Crochet Ammonite Cushion Tutorial

 I have been revisiting older patterns of late, these are patterns that I used to use in my actual real workshop space, but as I don't have that any more I am on a mission to try and get all the patterns videoed and uploaded onto YouTube for everyone to have a go and and hopefully enjoy.

My Ammonite crochet cushion used to be quite a popular class, its very repetitive and quite easy once you get going... and it's a real talking point when placed on a sofa!

To make this design really pop you need a slight colour changing yarn, one that changes colour gently, not one that is too blocky, if that makes sense.

I have used Stylecraft's Moorland Chunky in the video, but you can use any yarn weight, it will just come out a slightly different size,  Try to use a smaller hook than is recommended as It makes the fabric denser and less likely to show the stuffing through.

Allow two balls of 100g yarn.   You will also need some stuffing - I cheat a little and buy a cheap fiberfill pillow and pull that apart to stuff my cushions - it seems to work out cheaper than buying toy stuffing.

The video is probably easiest to follow and you can find it here.... but if you prefer the written pattern I have added it below.

This cushion is worked flat, in rows, to start, then you curl it as you sew it up for an interesting effect.  It is worked into the back loops of each stitch to form a ridge. 

To save you counting your rows constantly add a stitch marker every tenth row.

 

The pattern is written in UK crochet terms. 

Main Strip:

CH 50 (not too tight)

Row 1. HTR into the 3rd CH from the hook, then into each CH afterwards (48 stitches)

Rows 2-8. CH2, then using the BACK LOOPS of each stitch only, HTR every stitch across - DO NOT FORGET to work into the turning chain at the end of your work or it will start to decrease too soon. (48 stitches)

Rows 9-10. CH2, then using the BACK LOOPS of each stitch only, HTR every stitch across but DO miss out the last stitch into the turning chain at the end of the row. (46 stitches)

Rows 11-18. As rows 2-8 (46 stitches)  Rows 19-20. As rows 9-10 (44 stitches)

Rows 21-28. As rows 2-8 (44 stitches)  Rows 29-30. As rows 9-10 (42 stitches)

Rows 31-38. As rows 2-8 (42 stitches)  Rows 39-40. As rows 9-10 (40 stitches)

Rows 41-48. As rows 2-8 (40 stitches)  Rows 49-50. As rows 9-10 (38 stitches)

Rows 51-58. As rows 2-8 (38 stitches)  Rows 59-60. As rows 9-10 (36 stitches)

Rows 61-68. As rows 2-8 (36 stitches)  Rows 69-70. As rows 9-10 (34 stitches)

Rows 71-78. As rows 2-8 (34 stitches)  Rows 79-80. As rows 9-10 (32 stitches)

Rows 81-88. As rows 2-8 (32 stitches)  Rows 89-90. As rows 9-10 (30 stitches)

Rows 91-98. As rows 2-8 (34 stitches)  Rows 99-100. As rows 9-10 (32 sts)

Rows 101-108. As rows 2-8 (32 sts)  Rows 109-110. As rows 9-10 (30 sts)

Rows 111-118. As rows 2-8 (30 sts)  Rows 119-120. As rows 9-10 (28 sts)

Rows 121-128. As rows 2-8 (28 sts)  Rows 129-130. As rows 9-10 (26 sts)

Rows 131-138. As rows 2-8 (26 sts)  Rows 139-140. As rows 9-10 (24 sts)

Rows 141-148. As rows 2-8 (24 sts)  Rows 149-150. As rows 9-10 (22 sts)

Rows 151-158. As rows 2-8 (22 sts)  Rows 159-160. As rows 9-10 (20 sts)

Rows 161-168. As rows 2-8 (20 sts)  Rows 169-170. As rows 9-10 (18 sts)

Rows 171-178. As rows 2-8 (18 sts)  Rows 179-180. As rows 9-10 (16 sts)

Rows 181-188. As rows 2-8 (16 sts)  Rows 189-190. As rows 9-10 (14 sts)

Rows 191-198. As rows 2-8 (14 sts)  Rows 199-200. As rows 9-10 (12 sts)

Break off yarn leaving a long tail for sewing.

