Wolf Cushion

Wolf Cushion by Sam Pratt

What is Being Made

The Wolf Cushion is a beginner-friendly crochet project designed to create a decorative circular cushion cover measuring 33cm in diameter. This cushion project combines colorwork and embroidery techniques to produce a finished piece suitable for home décor. The design features a wolf motif created through strategic color changes and embroidered details, transforming simple crochet circles into a distinctive finished cushion.

Crochet Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners while introducing structured shaping methods. The primary technique involves working in continuous rounds using the magic ring method, which allows crafters to start projects from a central point without visible holes. The pattern demonstrates progressive increases in stitch count across multiple rounds, creating the circular shape necessary for the cushion cover. Slip stitches are used to join rounds and maintain clean transitions between color sections.

The magic ring technique is a key special instruction in this pattern. This method involves creating a loop, inserting the hook through it, and pulling yarn through to establish the foundation for circular projects. The pattern begins with 2 chain stitches (which count as a stitch) followed by 11 trebles in the magic ring, establishing the first round of 12 stitches. Subsequent rounds build upon this foundation with strategic increases, such as working 2 trebles in alternating stitches to double the stitch count and expand the circle outward.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – The foundation stitch used to create loops and establish stitch counts at the beginning of rounds
• Treble (tr) – The primary stitch throughout the project, worked in rounds to create the fabric texture and structure
• Double Crochet (dc) – Listed in the stitch abbreviations for reference in pattern instructions
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used to join rounds and complete circular sections cleanly

Materials and Specifications

The Wolf Cushion requires three colors of double knit (DK) weight yarn: 50g of Red Heart Grey DK (colorway 05668) for one section, 50g of Stylecraft Cream DK (colorway 1005) for contrast, and 50g of black DK yarn for details and embroidery work. A 5mm crochet hook is used throughout the project to achieve the specified tension of 15 stitches and 8 rows per 10cm x 10cm square. Additional materials include an embroidery needle for adding final details and a 35cm (14-inch) cushion pad to insert into the finished cover.

Pattern Structure

The cushion comprises two identical circular pieces—a back and front—each constructed separately. One circle is worked in grey (A) and the other in cream (B), allowing for color variation and visual interest. Both circles follow the same construction method, beginning with the magic ring foundation and progressing through multiple rounds of increases. The pattern demonstrates the first three rounds of construction: Round 1 establishes 12 stitches, Round 2 doubles this to 24 stitches, and Round 3 continues the expansion pattern by repeating increases across 11 stitches. This systematic approach creates an evenly shaped circle suitable for cushion construction.

Difficulty Level

Classified as a beginner project, the Wolf Cushion introduces fundamental crochet skills including magic ring foundation, basic stitch work, and color changes. The straightforward round-by-round construction and use of simple stitches make this an accessible project for those new to crochet, while the finished result demonstrates professional-looking colorwork and embroidered details.