STAR CUSHION
Make Kate Alinari’s cheerful, celestial hug of a cushion for a fun and quirky addition to a child’s bedroom.
The points of the star are worked in the round, just like the centres are, one by one. We’re all loving this cute cushion with its crossed eyes and cheeky grin. Worked in double crochet throughout, it’s a quick project to make to brighten up a child’s bedroom or toddler’s playroom.
NOTES
The Star is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch, unless stated.
You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up as you work.
The Star is made up of a Back and Front Centre. The five points are crocheted individually onto the Star, working into the stitches of both the Back and Front Star Centres. Eyes are made separately and sewn onto the Star.
STAR CENTRE MAKE 2
Using Gold, make a magic loop.
Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc into the ring. [6 dc]
Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 dc]
Round 3 *Dc in next st, 2dc next st; repeat from * around. [18 dc]
Round 4 *Dc in next 2 sts, 2dc next st; repeat from * around. [24 dc]
Round 5 *Dc in next st, 2dc next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around. [30 dc]
Round 6 *Dc in next 4 sts, 2dc next st; repeat from * around. [36 dc]
Round 7 *Dc in next 5 sts, 2dc next st; repeat from * around. [42 dc]
Round 8 *Dc in next 3 sts, 2dc next st, dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around. [48 dc]
Round 9 *Dc in next 7 sts, 2dc next st; repeat from * around. [54 dc]
Round 10 *Dc in next 4 sts, 2dc next st, dc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around, ss in next st, fasten off. [60 dc]
FIRST POINT
Round 1 (RS) With RS facing and leaving a long tail, join Gold in first st of last round of the first Star Centre, ch1 (does not count as st), dc in first 12 sts, take the second Star Centre and with RS facing dc in first 12 sts, leave remaining sts on both Star Centres unworked. [24 dc]
Rounds 2-3 Working on the sts of Round 1, dc in each at around. [24 dc]
Round 4 *Dc2tog, dc in next 10 sts; repeat from * around. [22 sts]
Round 5 *Dc2tog, dc in next 9 sts; repeat from * around. [20 sts]
Round 6 *Dc2tog, dc in next 8 sts; repeat from * around. [18 sts]
Round 7 *Dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts; repeat from * around. [16 sts]
Round 8 *Dc2tog, dc in next 6 sts; repeat from * around. [14 sts]
Round 9 *Dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts; repeat from * around. [12 sts]
Round 10 *Dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts; repeat from * around. [10 sts]
Round 11 *Dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around. Ss to next st to join. [8 sts]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through front loops of all sts in round, tighten to close and weave in the end.
SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT POINTS Before completing the Final Point, stuff the Star firmly, then stuff the Final Point as you work.
Round 1 (RS) With RS facing and leaving a long tail, join Gold in next unworked st of last round of the first Star Centre, ch1 (does not count as st), dc in next 12 sts, take the second Star Centre and with RS facing mark the 12th unworked st, dc in marked st and each of next 11 sts, working back towards previous Point. [24 dc]
Round 2-11 Repeat Rounds 2-11 of First Point.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through front loops of all sts in round, tighten to close and weave in the end.
TO MAKE UP
Weave each of the beginning tails for each Point into the space between Points to close any gaps.
EYES MAKE 2
With 4 strands of DK white held together, make a magic loop.
Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st) 6dc into the ring. [6 dc]
Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 dc]
Ss to next st, fasten off and weave in ends. With 2 strands of Black and using a tapestry needle, embroider an ‘X’ on each Eye using the image as a guide.
Sew the Eyes onto the Star, between Rounds 3 and 6, separated by 2 sts.
TO FINISH
With 2 strands of Red and a tapestry needle, using the image as a guide, embroider the mouth between Rounds 5 and 6, approximately 5 sts long.