When you know your way a bit around embroidery or sewing, you might know what a Biscornu might be. But to simplify it a bit more, it is not more or less then a cute pin cushion. Most of the time these cushions have a vintage look and are more common used as a decorative item, rather then practical putting needles in it. It can hold different motifs, figures, tassels and buttons. The only thing which is important with a Biscornu is the way it is put together. A Biscornu is different from a simple pin cushion by the octagonal shape it holds. That’s why it is called “Biscornu” as it is the French word for skewed,quirky or irregular. They are so much fun to make and i always find it a waste to use them. So most of them end up as a decorative piece on my shelves or desk. I found out not many Biscornu’s are crocheted ( which is logical as they normally are sewed ), so i found my way around it and came up with this first collection which are inspired on some gemstones.

Some information about the pattern :

The pattern is a PDF file to download after purchase, in English with US terms. The pattern is now also available in Italian, the translation is made by Raffamusa designs. And there is also a Norwegian version available, provided by Heklepekle. Swedish version also available from now, it is made by Anna Nilson ( AnnaVirkpanna ), Spanish version available and made py Virginia PS ( Pikiwiki ), and a Dutch version made by Tineke Tap.

The actual pattern to crochet the squares are written, bu there is also a chart included. The progress of joining and finishing the Biscornu is explained in a photo tutorial which gives a good view on how to do this.

The finished size of a Biscornu will be 7,5 cm x 7,5 cm / 2,9 inches x 2,9 inches crocheted on a hooksize 1,75mm and the suggested Scheepjes Maxi Sweet treat yarns.

The yarn you need for this pattern is not much, so some strands or leftovers could be perfect. The pattern is made out of one basic color which you need 5 grams of in total, and 4 other side colors which you need 1 - 3 grams of in total for each colorshade.

The stitches used in the pattern are all basic stitches, you only need to know how to crochet in back- and frontloops.

You will need some fiber filling and 2 buttons to complete the pattern.

For more information you can also visit my blog.

Pattern was revised and edited at 9 July 2019 due some typo’s and errata’s in the pattern. After this date a new version was updated.