Kaleidoscope cushion

Kaleidoscope Circular Cushion Cover by Jane Crowfoot

What is Being Made

This is a circular crochet cushion cover designed by Jane Crowfoot, measuring 54cm (21 inches) in diameter. The finished cushion cover is intended to fit a 56cm (22 inch) cushion pad. The design features a kaleidoscope pattern created through colorwork and textural bobble stitches, making it a striking decorative home accessory suitable for intermediate-level crocheters.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Kaleidoscope cushion cover employs several key crochet techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Colorwork: The pattern utilizes nine different yarn colors worked in a coordinated design, requiring careful color changes and management throughout the project.
• Bobble Stitch: A special bobble stitch technique is featured prominently in the design. The bobble is created by working 5 incomplete treble crochet stitches into one stitch, leaving one yarn loop on the hook each time until 6 loops remain, then yarning round the hook and drawing through to complete. The bobbles are pushed from behind so they pop through to the right side of the work, creating dimensional texture.
• Yarn Carrying: The pattern involves carrying yarn (specifically the Lime beads) across the back of the work between bobbles to maintain continuity in the colorwork sections.
• Circular Construction: The cushion cover is worked in the round, building outward from the center to create the circular shape.

Stitches Used

This pattern is written using UK crochet terminology and incorporates the following stitches:

• Chain (ch): Used for foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern.
• Double Crochet (dc): A fundamental stitch used for building fabric structure and density.
• Slip Stitch (ss): Used for joining rounds and creating seamless transitions in circular construction.
• Treble Crochet (tr): Employed in the bobble stitch construction and potentially in other textural elements.
• Beaded Double Crochet (bdc): A special variation that incorporates beads into the double crochet stitch, adding embellishment and visual interest to the design.
• Make Bobble (MB): The signature special abbreviation for this pattern, as detailed above.

Materials

Yarn: The pattern calls for Rowan Cotton Glace, a DK weight yarn. One 50g ball of each of nine colors is required, totaling 9 balls. The colors are: A Poppy, B Blood Orange, C Bubbles, D Garnet, E Heather, F Lipstick, G Dijon, H Baked Red, and I Persimmon.

Beads: Debbie Abrahams size 6/0 beads in Lime (shade 48) are used to embellish the cushion cover, adding sparkle and dimension to the finished piece.

Hardware: An appropriate crochet hook sized for DK weight yarn is required, though the specific hook size is not listed in the provided excerpt. A 56cm (22 inch) cushion pad is needed to complete the finished project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience who are comfortable working with multiple colors, managing yarn carries, and executing specialty stitches like bobbles and beaded double crochet.