Anleitung 220/5: How to Crochet the Cloudy & Cuddly Velvet Cushion in Size XS with myboshi Yarn

There is something deeply satisfying about making something soft. Not just soft in the sense of gentle colors or a quiet afternoon, but physically, tangibly, sink-your-fingers-into-it soft. The Cloudy & Cuddly cushion from myboshi hits that mark in every possible way, and if you have been looking for a project that combines beginner-friendly technique with a result that looks like it belongs in a high-end interior design catalog, this is the one to keep bookmarked.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about working with Anleitung 220/5, the official myboshi pattern for the Cloudy & Cuddly Häkelkissen (crocheted cushion) in size XS, using myboshi’s Samt XS yarn. Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for only the second or third time or you are a confident crafter looking for a satisfying weekend project, you will find clear instructions, honest tips, and enough context to feel fully prepared before you start your first slip knot.

What Makes the Cloudy & Cuddly Cushion So Special

Before diving into yarn weights and hook sizes, it is worth pausing to appreciate what makes this particular pattern so appealing to so many crafters.

The Cloudy & Cuddly cushion has a distinctly modern, plush aesthetic. Its texture is created through a combination of simple stitches and the natural properties of Samt XS yarn, which has a velvety, short-pile surface that catches the light differently depending on the direction you stroke it. The result is a cushion that looks far more complex and luxurious than the relatively simple stitchwork behind it actually is.

In size XS, the finished cushion is compact and versatile — exactly the kind of accent piece that works on a reading chair, a bench at the foot of a bed, or stacked decoratively on a sofa. It is small enough to finish in a reasonable sitting or two, which makes it a genuinely achievable project even for people with busy schedules.

myboshi, the German yarn and pattern brand beloved across Europe and increasingly popular worldwide, has built its reputation on designs that feel accessible without feeling dumbed down. Anleitung 220/5 fits that philosophy perfectly.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials right before you begin is one of the most important investments you can make in a crochet project. Substituting yarn carelessly or using a hook that does not match the recommended size can change the dimensions and drape of the finished cushion significantly.

Yarn: myboshi Samt XS. This is the non-negotiable ingredient. Samt XS is a 100% polyester velvet yarn with a microfiber-like texture. It comes in a wide range of colors, from muted neutrals like stone grey, warm cream, and dusty rose to deeper tones like midnight blue and forest green. For the XS cushion, you will need approximately one to two skeins depending on the color you choose and your individual tension. Each skein of Samt XS contains 100 grams and approximately 130 meters of yarn, so plan accordingly.

Crochet Hook: The myboshi pattern recommends a crochet hook in size 5.0 mm. This is a medium-sized hook that most crocheters will already have in their collection. If you find that your stitches are coming out too loose, move down half a size. If they are too tight and your cushion is pulling inward, move up half a size.

Cushion Insert: For size XS, you will need a cushion insert (also called a cushion pad) in the appropriate dimensions. A 30 x 30 cm insert works well for this size, though depending on your tension you may want to have a 25 x 25 cm on hand as well. The crocheted cover should fit snugly around the insert rather than hanging loosely.

Yarn Needle: A blunt tapestry needle or yarn needle for weaving in your ends and seaming the two sides of the cushion together.

Scissors: A sharp pair of embroidery or craft scissors for cutting yarn cleanly.

Optional but recommended: stitch markers to help you keep track of your rounds or rows, especially if you are new to working in continuous rounds.

Understanding Samt XS: How to Work with Velvet Yarn

If you have never crocheted with velvet yarn before, there are a few things worth knowing before you begin. Samt XS is a joy to work with, but it has its own personality.

First, velvet yarn has a directional pile. If you look closely at a skein of Samt XS, you will notice that it looks slightly different depending on which way you run your fingers along it. This is completely normal and is part of what gives velvet yarn its characteristic shimmer and depth. When you crochet with it, try to maintain consistent tension so that the pile lays in a uniform direction across your work.

