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

May 22, 2019 •

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.

Unleash Your Creativity: The Mile-A-Minute Chair Back Cover

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.

Gather Your Supplies: What You'll Need

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

Yarn Selection

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!

Hook Size

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.

Other Essentials

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

Getting Started: Making Your First Strip

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

The Slip Knot

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.

Chain Stitch

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.

Counting 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.

The First Double Crochet

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.

Creating the Corner

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.

Slip Stitch to Form the Center

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 to Start the Next Row

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

Building Your Strip: The Shell and Wall Pattern

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!

Understanding the Pattern

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.

The Shell

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."

The Wall

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.

Turning Your Work

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.

Repeating the Pattern

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!

Troubleshooting

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.

Length Customization

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.

Sizing It Up: Determining Strip Length

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

Counting Chiclets/Shells

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.

Chair Measurement

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.

Krista's Example

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.

Finishing the Strip: Securing the End

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

Ending with Four Double Crochets

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.

Final Shell

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

Wall Stitch

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

Securing the Yarn

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

Weaving in the Tail

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.

Creating Matching Strips

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!

Joining the Strips: Creating the Chair Back Cover

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

Preparing for Joining

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

Joining the Yarn

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.

First Row Border

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.

Double Crochet Across Top

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.

Working Down the Side

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.

Addressing Curvature

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

Important Reminder

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!

Working Over Tails

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

Four Double Crochet Across the Bottom

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

Making a Corner

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.

Complete the Row

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

Stopping Point

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

The Joining Process: Step-by-Step

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

Lining Up the Strips

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

Slip Stitching the Strips Together

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.

Ignoring the Finished Strip

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

Repeating the Process

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

Addressing End-of-Row Concerns

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.

Finishing the Edge

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

Finishing the Top Point

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

Adding the Border Berry Spot

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!

Securing and Cutting

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.

Adding the Border Berries: A Touch of Charm

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

Preparing the Border Berry Spot

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.

Color Choice

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

Creating the Border Berry

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.

Creating the Other Side

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.

Folding the Berry

Fold the berry together.

Slip Stitch to Secure

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

Securing and Cutting

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

Sewing Up The Sides

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.

Finishing the Border Berry

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!

Tail Placement

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

Customization

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

Finishing Touches: Completing Your Chair Back Cover

Now for the final steps!

Adding Border Berries

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

Weaving in Ends

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

Final Check

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

Enjoy Your Creation

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

Pattern Download: Get the Written Instructions

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

Behind the Scenes: Watch Krista Make It!

Need a visual guide? Here are the video tutorials:

More Crochet Fun: Explore Secret Yarnery

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!

Join the Community: Connect with Fellow Crocheters

Become part of a supportive and creative crochet community!

Become a channel member and enjoy exclusive perks.
Sign up for the Secret Yarnery newsletter to get updates, patterns, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox.

Crochet Must-Haves: Gear Up for Your Next Project

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

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Behind the Scenes: See What Krista is Up To

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

Conclusion

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!

FAQs

1. What is the mile-a-minute crochet technique?

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.

2. Can I use scrap yarn for this project?

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.

3. What yarn types are best for this 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.

4. Is this project beginner-friendly?

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.

5. What hook size should I use?

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.

6. How do I adjust the size of the chairback cover?

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.

7. Can I make matching pieces like table runners or bed runners?

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.

8. What can I do if my strips curve while crocheting?

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.

9. Can I use contrasting colors for the border berries?

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

Christa Patel, the creative mind behind The Secret Yarnery, is a passionate crochet designer, instructor, and yarn enthusiast. Known for her vibrant, fun, and approachable tutorials, Christa has helped thousands of crocheters, from absolute beginners to seasoned experts, discover the joy of crafting with yarn.

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Christa brings a unique flair to her projects, drawing inspiration from her colorful surroundings and diverse cultural experiences. As a self-taught crocheter, she understands the challenges beginners face and crafts her patterns and videos to simplify the learning process.

Through her YouTube channel, website, and community, Christa strives to make crochet accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Her mission is to inspire creativity and bring warmth, joy, and personal touches into homes through crochet.

When she's not crocheting, Christa is often experimenting with new yarns, exploring innovative techniques, or spending time with her family.

Connect with Christa:

YouTube Channel: The Secret Yarnery
Website: The Secret Yarnery
Join the Community: Participate in her crochet-alongs, engage with fellow crocheters, and share your projects in her interactive forums and live chat sessions.

Christa's approachable teaching style, combined with her love of color and texture, has made her an inspirational figure in the crochet world. Dive into her tutorials today and unleash your inner crocheter!

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