Crochet Chairback Cover with Border Berries – Easy Mile-A-Minute Guide

Ready to add a touch of handmade charm to your home? I'm so excited to share this super fun and surprisingly simple project: a mile-a-minute crochet chair back cover! Not just for chairs, this technique is so versatile, you can easily adapt it into a table runner, a cozy bed runner, or even a full-sized blanket. The adorable border berries add a unique and playful touch that's sure to brighten up any space.

This Crochet Chairback Cover project is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your home decor. The mile-a-minute technique makes it surprisingly quick to work up, and the border berries add a delightful pop of texture and visual interest. But why is this project so perfect for you?

• Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you're a crochet newbie or a seasoned pro, this project is easy to adapt to your skill level.
• Perfect for Using Up Leftover Yarn (Stash-Busting): Got a mountain of yarn scraps? This is the perfect project to put them to good use!
• Customizable to Match Your Decor: Choose colors and yarns that perfectly complement your existing home decor.
• A Quick and Satisfying Project: See results fast with this quick-to-crochet project.
• Unique and Eye-Catching Design: Stand out with a chair back cover that's both functional and beautiful.

Before we dive in, let's gather the necessary supplies. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Variety is the spice of life, and that certainly applies to this project! One of the best parts about the mile-a-minute technique is that you can use a variety of yarn weights and textures to create a truly unique piece.

• Variety is Key: In the video, Christa uses a delightful mix of yarns, including:
  • Mini Letter Glitz
  • Pastel Cotton
  • Eyelash yarn
  • 50 Grand Balls Color Twist
  • Rockstar two words
  • Verona Shine
  • Loose Lana (though it's out of stock, it's included for inspiration!)
  • Saver 100 (for joining, a 4-weight acrylic yarn).
• Stash-Busting Tips: Don't be afraid to raid your stash! This project is ideal for using up those lonely skeins and yarn ends you've been hoarding. Try different combinations and see what magic you can create.
• Yarn Weight Considerations: When joining the strips, using a slightly thicker yarn (like the 4-weight Saver 100) is beneficial. This helps to stretch out the "Chiclets" (the individual crocheted segments) and ensures that everything lays nice and flat. You may be interested in this Yarn Conversion Chart to help you find the right yarn!

The hook size you'll need depends on the yarn weight you choose. As a general rule, follow the recommendations on your yarn label. In the video, Krista uses a 6mm hook, which works well with the variety of yarns she selected.

• Scissors
• Darning needle (for weaving in ends and attaching border berries)

Okay, let's get crocheting! We'll start by creating the first strip using the mile-a-minute technique.

First things first, let's make a slip knot. Hold the yarn over your non-dominant hand, securing it with your ring finger and thumb. Wrap the yarn around your top two fingers, creating a small "X". Flip your fingers over and poke the hook underneath the space between your fingers, pulling the yarn through and releasing it. Tighten the loop, leaving a tail long enough to weave in later. Place the slip knot on your hook.

Now, we'll create a chain of seven stitches. Grab the yarn, turn your hook downwards, and slide it through the loop on your hook. Repeat this process until you have seven chains.

It's important to count your chains correctly! Remember, don't count the knot or the loop that's currently on your hook. Count only the "V's" in between. You should have seven distinct "V" shapes.

• Locate the fourth chain from the hook.
• Wrap the yarn around your hook.
• Insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
• Yarn over (wrap the yarn around your hook again) and pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook.
• Yarn over and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops on your hook.
• Yarn over and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on your hook.
• Congratulations, you've made your first double crochet stitch!
• Make two more double crochet stitches into the same chain.

• Remember, the initial chain counts as one double crochet. This means you now have a total of four double crochet stitches (the chain and the three you just made).
• Chain two.
• Make three more double crochet stitches into the same chain. You should now have a little fan shape.

• Locate the very first chain you made. It might be a bit small and hidden near the knot.
• Insert your hook into that first chain.
• Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and also through the loop on your hook. This is a slip stitch.

Chain two. This will bring your yarn up to the height of the next row.

Now, let's learn the "shell and wall" pattern that forms the foundation of the mile-a-minute technique. This is where the magic really happens!

The mile-a-minute technique relies on a simple, repetitive pattern of "shells" and "walls." These alternating rows create the unique texture and visual appeal of this project.

• Work into the center space – that's the hole created in the previous row by your chain-two.
• Make three double crochet stitches.
• Chain two.
• Make three more double crochet stitches into the same space. You've now created a "shell."

• Wrap your yarn around your hook.
• Make a double crochet stitch into the top of the chain-three from the previous row (or the top of the first double crochet if you can't easily see the chain).
• Chain two.

