DIY home textiles: crochet homewares
Do it yourself“From washcloths to cushion covers, tea towels and cosies – the possibilities are endless. Plus, you get the added benefit of having complete control over the material, colour and texture.”
I’ll be the first to admit that I am an absolute fiend for home textiles. I have a collection of tea towels that is unapologetically larger than it needs to be, and I will not hesitate to add to it in future.
But have you ever considered making your own? From washcloths to cushion covers, tea towels and cosies – the possibilities are endless. Plus, you get the added benefit of having complete control over the material, colour and texture.
I've been crocheting since I was about 10 years old, and it doesn’t matter how long I put the tools down for, whenever I pick it up again it’s like I never stopped. It’s a muscle memory skill similar to riding a bike, and my love for it has never wavered.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, I decided to put pen to paper and convert my favourite crochet projects into patterns that anyone could enjoy for themselves.
This included a number of homewares projects – which incidentally are a great place to start for beginner crafters because they’re generally worked in straight rows or squares, and easy-to-master stitches. Plus, the only thing you need to get started is some yarn and a crochet hook.
So whether you’ve got some secret crafting skills hiding away, or you’re a seasoned pro who wants to merge your love of crochet and homewares together, below are some of my favourite home-inspired crochet projects to get you started.
Homewares meets crochet
I’ve always preferred crocheting homewares projects to more complicated pieces like clothing or Amigurumi (if you don’t know what this is, please Google – they are adorable!).
Maybe it’s because these projects are more straightforward and mindless, which I find is more therapeutic – one of the main reasons I love to crochet so much. Or maybe it’s being able to bring my love of homewares to life with my own hands. I’m going to say both!
CushionsCushion covers seem like they would be difficult to crochet, however they would be deceiving you.
They are generally worked as two separate pieces in a square, rectangle or circle, and then crocheted around each side. Or like my Harlow throw cushion pattern below, in one long piece and then seamed down each side with a flap at the top secured with buttons.
Being a larger project they’re definitely an investment in terms of time, but the result is so worth it.
Give your space some serious cosy coastal vibes with the Harlow Throw Cushion Cover. Crafted from Lion Brand’s Feels Like Butta, it not only looks a treat but it feels just as good.
This design is worked in a single long piece, then crocheted together and fastened with a pair of buttons. This also means it’s completely removable. Could it get any better?
Included
Step-by-step written instructions using US crochet terms.
Exclusive video support + shopping links to materials.
Language: English
Skill level: Easy
tea towelsAs I’ve already admitted, tea towels are a real weakness of mine when it comes to homewares. So it was a no brainer for me to create a pattern for one.
Tea towels are one of the easiest textiles to crochet as they are essentially just rows repeated to your desired width and length.
You can also get super creative with the type of stitch you choose to run with and create a whole range of different textures – like the waffle effect in my York tea towel pattern below.
This waffle-inspired tea towel set will be the perfect accompaniment to your kitchen, with both a standard and small size offered in this design.
The waffle stitch is worked using a mix of double crochet and front post double crochet and is the perfect therapeutic project for a cosy afternoon. This versatile design can be created using any durable 4-8 ply yarn and can be worked beyond the provided sizes into any size you like.
Included
Step-by-step written instructions using US crochet terms.
Exclusive video support + shopping links to materials.
Language: English
Skill level: Easy
Christmas DecorationsThis is a crochet niche I get really excited about. I adore Christmas – it’s hands down my favourite time of the year – and while it is during summer here in Australia, that doesn’t mean you can't get a little cosy with some crochet to mark the occasion.
Crocheting Christmas decorations can be a little more fiddly than other homewares projects, but overall they can be just as quick to whip up and they’re so worth it for the cute-factor!
Whether you’re looking to create your own textile wreath or custom tree ornaments, there’s bound to be a project to get you hooked.
Pro tip: they also make great gifts (my friends and family have probably received more than they would have liked).
Have yourself a coral-coastal Christmas with the Surrey Mini Wreath Ornament. Wreath this baby up in just a few rounds, with super easy stitches.
This mini wreath is quick and easy to work up and is the perfect little decoration to gift to a loved one or cosy up your Christmas décor!
Included
Step-by-step written instructions using US crochet terms.
Exclusive video support + shopping links to materials.
Language: English
Skill level: Easy
Completion time: approx 45 minutes
Give your Christmas tree it’s own mini tree with the Norfolk mini tree Ornament!
This piece is easy and fun to work and will be sure to add a unique flare to your Christmas décor. The Yarn and Colors Zen yarn paired with one of my favourite stitches to work, the slip stitch, makes for a delightful little project.
Included
Step-by-step written instructions using US crochet terms.
Exclusive video support + shopping links to materials.
Language: English
Skill level: Easy
Completion time: approx 30 minutes
summaryThere’s so many possibilities to get your hands dirty with some yarn and a crochet hook to craft your own homewares.
You really don’t need many materials or skills to get started, and you could be adding your own personal touch to your home decor in no time.
You can check out all of my downloadable crochet patterns that include detailed instructions and video tutorials here.
But be warned, first-timers – this hobby is highly addictive!