End piece:

Round 1. MR then work 6 x DC into the ring.  (6 sts) Add marker, if you wish, to help you count.   Do not SS to join, simply carry on working in the round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into each stitch.  (12 sts)

Round 3. (1 DC in next stitch, then 2 x DC's in next) Repeat.  (18 sts)

Round 4. (1 DC in next 2 stitches, then 2 x DC's in next) Repeat.  (24 sts)

Round 5. (1 DC in next 3 stitches, then 2 x DC's in next) Repeat.  (30 sts)

Round 6. (1 DC in next 4 stitches, then 2 x DC's in next) Repeat.  (36 sts)

Round 7. (1 DC in next 5 stitches, then 2 x DC's in next) Repeat.  (42 sts)

Round 8. 1 DC in next 3 stitches, (2 x DC's in next, 1 DC in next 6 stitches,) Repeat to last 3 stitches, 1 DC in next 3 stitches.  (48 sts)

Crochet Chevron / ZigZag Cushion Cover Tutorial

 Hello,

A little while ago I produced a video on how to make this funky Chevron crochet cushion cover.  Since then I have been trawling through some YouTube comments that I didn't realise were there and to my horror found that a few people have asked for a written pattern and I have just not seen the request!  Apologies if you were one of those people!

Anyway, let's strike while the iron is hot, as they say, and put the pattern out there!

So, this cushion cover is a great stash-buster, the more colourful it is the nicer the effect and its different on both sides, completely by accident if you're using up part balls.

It is created in one long strip then sewn together.  I used DK yarn and a 4.00mm crochet hook.. (my favourite brand is Clover Amour) and I work in UK crochet terminology.  The pattern is in multiples of 18, so if you want to make it bigger you can by simply adding 18, 36 etc... or of course you can also make it smaller by deducting sets of 18 too.

You can find the video tutorial here..

And the pattern here....

For a 40cm cushion pad

Row 1.

CH 264, Start in the 2^nd ch from the hook then *** work 9 DC’s, DC3tog over next 3 stitches, work 9 x DC’s, put 3 x DC into the next stitch.  Repeat from *** (you will end with a set of 9 x DC’s)  TURN.

 

Subsequent rows.

CH1, work 2 x DC’s into the very first stitch, then work 7 x DC’s, *** DC3tog over next 3 stitches, work 9 x DC’s, put 3 x DC’s into the next stitch, work 9 x DC’s, Repeat from *** to the last 8 stitches.  Work 7 x DC’s and work 2 x DC’s into the last stitch.

 

Continue with the rows changing colour as required until the piece measures 40cm from the tip of a Chevron to the opposite tip of a Chevron on the other side  (they will be staggered, not exactly opposite each other).

Join the piece into a tube.  Put your cushion pad into the centre and stitch up the ends.

 

Stitches explained:

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work and draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook.

Double Crochet 3 together (DC3tog) –

Put hook through 1^st stitch and draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook)

Put hook through 2^nd stitch and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook)

Put hook through 3^rd stitch and draw yarn back through (4 loops on hook)

yarn around hook, draw through 4 loops on hook.

Slip Stitch (SS) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through work and the stitch on your hook.

Finn's Chunky Funky Beanie Hat! - quick, easy crochet tutorial

 First off, may I start by saying that I absolutely know that this is not cosy hat weather... however, if you start making these cute little hats now, they will be ready for when it is!

My grandson loves chunky hats, so I thought I should create a very easy pattern for his mum to make him a load in various colours... we all know what kids are like for losing hats, gloves, scarves etc.. so having spares is a necessity.

This is what I came up with - using two strands of DK yarn together and a 5.50mm crochet hook (my favourite brand is Clover Amour) it works up really quite quickly.  Its a very simple shape, and worked in the round so there is only the tiniest bit of sewing up to do at the end (the ribbed hem).  I have added funky little tassels to the top which does require a 4.00mm crochet hook... or of course if you have a Pom Pom maker (which makes the job a whole lot easier) then add a Pom Pom.

It's a great stash-buster too, you can just add new yarn as you go as long as you have two strands.  In fact, I might do a multi-coloured one next with all my tiny left-over balls.

If you would like to make one yourself (or two, or more)  you can find the video here....

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)

The 'Tweed Quartet' Blanket - easy Granny Square crochet

 Well hello,

It's been a little while since my last post and that is because it has taken me AGES to complete a blanket I have been working on... it ended up being quite a large blanket, double bed size and 289 Granny Squares in total!!