After completing each row (shell or wall), it's essential to turn your work. This ensures that you're always working on the right side of the fabric.

The beauty of this technique is in its simplicity! Every row follows the same pattern: create a shell in the center space, then create a wall at the end of the row. It’s that easy!

Sometimes, it can be tricky to see the last stitch, especially when you're working with textured yarns. If you're having trouble, gently tug on the shell to reveal the stitch. This will create a small opening, making it easier to insert your hook.

Keep building those shells and walls until your strip reaches the desired length! Remember, you can always add more rows if you want a longer chair back cover.

So, how long should your strips be? Here's how to determine the perfect length for your project.

To gauge the length of your strip, count the "chiclets" (or shells) along one side. This will give you a consistent measurement as you work.

Before you start, measure the back of your chair. You'll want the strip to extend approximately three inches above the seat cushion and twelve inches down the back. This will provide adequate coverage and a comfortable fit.

In the video, Krista mentions that she used 60 chiclets for her chair back cover. This is a great starting point, but remember to adjust the length to fit your specific chair.

Alright, you've reached the desired length! Let's finish off the strip and secure the end.

Since the starting side began with the equivalent of four double crochets (the chain-three and the three double crochets), you'll want to end the last row in the same way.

Create the final shell: four double crochet stitches, chain two, four more double crochet stitches into the same space.

Complete the wall with a double crochet into the last stitch, then chain two.

• Chain one.
• Cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in.
• Pull the hook up and through the loop to secure the yarn.

Use a darning needle to weave in the tail along the side of the strip. This will prevent the yarn from unraveling and give your project a clean finish. You can also sew it in later if you prefer.

Repeat this entire process to create the remaining strips for your chair back cover. It's important to ensure that all of your strips are the same length so that they align properly when you join them together. I have some other crochet tutorials if you get stuck!

Now for the exciting part: joining the strips to create the actual chair back cover!

Grab one of your completed strips and your ball of joining yarn. We'll be working along the long edge of the strip.

• Insert your hook into the top space of a strip.
• Attach the yarn with a slip stitch (or chain 3 if that is your preferred method for joining).
• Chain two.

Because a slip stitch was used to join, it looks and acts like a chain one. If you're joining your yarn in a different way, you should chain 3. This will count as the first double crochet. Then do two double crochets into that same space. This results in three double crochets.

The four double crochets here at the top of your work will be joined on the double crochet stitch. Make four double crochet stitch across the top, one into each stitch.

Work three double crochet stitches into each space along the side of the strip. Important note: you are not working where the chiclets meet the wall, but into the spaces between them.

Don't panic if your strip starts to curve during this process! It's perfectly normal and will even out as you continue.

Make sure to get into the space after the last chiclet and before the four double crochets at the end of the strip. This space is easy to miss!

You can work over the yarn tails as you go to save time weaving them in later.

Make four double crochet stitches into the stitches at the bottom.

This corner will rest against your back, so we'll make it a regular, flat corner. Make a set of three double crochets, chain two, and three double crochets into the tip of that point.

Make four double crochet stitches into the next four stitches, one into each.

This is where you'll stop on all strips except the first one. The first strip is finished completely around all sides.

Let's break down the slip stitching process, so you can join with confidence.

Line up two strips, ensuring the points without border berries are on the same end and the starting/finishing points are aligned.

• Find the space between the four double crochets and before the three double crochets on the finished 1st strip.
• Slip stitch to join the two strips.
• Make three double crochet stitches into the first space of the 2nd strip.
• Lay everything down flat.
• Find the next space after the three double crochets where the chiclet joins the wall.
• Slip stitch to join.
• Make three double crochet stitches into the next space of the 2nd strip.

Focus solely on the strip you're currently working on. Try to ignore the finished strip as you slip stitch.

Repeat the three double crochets and slip stitch joining process all the way along the edge of the strip.

Even if it seems like the strips won't line up perfectly, keep going! Make sure to find the last shell before the four double crochets.

After joining, complete the final edge of the strip with four double crochet stitches.

Three double crochets, chain 2, slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to join.

Chain eight. Lay everything down flat, then bring your yarn to the side and your hook down. Slip stitch to that very first double crochet on the other side of the join. Then chain one. Now your chain is not twisted!

Chain one to secure the yarn, then cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in, then pull your hook up and your yarn through and snug that down.

Here's how to create those adorable border berries that add so much personality to this project!

Bring your tails down the chain. Put your hook straight into that chain eight space. Loop of yarn on your hook, bring it through, and slip stitch with both to join.

