storage Bins by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

I love containers, and I never seem to have enough. Not only do containers store tons of stuff, but they also add charm to any decor.

Now you can crochet your own numbered containers. Classic stripes add a splash of colour, and 3 different sizes means that you can create nesting bins, or switch it up and make them all the same size. Plus, I show you an easy way to switch the colours without having to fasten off, and having a ton of yarn ends to work in.

This well written crochet pattern includes instructions for 3 different sized bins, and for the numbers 1 through to 3. This pattern is also complete with illustrations to help you to successfully complete you project.

The pattern calls for Bernat® Handicrafter® 100% Cotton 50 g (1.75 oz)/73 meters (80 yds) per ball which is a worsted weight 4, a 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook, and a yarn needle. This crochet pattern uses the following stitches: slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, sc2tog and sc4tog.

Finished Measurements: 

Small Bin = Diameter 21.6 cm (8½”) and 14 cm (5½”) high. 

Medium Bin = Diameter 25.4 cm (10”) and 14 cm (5½”) high. 

Large Bin = Diameter 29.2 cm (11½”) and 14 cm (5½”) high. 

Please note that the finished sizes are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern from Ravelry.com and receive 20% off by using coupon code "STORAGEBINS20" at the checkout. 

Offer valid until June 30th, 2016)

kim.

new crochet pattern - peekaboo ladders accent pillow by kim miller.

Peekaboo Ladders Accent Pillow by Kim Miller

Skill Level: Easy

Breath new life into your favorite space with this natural cotton, decorative pillow cover! This pillow cover is easy to crochet, and features an open work ladder stitch on the front...allowing your favorite accent colour to peek through. 

This well written crochet pattern has lots of illustrations to help you to successfully complete you project. The front panel is a 2 row repeat that is easy to memorize, and the back panel is worked almost entirely in single crochet (as illustrated in the third picture).

The pattern calls for 1 large ball of Lily® Sugar'n Cream 100% Cotton [400 g (14 oz)/650 meters (710 yds) per ball], a 4.25 mm (G) crochet hook, 4 – 35 mm (1.4”) buttons, and a yarn needle. This crochet pattern uses the following stitches: slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and reverse single crochet.

The finished pillow cover measures approximately 17x17” and fits a 18x18” pillow form. Please note that the finished size will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn. 

Buy Now

Purchase this pattern from Ravelry and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code "PeekabooLadders20" at the checkout. Offer valid until Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 

kim.

sneak peek.

Ever since I first seen little, felted, balls with acorn tops on Etsy I've been dying to make some of my very own. Finally, this year, while visiting Vancouver for Knit City 2015, I found some adorable acorn caps. As soon as I got home I went to work on felting the autumn coloured balls, shown below, to glue into the caps. Are they not the sweetest thing?

Who knew that this quick little craft project would became the inspiration for my next crochet design. 

This crochet acorn combines 2 different textures to give it a natural woodsy look. The acorn and oak leaf are both felted, whereas the cap is left unfelted. This combination of texture gives it a truly natural feel of the original. This acorn measures approximately 10 cm (4") in length making it a great accent for the home, or a decorative pincushion for your sewing basket.

The crochet pattern for the Woodland Acorn is nearing completion and will be ready for publication any day now. 

kim.

new crochet pattern - bed of flowers baby blanket by tara schreyer.

Skill Level: Intermediate

This baby blanket is sweet and delicate. A perfect gift for the new mom-to-be. It is made up of 48 individual motifs that are joined as you go. I’ve chosen to make a baby blanket but there is no end to the colour combinations and sizes that you make. Turn it into a queen bed cover, a table cloth, a scarf, a pillow. Your only limit is your imagination.

This well written crochet pattern includes figure pictures and a chart to serve as a visual aid to the written instructions. The pattern is made up of basic crochet stitches and uses a total of 600 yds of worsted weight yarn - 200 yds of Color A; 200 yds of Color B; and 300 yds of Color C

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code FLOWERBED20 at the checkout. Offer valid until Tuesday, November 3, 2015)

tara.

new tunisian crochet pattern - earl grey hot pad by tara schreyer.