I really enjoy designing blankets, I quite enjoying doing the video tutorials.... but when it comes down to editing the videos I find it a bit of a chore!  I can't seem to sit still long enough to do them... and I have to concentrate to remove all the bits where I have told the dog off for making a noise, or my tummy has rumbled... that kind of thing.

Anyway... this current blanket is now done and I am rather chuffed to be able to move onto something else if I am honest.

The video for this design is on my Youtube for you all to have a go at and enjoy, the material list that I have used is below... however I do go into more detail about alternatives in my video which I will link below.

Materials used:  Stylecraft Special DK yarn in...

1 each of  Viola, Proper Purple, Carnation, Fuchsia Purple, Greengage, Apple, Atlantis and Petrol

1 each of Black and Charcoal

4.50mm Crochet Hook - my favourite is Clover Amour

You can find the video here...

I really hope you enjoy it if you fancy having a go, and for those waiting for the tutorial to finally appear, thanks for your patience  :)

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)

A crochet felted / shrunken bag!

 When I had my craft unit this was one of my most favourite  workshops to do.

We all crocheted squares to make a bag, then against all of our instincts not too.... we threw them into a hot wash to shrink!!

So, it was time to revisit it and re-make it for a tutorial.

Of course, you can choose not to shrink your bag, you can just use the pattern to create a regular crochet bag, you might need to line it though so it doesn't stretch.  If you do choose to shrink it you will need to use 100% wool and ignore the washing instructions completely  :)

And you can make any shaped bag you like, my layout is just an example, but any bag you make in 100% wool can be shrunk.

I used Wendy 100% Aran Wool yarn  with a 6.00mm Clover Amour hook

I washed at 90 degrees with a 1400 spin.

If you fancy having a go then here is the video for you .....

Do let me know if you have a go, would love to see your funky bags!   My user name across all the Social Media platforms is Sooz in The Shed.

The Links Blanket - written pattern and video links

 Hello everyone! 

I have had an influx of watchers on my Links Blanket on YouTube recently and it seems some people would like the written pattern beside them as they work rather than keep returning to the video.

Different people have different learning styles, some like to read, some like to watch, so if I can help with both I happily will.

So, below are all the links and all the instructions for my Links Blanket. 

The rainbow effect is my most popular colourway, but the one I originally designed was in shades of purple.

It looks equally as good in a single colour where you are relying on the texture to be the pretty part of the pattern rather than the colour.

Whatever colour to decide to do it in, I hope you enjoy making this  :)

Part 1:

VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE

Link 1. Chain 12, ss into first stitch to join into a ring. CH2, then work 23x HTR's into the ring.  SS to the beginning CH2 to join.

Subsequent Links.  Chain 12, with the first link facing you, thread the chain through the back of the link then ss into first stitch to join into a ring. CH2, then work 23x HTR's into the ring.  SS to the beginning CH2 to join.

For a blanket like the Rainbow one in the photo which is 1 x 1.7m (approx. 3 x 5 ft) you will need 14 strips of 28 links. 

Part 2:

VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE

Round 1.  Take a length of links.  Join in a stitch on the first link and DC in the same space.  DC in the next 4 stitches.

·       (Move to the next link and DC into the next 5 stitches)  work across all your links.

·       Work (DC,CH, DC) in the next stitch. DC in the next 5. (DC, CH, DC) in the next stitch, DC in the next 5.

·       (Move to the next link and missing out 7 stitches from the last stitch in that link, work a DC in the next 5 stitches) work across all your links.

·       Work (DC,CH, DC) in the next stitch. DC in the next 5. (DC, CH, DC) in the next stitch, SS to first stitch to join.

Round 2.  CH1, DC into the first stitch and every following stitch to the corner.  (1 x DC, 1 x CH, 1 x DC) into the corner space.  Repeat all the way around. SS to join.  END YARN.

Round 3.  Rejoin yarn into any CORNER space. CH3, (2 x TR, 2 x CH, 3 x TR) into the same corner space. *** SK2, then 3 x TR into the next stitch. Repeat from *** to next corner (you might have to skip an extra stitch at the end to even up the clusters) work (3 x TR, 2 x CH, 3 x TR) into the same corner space, continue this pattern all the way around. SS to join.

Part 3:

VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE

Joining the strips.  Work a Standing DC into the very first corner hole on the long length of the strip. Pick up the next strip and hold your strips back-to-back. Work a DC into the very first hole on the back strip.

