Lean on me – The Supportive Crochet Cushion

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.  For, it won’t be long, till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on”

Bill Withers said it best!

What better way to show your support than with this colour popping comforting cushion?  Gift this to a friend or loved one and the tongue-in-cheek double meaning conveys a compassionate, sincere side too.

This cushion makes a uniquely fun and loving addition to any home in this bright and happily kitsch colour combination.  It would also look great in a softer palette or even monochrome. Choose any two colours to suit your interiors and show your supportive side!

You can download the pattern from Love Crafts, Etsy or Ravelry

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link to a product and go on to make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here. 

Pattern Notes

General Notes

• Please read through the pattern and all associated notes before starting your project
• This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology (UK equivalents are given in brackets in the abbreviations list where applicable)
• Numbers at the end of a row indicate the number of stitches in that row and are only given at the start of a section or where there is a change
• Turning chains do not count as stitches
• Unless otherwise indicated, stitches should be worked in consecutive stitches
• The first stitch of each row should be worked into the top of the last stitch from the previous row, unless otherwise indicated
• Instructions in (round brackets) should be worked in the same stitch

Construction

• The cushion is worked in one piece, starting from the back panel, working through the front (using the chart) and finishing with the pillowcase style flap to seal
• The lettering section is worked by following the chart top down – right handers should start at the top right and left handers at the top left – see chart notes within the pattern for more details
• The chart covers the front square of the cushion only.
• Bobble stitches (see special stitches) are used to make the lettering
• Bobbles are worked in Yarn B (pink) on alternate rows (always on the WS), with a row of half double crochet in between them
• If you find your bobbles are sticking out on different sides then go back and check to see if you have missed one or added an extra row
• When working hdc into the top of the bbl stitches, work them in the back loop only (BLO) as this helps the bobbles to pop

Skills Used

This pattern is suitable for intermediate crocheters using US crochet terms.  It uses bobble stitches to create the words and includes a stitch chart to help with the bobble placement, as well as full written instructions.

• Knowledge of basic crochet stitches, techniques and terminology is assumed
• Working in rows, simple decreases
• Chainless Foundation Rows – see special stitches
• You will need to be able to read simple crochet charts
• This is a simple pattern, but does require attention to detail to ensure the bobble stitches are worked in the correct place
• After each row of bobbles, I recommend you review your work to check you are still aligned as this will save a lot of frogging if you notice something later

Materials

Hook

4mm G/6 crochet hook

I used my Clover Amour Crochet Hook

Yarn 

Approximately 250g / 685yds Paintbox 100% Cotton DK yarn, 100% cotton, 50g ball = 125m / 137 yds

• 4 balls Yarn A: Marine Blue
• 1 ball Yarn B: Bubblegum Pink

Substitution Options: 

Different fibres and yarns will produce a different finished result. Using a different yarn weight which does not meet gauge will result in your project being a different size.

You may find this post useful when choosing yarn.

Other Materials and Notions

A cushion pad measuring 35cm x 35cm / 14in x 14in 

Yarn needle & scissors

You may wish to block this project, in which case I recommend a blocking matt and pins. Learn more about blocking here.

Measurements & Finished Size

Once constructed, the cushion cover will measure approximately 32.5cm x 32.5cm  / 13in x 13in and will stretch to fit a 35cm / 14in  square cushion pad.

Gauge

18 sts and 14 rows in 10cm of half double crochet using a 4mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here

Variation in your gauge will lead to variations in the finished size of your project. 

Pattern Link: Love Crafts, Ravelry, Etsy

Stitches & Abbreviations: US terms 

(UK Equivalent in Brackets)

• BLO = back loop only
• bbl = bobble stitch – see special stitches
• ch = chain
• fhdc = foundation half double crochet (UK foundation half treble) – see special stitches
• hdc = half double crochet (UK half treble crochet)
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

Special Stitches 

Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc):

Ch2, yo, insert hook into second chain from hook, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). *Yo and pull through 1 loop (this creates the base chain of the next fhdc). Yo and pull through all 3 loops to complete the st. To start the next st, yo and insert the hook under the v of the base chain you just created, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Repeat from * for required number of sts.

You can find more details on foundation rows including a tutorial in the Crochet Resources Section of my website.

If you struggle with this technique it can be replaced with making a chain of the number of stitches needed plus 1, then work 1hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and each ch across to achieve the required number of sts.

Bobble stitch (bbl)

Yo, insert hook, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo insert hook into same stitch, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into same stitch, yo, pull up a loop (7 st on hook), yo insert hook into same stitch, yo, pull up a loop (9 st on hook), yo pull through all 9 loops to complete the stitch, move to the next stitch.