Skill Level: Easy

This crocheted hot pad brings a bit of old fashion charm into the modern kitchen. The pattern is simple yet beautiful. It is made using a bulky cord, giving it amazing texture and sturdiness. Both sides are equally gorgeous making it completely reversible.

This pattern recommends using 49 yds of Schoeller+Stahl "Anya" cording and a 8.00 mm (L) tunisian crochet hook.

Finished measurement: 7.5" (19 cm) x 7.5" (19 cm)

Buy Now

(Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link above and receive 20% off your purchase by using coupon code "HOTPAD20" at the checkout. Offer valid until Wednesday, October 7th, 2015)

tara.

sneak peek.

My sister-in-law inspired this pillow cover. She showed me a picture of a pillow that she fell in love with while visiting a little gift shop. She is a thrifty girl and a DIYer at heart so she sadly walked away from it, hoping that someday she could have something similar.  She showed the picture to me and it inspired this new design.  Hope she likes it!!

Won't be long and I will have the pattern up for you all to enjoy! 

tara.

new crochet pattern - striped baskets by tara schreyer.

I love storage!! You can never have enough of it. Create yourself something functional and pretty all at the same time. These little containers are great for storing anything and everything...from the nursery to the laundry room!

The pattern offers instructions for three different sizes:
Small: 4" (10.2 cm) diameter x 2.75" (7 cm) high
Medium: 5.25" (13.3 cm) diameter x 3.125" (8 cm) high
Large: 6.5" (16.5 cm) diameter x 3.5" (9 cm) high

Buy Now

Purchase this pattern using the "Buy Now" link and receive 20% off. No coupon code is necessary!  

Offer valid until April 12, 2015.
**For our EU friends, head over to www.loveknitting.com. 
The price there reflects the discounted price**

tara.

new crochet pattern - cables & lattice pillow cover by tara schreyer.

  SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

Add a splash of color and sophistication to your favorite space by creating this pillow cover. The cables and lattice work provide tons of texture and interest and will work with any decor.

The pattern calls for 595 yds/11 oz of Cascade Yarn Eco+ 100% Peruvian Highland Wool or other comparable bulky weight yarn. A knowledge of front/back post stitches as well as double and treble crochets is required. Many figure pictures are provided in the pattern to assist with creating the cables and lattice work. A slipcover for the pillow form is recommended but instructions on construction is not provided.

The finished pillow cover measures 14" x 24". Please note that measurements are approximate and will be affected by the gauge and the brand of yarn.

Buy Now

Purchase this pattern using the above link and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "PILLOW20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Friday - September 26, 2014

tara.

sneak peek.

Here's a peek at my current crochet pattern in the works....

 

 

The pattern for these "Shabby Chic Coasters" is almost ready!

 

 

 

 

kim.

new crochet pattern - textured pot holder by kim miller.

 

Textured Pot Holder by Kim Miller

 

Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Styles may change but our needs remain the same, so it was my desire to create a pretty functional pot holder that would fit into our modern decor. This fun pattern is highly addictive and because bobbles are used, as opposed to the popcorn stitch, the pot holder works up relatively fast!

This crochet pattern calls for one 68 yard ball of Bernat® Handicrafter® Cotton for each
pot holder, but any worsted weight (4) 100% cotton may be substituted. The pattern uses the following stitches: single crochet, double crochet, bobble, and picot.

The finished, unblocked pot holder measures 20.3 cm (8”) by 20.3 cm (8”)

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "potholder20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Tuesday - September 2nd, 2014)

 

 

 

kim.

 

new crochet pattern - cabled hot water bottle cozy by kim miller.

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Once considered old fashioned, hot water bottles have become a new trend, and stylish cozies for hot water bottles are popping up everywhere!