*** CH3, then work a dc into the next free space on the first strip, then a DC into the next free space on the back strip.  Repeat from *** all the way across ending with a DC in the last back space.

Edging – row 1.  With your work facing you, start in any corner space with a SS. CH2, work (1 x HTR, 2 x CH, 2 x HTR) into the corner space.  Working inbetween the previous row stitches work a HTR all the way across.  When you come to a seam, work a HTR right in the middle of the joining stitch.  For each corner space work (2 x HTR, 2 x CH, 2 x HTR) into the corner space.  SS to join, End yarn

Subsequent rows.  With your new yarn, join with a SS into any corner and CH 4, work a HTR into the same corner space. Working inbetween the previous row stitches work a HTR all the way across.  For each corner space work (1 x HTR, 2 x CH, 1 x HTR) into the corner space.  SS to join, End yarn

Stitches explained:

Chain Stitch - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work and draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 2 loops on hook

Half Treble Crochet (HTR) - Yarn around hook (from the back) put hook through work and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through 3 loops on hook.

If you do make this, I would love you to tag me on Instagram, Facebook or any other socials - you can find me using this same user name - Sooz in The Shed.

Cumberland Rum Butter recipe and tutorial

 I have been making Cumberland Rum Butter for many years now, from the method passed down from my Granny via my Mother.  It seems I actually use the 'Westmorland' method, which melts the butter before the creaming, it take a little longer but the result is a lovely smooth butter which isn't as gritty as just the regular creaming method.

In 2012 (13 years ago would you believe!!) I shared the recipe on this here blog, as I was making it for all my work colleagues at the time.... you can find that blog post here.......     https://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/2012/12/cumberland-rum-butter.html

But now I have started a new YouTube channel called Sooz Foodz - this is where I shall be uploading easy to create recipes and hacks, along side the odd restaurant review. 

I have kept these food focused tutorials and videos separate from the crafts and crochet that I normally produce, not everyone wants to see the same thing afterall, hence the new channel.

 I would absolutely love it if you would give me a follow on there.... https://www.youtube.com/@Soozfoodz  and you will see that I have uploaded the video of my Rum Butter recipe.   If you give it a go, do let me know what you think.

The RicRac Granny Crochet Blanket

 Hello Happy Hook-ers,   I do hope this blog post finds you well....

I have been working on a stash buster for a few weeks - I keep picking it up and putting it down again to work on other projects in-between, but finally I can announce that it is finished!!

It is really quite simple to do, and if you can do a Granny Square I am pretty sure you can do this too!

I use my favourite Stylecraft Special DK yarn, just grabbing part balls out of my stash - as long as you have enough to do three lines you can use up all your old part balls!   A hint might be to weigh the part ball before you start, then divide it by three..... once you have got to that number on the scales you know you will have enough to do the other two parts.

The body of the blanket is done in three separate pieces, so you can do them one at a time, or jump back and forth to make them all grow at the same rate. I chose to join in black and make a feature of the join to make the colours pop, I then edges it in black too to make the joining look more cohesive. 

I always use my most favourite hook which is a Clover Amour - I notice from my videos though that I jump between the 4,00mm and the 4.50mm - this is the problem when you keep putting work down and returning to it, you can't always remember which hook you used!  :)

Anyway, if you fancy having a go, you can find the video here.....

I love to see photos of your finished items, so please do feel free to tag me on the Socials - it's Sooz in The Shed all way way  :)

Until next time.... Happy Hooking!

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)

Week 6 - The Crochet Nativity Scene - Crochet-A-Long - Baby Jesus & Manger

 Hello and welcome back to the Crochet-A-Long Nativity Scene, and this is Week 6 - the last week!  This final instalment should finish your Nativity Scene.... so I hope you have all your chocolates ready.

The final tutorial is for the Baby Jesus, all wrapped up in a cosy blanket, laying on the Manger.

If you have just landed and would like to know more about this, the material list and the weekly schedule, then please visit my earlier blog post....https://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-crochet-nativity-scene-crochet-long.html

A reminder of the weekly schedule..

1. Body Shape.

2. Headdress, Crowns and Halos.

3. Angel Wings, Noses and Ears.

4. Camel.

5. Wise Men Gifts.

6. Baby Jesus & The Manger.

You will need a Ferrero Rocher Chocolate for the Baby Jesus and a bar of  Turkish Delight for the Manger.

