Pavlova

Pavlova Pin Cushion by Emma Wilkinson

What Is Being Made

The Pavlova Pin Cushion is a decorative crochet toy designed by Emma Wilkinson that captures the essence of the beloved Australian and New Zealand dessert. This whimsical project recreates the iconic meringue-based confection with its signature cream filling and colorful fruit toppings, transforming it into a functional pin cushion perfect for storing sewing pins and needles.

Project Overview and Inspiration

Named after the famous Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, the pavlova dessert itself is a cherished summer treat claimed by both Australia and New Zealand as their national creation. This crochet interpretation brings that culinary charm into the craft room, making it an ideal decorative accessory for sewers, crafters, and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs a variety of fundamental and slightly advanced techniques to achieve its dimensional, realistic appearance. The pattern utilizes foundation single crochet for establishing base rows with precision, allowing crafters to build a solid foundation without requiring a separate chain setup row. Back loop only stitching is incorporated to create textured details that enhance the visual definition of different components of the pin cushion.

Decreasing techniques are employed throughout the pattern to shape the meringue base and fruit components, creating the necessary shaping for a three-dimensional finished piece. The combination of single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches provides varied stitch heights that contribute to the overall structure and aesthetic of the design.

Stitches Included in the Pattern

• Chain (ch) – Used for foundation rows and turning chains
• Single Crochet (sc) – The primary stitch for building dense, structured fabric
• Foundation Single Crochet (fsc) – Creates a finished edge without a separate chain foundation
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – Provides medium height stitching for varied texture
• Double Crochet (dc) – Adds height and openness to specific sections
• Standing Double Crochet (stdc) – Allows joining new yarn directly into stitches without a chain
• Decrease (sc2tog) – Reduces stitch count for shaping curved elements
• Back Loop Only (BLO) – Creates textured ridges by working into only the back loop of stitches

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project is worked in DK weight yarn (also known as 8ply), a versatile medium weight that provides excellent stitch definition for small decorative items. The pattern requires approximately 20 grams of white yarn for the meringue base, the primary component of the pin cushion. Small amounts of oddment yarns in lime green, red, dark blue, and black are used to create the colorful fruit toppings and decorative details that bring the pavlova to life.

The sample shown in the pattern was created using 100% acrylic yarn with a yardage of approximately 328 yards per 100 grams (300 meters per 100 grams), making it an economical choice for this small project. Acrylic yarn is durable, easy to work with, and ideal for toys and decorative items that may receive regular handling.

Hook Size and Tools

The pattern calls for a US G (4.0mm) crochet hook, which pairs perfectly with DK weight yarn to create tight, defined stitches that showcase the intricate details of the fruit and meringue components. This hook size ensures that the finished pin cushion maintains its shape and structure while remaining soft enough for comfortable use.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Pavlova Pin Cushion is suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle shaping techniques and stitch variations. The pattern requires understanding of decreasing methods, working into back loops only, and managing multiple yarn colors, making it an excellent stepping stone for developing more advanced crochet skills.