This knit-look cozy crochets up quickly, and the main body is a 4 row repeat that is easy to memorize. The cozy is designed to slip easily over your bottle and features a button-up closure on the back side.

This crochet pattern calls for 1¾ skeins of Cascade Yarns® 220 [100 g (3.53 oz)/201 meters (220 yds) per skein], which is a worsted weight (4). The pattern features the blue (Summer Sky - 7815) cozy and you should be comfortable with the following stitches and techniques: adjustable ring, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, front post treble crochet, half double crochet 2 together, front post double crochet 2 together, and front post double crochet 3 together.

The crochet instructions are written for one size only, but post stitches and cabling allow lots of room for stretch. The finished hot water bottle cozy measures approximately 19 cm (7.5”) wide and 35.5 cm (14”) at it's highest point.

Buy Now

 

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "cabledcozy20" at the checkout!

Offer valid until Friday - January 3rd, 2014) 

 

 

 

kim.

 

new crochet pattern - cotton rope pouf by tara schreyer.

 

 

 

Skill Level: Easy

Look in any decorating magazine and you will find a pouf of some kind. I love them! Don't you? Create your very own with rope for a pouf fit for a magazine!

The pattern includes simple instructions on how to sew your own pillow form to stuff inside the cover. Once the pouf is complete, the cover is not removable. Pattern also sources an option for the rope to complete the project.

Finished size: 18” diameter; 12” high; 61.5” circumference

 

 

Buy Now

 

 

(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code ROPEPOUF20 at the checkout! Offer valid until Tuesday - September 24th, 2013) 

 

 

 

 

tara.

new crochet pattern - cable sampler dishcloths by kim miller.

 

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

 

Practice cabling without committing to a big project with this pattern for crocheted dishcloths.  Pattern includes instructions for 3 dishclothes all featuring a different cable as illustrated in the pictures.

 

This well written crochet pattern is complete with detailed instructions and colour illustrations. The pattern calls for one 190 yard ball of Knit Picks Dishie per dishcloth, but any worsted weight (4) 100% cotton may be substituted. The pattern used the following stitches: half double crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet, and front post treble crochet.

 

The finished, unblocked dishcloths measure 23 cm (9”) x 23 cm (9”).

Buy Now

 



 

kim.

new crochet pattern - braided baskets by kim miller.

 

 

 

 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Learn to crochet braided cables and organize any room in the house with this trio of stacking baskets!

The crochet pattern offers instructions for three different sizes:
Small – 5½” high and 9” in diameter
Medium – 6½” high and 11” in diameter
Large – 7½” high and 13” in diameter

This well written crochet pattern calls for 2 to 4 balls (depending on the size made) of Lion Brand® Wool Ease Thick and Quick and a 8.00 mm (L) sized crochet hook. You should be familiar with the following stitches: hdc, dc, fpdc, bpdc, and fptr.

 

 

Buy Now

 

kim.

photo gallery - pinwheel pouf.

One of our dear customers, Colleen, kindly took the time to send us some pictures of her Pinwheel Pouf that she recently completed.  Along with the photos, she commented "It was a labor of love for sure but couldn't be happier with it!" 

 

We agree!  It is a fair amount of work but it is worth it.  Look at the amazing results she got for her patience and determination!  And now she is able to put her feet up and enjoy the fruits of her labour!

She lined it with turquoise flannel fabric for the purpose of keeping the stuffing contained and discovered that the colour shows through the small holes a bit and gives it a delightful contrast to the white. I might have to try that myself next time around! She then put in a bag worth of polyfil around the edges, set in a throw pillow that she wasn't using anymore, and then filled it in with another bag of polyfil. 

We love your pouf, Colleen! Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing your project with us! 

 tara.

new crochet pattern - chevron dishcloths by Tara Schreyer

Skill Level: Easy

Who says a dishcloth has to be square? I’m in love with chevrons right now so I thought I would make some pretty dishcloths to brighten up my kitchen. When we spend so much time there, why not make it beautiful?

