A square pin cushion crocheted in linen stitch which can be made in any size, yarn or number of colours, making it a good project for using up yarn left over from other projects.

Unlike pin cushions made from woven fabrics, a crocheted cushion can hold thick tapestry needles and stitch markers, making it a lovely gift for anyone who crochets, knits or sews. This cushion has a flat base so it doesn’t rock when you put pins in it. It is thick all the way to the edges so you can use the full surface area of it.

The pin cushions in the photos are 10cm2 and are made using super chunky yarn and a 6mm hook - they have only 12 rounds so they crochet up very quickly and make good last-minute gifts.

Most terms used in this pattern are the same in American and British. The only American term used is ‘single crochet’ (sc), which is ‘double crochet’ (dc) in British.

In addition to the written instructions on how to make the cushions, this PDF contains crochet charts and photos illustrating how to make an invisible join and a standing sc.

You will need:

• Any yarn in any number of colours. I used approximately 28m per cushion of Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky in Racing Green (927), Grass Green (929), Slate Green (926), Paper White (900) and Coffee Bean (910).
• A crochet hook smaller than the one recommended on the ball band. I used 6mm.
• Toy stuffing.
• A tapestry needle.

Techniques you should know:

• Magic loop.
• Single crochet (UK double crochet), chain and slip stitch.
• Sewing in or weaving in ends.