You will need:

1 x Baby Jesus in Skin

1 x Blanket in White

1 x Manger in Brown.

You can find the video here....

And if you prefer the written instruction, you can find that here....

Stitches explained:

CH  = Chain Stitch - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

SS  = Slip Stitch - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through both loops on your hook

Baby Jesus

Round 1. Skin Colour CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Rounds 4-9. Work 6 straight rounds (18)

Round 9. (DC 1 into next stitch, then DC2tog) Repeat all the way around (12)

Blanket

Row 1. CH 11, DC into the 2nd CH from the hook and into each stitch following. (10)

Row 2-34. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 33 rows. (10)

Wrap the blanket around Baby Jesus and sew into place.

Manger

Row 1. CH 14, DC into the 2nd CH from the hook and into each stitch following. (13)

Row 2-27. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 26 rows. (13)

Turn to work down the side of the piece...

Row 1. CH 1, DC in next 10 stitches. (10)  (you are working across the first 11 DC rows only)

Row 2-4. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 3 rows. (10)  Break yarn.

Rejoin yarn to the opposite side...

Row 1. DC in next 10 stitches. (10)  (you are working across the first 11 DC rows only)

Row 2-4. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 3 rows. (10)  Break yarn.  Sew up the sides to make a pouch.

Well, thank you for joining me on this journey to make your very own Nativity Scene, one that you can bring out year after year - not to mention being able to enjoy all the chocolates that it requires too!

Hope to see you soon on another Crocher-A-Long, but until then... Happy Hooking!

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)

Week 5 - The Crochet Nativity Scene - Crochet-A-Long - Gifts

 Hello and welcome back to the Crochet-A-Long Nativity Scene, and this is Week 5 and it's time to make the Gifts that the Kings bring.

If you have just landed and would like to know more about this, the material list and the weekly schedule, then please visit my earlier blog post....https://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-crochet-nativity-scene-crochet-long.html

A reminder of the weekly schedule..

1. Body Shape.

2. Headdress, Crowns and Halos.

3. Angel Wings, Noses and Ears.

4. Camel.

5. Wise Men Gifts.

6. Baby Jesus & The Manger.

The gifts are formed around Quality Street chocolates, but you can take the format and use it to work around other sweeties if you don't have a box of QC.  

You will need:

    3 x Gifts in Rich Colours.

You can find the video here....

And if you prefer the written instruction, you can find that here....

Stitches explained:

CH  = Chain Stitch - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

SS  = Slip Stitch - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through both loops on your hook

Gifts

Quality Street Blue Coconut Eclair

Row 1. CH 8, DC into the 2nd CH from the hook and into each stitch following. (7)

Row 2-14. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 13 rows. (7)

Turn to work down the side of the piece...

Row 1. CH 1, DC in next 4 stitches. (4) 

Row 2-5. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 4 rows. (4)  Break yarn.

Rejoin yarn to the opposite side to create a 'T' shape...

Row 1. DC in next 4 stitches. (4)

Row 2-5. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 4 rows. (4)  Break yarn. 

Sew the long strip around the three ends of the short arms to make a cube.  Repeat on other side.

 

Quality Street Green Chocolate Block

Row 1. CH 7, DC into the 2nd CH from the hook and into each stitch following. (6)

Row 2-14. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 13 rows. (6)

Turn to work down the side of the piece...

Row 1. CH 1, DC in next 3 stitches. (3) 

Row 2-5. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 2 rows. (3)  Break yarn.

Rejoin yarn to the opposite side to create a 'T' shape...

Row 1. DC in next 4 stitches. (4)

Row 2-5. CH 1, DC in each stitch for 3 rows. (4)  Break yarn. 

Sew the long strip around the three ends of the short arms to make a cube.  Repeat on other side.

Quality Street Orange Crunch

Round 1. CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Rounds 4-6. Work 3 straight rounds (18)  End yarn.

Make 2 pieces of the following...

Row 1. CH 2, then work 3 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (3) Turn.

Row 2. Ch1, Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 3 stitches  (6)

Row 3. Ch1, (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) 3 times (9)  End yarn.

Sew the two flaps to the bottom of the top part.

Tie all of the gifts with coloured yarn

Hope you enjoy this week, bookmark this blog and I will see you next week for Part 5.

Until then... Happy Hooking!

Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)