This crochet pattern uses simple stitches of ch, hdc, and treble crochet to create this desirable and popular design. A chart is included to serve as a visual aid to the written pattern. 

Finished size is 10" x 13".

Buy Now

tara.

photo gallery.

We love seeing what our customers create from our patterns!! Kerri from Calico Rabbit recently shared her finished item of the Hanging Storage Pouch crochet pattern and we absolutely love it!  Kerri has a true love of all things primitive and this comes across in her decorating style and her artistic handiwork. 

While the pattern calls for 100% cotton, Kerri used jute as her fiber of choice to give it a timeless feel and make it a little more outdoor friendly.  For her tips and experiences in choosing and working with jute, visit her blog posting here.  While there, be sure to browse around...you will find she has many beautiful creations and talents that will appeal to your creative side.

tara.

easy burlap pillow.

There are 2 things that I've notice a lot of on the Internet and the first is all of the fun knitting accessories that are available. For example cafepress.ca has these fun K2tog (knit 2 together) bags. I love these bags and I've been thinking how nice it would be to have something that had sc2tog (single crochet 2 together) printed on it.

The second thing that I've noticed a lot of are all of the stamped burlap pillows. Just google burlap pillow or do a search in pinterest and you will see tons of wonderful examples. Since I'm currently  obsessed with burlap, word art, and crochet I wanted to create my own burlap pillow for my office space.

I love crafting, but crochet designing zaps me of most of my brain power and creative energy so this project had to meet 3 important criteria: instant gratification, easy, and with the exception of the burlap it had to utilize current supplies. I did a google search on how to make your own stamped burlap pillow, talked to a few friends, and this is what I came up with.

As you can see from the picture below, excluding the sewing supplies, I didn't need much to get started. I purchased about 1.25 meters (1.37 yards) of burlap so that I would have enough to make 3 pillows. I used a reclaimed cushion that I had on hand, and I made my own stencil.

To make the stencil I simply chose a font that I liked the look of, and that would be easy to cut out. Using a regular piece of paper I then printed the stencil out. The next part was the hardest, and most time consuming, and that was cutting out the letters. By time consuming I mean a maximum of about 15 minutes. This job, however, would be super quick and easy if you had a Cricut or Silhouette electronic cutting tool.

I needed a 15 x 15" cover for my cushion so I added a 5/8 seam allowance and cut out two pieces of burlap. When I was done I centered my paper stencil on the burlap, and taped it in place. 

Using a black "wanna be sharpie" that I had purchased from the dollar store I then traced the letters out.

Once the letters were traced out I removed the stencil and using the same pen I coloured in all of the letters. Super easy I know, but doesn't it look great?

As for the sewing, using the closest matching thread that I had on hand I sewed a 5/8 seam around 3 of the edges. I trimmed the edges and I finished the seam off with a zig zag stitch. I then stuffed in the pillow, folded in the remaining edge about 5/8 and sewed in place. As you can see from the picture I messed up, and my last seam ended up on the side edge of the cushion as opposed to the bottom where it would have been less noticeable. The whole project took me about an hour, and because I mostly used items that I had on hand the pillow cost me less than $4.00 CAD to make.

When I was all done one of my daughters asked if I had made the pillow and thinking that she was about to sing my praises I said, "yes"!!! My daughter then looked at me and asked, "what does scu-two-tug mean?"

kim.

new crochet pattern - pinwheel pouf by tara schreyer.

Poufs are very popular in home decor. They are everywhere!! Some of them can cost you a pretty penny but now you can have one or several for very little cost.

The pattern requires a knowledge of the front post double crochet stitch and calls for three 400 gram balls of Bernat Handicrafter 100% Cotton.

Pouf finished size: Approx: 26” diameter x 12” high. Size will be affected by your choice and amount of filling. Any width or height of pouf can be created by simply switching up the number of increase rounds and/or plain rounds.

It can be a decorative pillow, floor pillow, footstool, seat, or even just something for the kids to tumble on…you decide…the possibilities are endless!!

Buy Now

tara.