You can find a full photo and video tutorial for this type of crochet bobble stitch here. You can also learn about the various types of crochet bobble in this article.

Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog)

Yo, insert hook, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo insert hook into next st, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 5 loops.

Colourwork suggestions

• There are no specific instructions to change colour in the pattern 
• All hdc are worked in Yarn A (blue) and all the bbl stitches are worked in Yarn B (pink)
• There is a reminder before the first row of bbl st to work these in Yarn B (pink) but from here it is assumed that you will change from Yarn A (blue) to Yarn B (pink) for each bbl and back to Yarn A (blue) for the following hdc.
• To help with smooth colour changes, join the new colour to the last stage of the previous stitch: e.g. when you pull through the 3 loops in the hdc, do so with the Yarn B (pink) you are about to work a bbl with
• When changing colours, you may find it easier to float the yarn along behind the work (this will be inside the cover so will not be seen) rather than carrying through
• You may also wish to use separate strands for each letter or cluster of bbl stitches.  You can use whichever technique works for you.  I used a combination of both with some bobbins.

Lean on me Crochet Pillow Pattern

Back cover

Using Yarn A (blue) yarn;

Row 1: Make 60 fhdc

Row 2: Ch2 (does not count as a st throughout), 1hdc in each st to end, turn. 60 sts

Rows 3 – 49: Repeat Row 2

Front Cover

Rows 50 – 98: Follow the chart over the page for the front cover. 

Follow the chart from the top down;

RIGHT HANDERS: Follow the chart starting on top right (RS)

LEFT HANDERS: Follow the chart starting on the top left (RS)

Notes for chart

• The white squares represent hdc and the pink squares are the bobbles 
• The stitch count does not change
• Each row starts with a ch2 which does not count as a stitch
• The bobbles are always worked on the wrong side
• The RS is the side where the bobbles point towards you
• The WS is the back of the text (as shown in chart)
• When working hdc into the top of the bbl stitches, work these in the BLO as this helps the bobbles to pop
• After working the first few rows of the text, check that you are not accidentally making a mirror image of the text

Flap

Row 99: Ch2, 1hdc in BLO of each st to end, turn. 60 sts

Row 100: Ch2, 1hdc in each st to end, turn

Row 101: As Row 100

Row 102: Ch2, hdc2tog, 1hdc in next 56 sts, hdc2tog, turn. 58 sts

Rows 103 – 120: Ch2, 1hdc in each st to end, turn 

Fasten off and sew in ends

Block to size / shape  if needed (this will depend on your yarn choice)

Construction

With the WS of the text facing you, fold the small flap up towards you and pin it in place.

The fold should take place at row 99 where you worked the hdc in the BLO.

Seam down each of the two the edges (21 rows). I like to use the mattress stitch for sewing seams.

Take the back panel and fold it (at row 50 where you worked in the BLO) behind the cover, with the small flap facing you.

Sew a seam down each side of the cover, then turn right side out. If you’re confused about the construction, try pinning it all before seaming to check you have it as intended. 

You may want to block at this point if you did not do so earlier, but the stretch given once the cover is on the cushion may suffice.

Border and Finishing

Using Yarn A (pink) and starting in one corner, with the front of the pillow / text side facing away from you;

Join yarn to one corner and work alternating bbl and hdc around the edge of the cover.

In each corner, work 3 stitches; this will alternate between (1bbl, 1hdc, 1bbl) and (1hdc, 1bbl, 1hdc).

Once you have worked around all 4 sides, join to the first st with a slip st.

You will work 226 st in total, 49 down each side, 3 in each of the 4 corners and 58 across the top and bottom (60 less the one each side for the corners).

Fasten off and sew in ends.

Don’t worry if the text looks quite close together or hard to read at this stage as it will look much clearer once the cover is stretched on the cushion.

I hope you enjoy this pattern, and as always, don’t forget to tag me in your finished makes!  Nothing makes me happier than seeing my designs brought to life by others.  I love the colour choices and personal touches you add to the patterns!

On Instagram, you can use the hashtag #DoraDoes or just tag @doradexplored.  You can tweet me your pictures, or add your them to my Facebook page.  

And if socials aren’t your thing, feel free to email me your efforts.  It really does make my day!  

I’m also a huge fan of Pinterest so if you like my patterns I’d love it if you pin them, or visit my Pinterest page which showcases some wonderful inspirational crochet patterns – the talent out there blows my mind!

Until next time.

Happy Hooking

Dx

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