Sunflower Pillow Fall Season Crochet Project

The Sunflower Pillow, made with double suede granny squares, is a perfect crochet project idea for fall since sunflowers are perennials. The Sunflower Pillow, designed with a deep-shaded center amidst a brighter background depicts a sunflower, which has tiny disk flowers in the center surrounded by large orange or yellow petals. To exaggerate the fuzzy center of a sunflower, suede yarn is used, and to add to the illusion of layered petals, two large granny squares are used. This fall season crochet project is ideal for both beginners and advanced crocheters who desire the qualities of luxuriousness, detail, and simplicity and who have an understanding of the crochet terms and techniques of double crochet, chain 3, slip stitch, and chain space. The following pattern outlines the simple steps to making the Sunflower Pillow that is also available as a completed product at the Etsy store link http://webknitncrochet.etsy.com.

Pattern

Size:

12 in. x 12 in.

Materials:

Size K/10 1/2 (6.5 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, sewing needle or sewing machine, one 3oz/85g ball suede yarn (Color A), two 3oz/85g balls of suede yarn (Color B), bag of plush fiberfill (pillow stuffing), sheer fabric lining (15 in. x 15 in.)

Abbreviations: ch=chain, dc=double crochet, sp=space, ss=slip stitch,

Instructions:

Large Granny Square (Make 2):

Ch 4, join with ss to form ring

Round 1 (Right Side)/ Color A:

- Ch3 (represents 1^st dc from here on)

- 2 dc in ring

- Ch3 (3dc in ring, ch3) 3 times

- Join w/ss to 1^st dc, ss in next 2 dc & in next ch-3 sp

Result: (12 dc & 4 ch-3 sp)

Round 2/ Color A:

- Ch3 (2dc, ch3, 3dc) in same ch-3 sp as last ss

- Ch1, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp

- Ch1, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp

- Ch1, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp

- Ch1, Join w/ss to 1^st dc, ss in next 2 dc & in next ch-3 sp

Result: (24 dc & 8 ch-3 sp)

Round 3/ Color A:

- Ch3 (2dc, ch3, 3dc) in same ch-3 sp as last ss

- Ch1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp

- Ch1, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp

- Ch1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp

- Ch1, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp

- Ch1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp

- Ch1, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch-3 sp

- Ch1, 3dc in next ch-1 sp

- Ch1, Join w/ss to 1^st dc, ss in next 2 dc & in next ch-3 sp

Result: (36 dc & 12 ch-3 sp)

Repeat Round 3 six times more using Color B, noting that each time the ch-1 spaces increase by one chain space (example - In next Round 3's 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, & 8^th steps: Ch1, 3dc in next 2 ch-1 sps; in following Round 3 even # steps: Ch1, 3dc in next 3 ch-1 spcs...) Complete the final Round 3 using Color A.

After two 12 in. x 12 in. granny squares are made, cut sheer lining into two 15 in. x 15 in. squares and sew three sides together measuring seam at 3 in. from edge. Fill opening with plush fiberfill and sew fourth opening. Insert the sheer pillow between the two granny squares. Sew all granny square seams together on the right side using the yarn needle.

Helpful hints:

1. Ensure that seam of sheer lining is tight so that fiberfill does not spill out.

2. Use non-allergenic fiberfill.

3. Use a dark color such as fuchsia, purple, red, or black for color A and a brighter color such as orange or yellow for color B to create the appearance of a sunflower.

4. Keep note of your rounds as you go.

This is all it takes to make the Sunflower Pillow. Depending on one's skill level and time, one can complete this fall crochet project anywhere from one day to several days. Best of all, crocheters will be amazed with the luxurious quality of their completed Sunflower Pillow with double suede granny squares.

Sources

" Granny Square." I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting [DVD]. 2006. Little Rock, AR: Leisure Arts.