Use the same color yarn as your strip, or go wild with a contrasting color! It's totally up to you.

• Chain two.
• Work into the slip stitch (the center of the V).
• Wrap yarn, insert hook through both sides of the V, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops (leave the loop on the hook).
• Repeat five more times (or more for a fuller berry).
• Wrap yarn and pull through all loops on the hook.
• Chain three.

Repeat this process again, chain 7 double crochets into the same spot. The more double crochets, the fatter your border berry will be. Wrap your yarn, take off all those loops together, and chain 1 to secure.

Fold the berry together.

Slip stitch into the same spot on the top where you joined before.

Chain one to secure your yarn, cut your yarn, pull your hook up and your yarn through, and snug that down.

Sew up the sides of the berry. Grab a darning needle, and thread your tail. Whip stitch one side of the berry together, from one loop of one stitch to one loop on the other stitch. After one side is shut, turn it over. You can see the cup, and this is where you'll want to sew it, taking the tail from your chain and poking it inside. Then take the tail from the stitching and put that one inside.

With your last two stitches ready, you have one more tail and will sew this one shut on that side. With your thread, go from one strand of one stitch to one strand of the other side, pinching together. Back and forth through your berry, which will hold everything together. Then you're finished!

The tails are like stuffing, making the berry full and giving it a pleasingly plump shape.

Experiment with different colors and sizes of border berries to create your unique look!

Now for the final steps!

Continue adding border berries to all the designated spots along the edges of your Crochet Chairback Cover.

Weave in all remaining yarn ends using a darning needle for a clean, professional finish.

Give your chair back cover a final inspection to ensure there are no loose ends or imperfections.

Place the finished chair back cover on your chair and admire your beautiful handmade creation!

For those who prefer a written pattern, you can find it on the Secret Yarnery website: Get the Written Pattern!

Need a visual guide? Here are the video tutorials:

• Right-Handed Tutorial
• Left-Handed Tutorial

Want even more crochet inspiration and tutorials?

• Subscribe to The Secret Yarnery YouTube channel for new videos every week!
• Visit the Secret Yarnery website for a wide selection of patterns and resources. There are also some great crochet patterns available if you want to try something else!

Become part of a supportive and creative crochet community!

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Here are some essential crochet supplies to help you get started (and keep you organized!):

• Yarn Ball Storage Bags
• Large UFO Zipper Pouches
• Regular UFO Zipper Pouches
• Ball Winder
• WIPS Baskets
• Color Wheel
• Crochet Hooks
• Foot Warmer
• Measuring Tape
• Neck Light
• Needle Threaders
• Blunt Tip Needles
• Sharp Tip Needles
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers
• Tea - Kericho Gold
• Accessories Tins
• Yarn

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Left-handed crocheters, I've got you covered! Check out this playlist of left-handed crochet tutorials on YouTube!

Get a sneak peek behind the scenes of The Secret Yarnery: Behind the Scenes!

I hope you've enjoyed this step-by-step guide to creating your very own mile-a-minute crochet chair back cover. This project is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your home, use up your yarn stash, and explore your creativity. Now, grab your hook and yarn, and let's get crocheting! This is also great way to relax and experiment with yarn!

The mile-a-minute crochet technique involves making individual strips or sections that are later joined together. This approach makes it fast and efficient, allowing you to see progress quickly and create versatile pieces like chair back covers, blankets, or runners.

Yes! This project is perfect for using leftover or scrap yarn. Mix and match yarns of similar weights and coordinate colors for a beautiful, unique look. It's an ideal stash-busting project.

You can use a variety of yarns for this project. Textured yarns like eyelash yarn or smooth cotton yarns work wonderfully to add dimension. Just ensure you use a slightly thicker yarn, like a 4-weight, for joining the strips to ensure they lie flat.

Absolutely! The mile-a-minute technique is great for crocheters of all skill levels. Beginners can follow along with ease, and experienced crocheters can enjoy the quick results. The step-by-step guidance makes it simple to get started.

The hook size depends on the yarn weight; refer to your yarn label for the recommended size. In the tutorial, a 6mm hook is used, which works well with most medium-weight yarns used for the design.

You can adjust the size by modifying the number of "chiclets" (the shells) in your strip. Measure your chair’s back and add or remove rows to ensure it fits perfectly.

Yes! The versatility of this technique allows you to adapt the pattern to create a range of items like table runners, cushion covers, bed runners, or even full-sized blankets.

Don't worry if your strips curve slightly while working—they will even out once joined together and blocked. Use the joining process to align and straighten the strips.

Yes! Contrasting or vibrant colors make the border berries stand out more, giving the project a playful and customized touch.