Second, velvet yarn does not unravel and re-work as easily as cotton or acrylic. If you realize mid-row that you have made an error, frogging (undoing) your work is possible but requires patience. The fibers can sometimes stick together slightly. Take your time and use the blunt end of your hook or a pin to separate the loops gently.

Third, counting stitches in velvet yarn is harder than in standard yarns because the pile obscures the stitch structure. Use stitch markers generously, particularly when you are working in the round, and count your stitches at the end of every few rows until you feel confident.

Finally, Samt XS is very forgiving of slight tension variations. Because the velvet pile is so tactile and visually rich, small irregularities in your stitches are hidden beautifully in the finished piece.

Abbreviations and Stitches Used

This pattern uses standard international crochet abbreviations. Here is a quick reference guide:

ch — chain stitch. The most fundamental stitch in crochet, formed by pulling a loop of yarn through the loop already on your hook.

sl st — slip stitch. A joining stitch used to connect rounds or to move across stitches without adding height.

sc — single crochet (US terminology). In UK terminology, this is called double crochet. You insert your hook, pull up a loop, then pull through both loops on the hook.

dc — double crochet (US terminology). In UK terminology, this is called treble crochet. You yarn over before inserting your hook, pull up a loop, pull through two loops, then pull through the remaining two loops.

hdc — half double crochet. A stitch that sits between the height of a single crochet and a double crochet.

rep — repeat.

sp — space (referring to the gap created by a chain or between stitches).

st(s) — stitch or stitches.

If you are in any doubt about terminology, myboshi patterns typically clarify whether they are using US or European conventions. Because myboshi is a German brand, their original patterns use European terminology, but the English translations follow US conventions. Always confirm which system your particular version of the pattern is using before you begin.

Getting Your Gauge Right

Gauge is the number of stitches and rows that fit within a specific measurement — usually 10 x 10 cm — and it determines whether your finished cushion will be the right size. The myboshi Anleitung 220/5 pattern specifies a gauge that you should achieve before beginning in earnest.

To check your gauge, crochet a small swatch of at least 15 x 15 cm using your Samt XS yarn and your 5.0 mm hook. Block it gently if needed (velvet yarn should not be blocked aggressively — just lay it flat and let it rest), then measure the center 10 x 10 cm section and count your stitches and rows.

If your gauge is too loose (meaning you have fewer stitches per 10 cm than the pattern calls for), try a smaller hook. If your gauge is too tight (more stitches per 10 cm), try a larger hook. Getting gauge right is not just about perfectionism — in a cushion cover, being even slightly off can mean your cover ends up too small to fit the insert or so large that it sags and loses its shape.

Step-by-Step: Crocheting the Cloudy & Cuddly Cushion XS

The Cloudy & Cuddly cushion is worked in two identical flat panels that are seamed together on three sides, stuffed with the insert, and then seamed along the final edge to close. This construction method is straightforward and gives you full control over the fit of the cushion.

Starting Chain

Begin with a foundation chain of the number of stitches specified in the pattern for size XS. Work your first row of stitches into the foundation chain, being careful not to twist the chain as you work. With velvet yarn, it can sometimes be tricky to see the individual chain stitches clearly — work slowly and use your fingers to feel for each loop.

Working the Body

The body of the cushion uses a combination of stitches arranged to create the signature Cloudy & Cuddly texture. The pattern calls for rows of predominantly single or double crochet stitches worked in a specific sequence that builds up the soft, cloud-like surface texture as you go.

Work each row according to the pattern instructions, turning your work at the end of each row with the number of turning chains specified. For this cushion, maintaining even tension throughout is especially important because any variations will be more visible in velvet yarn than in standard acrylic or cotton.

Continue working rows until your panel measures the length specified for size XS. Make a second identical panel.

Seaming the Panels

Once both panels are complete and all ends are woven in on each individual panel, it is time to join them. The recommended method for this cushion is seaming with a slip stitch join using your crochet hook, or a mattress stitch seam using your yarn needle — both are described in the original myboshi pattern and both produce a clean, professional finish.

Place your two panels together with wrong sides facing each other (right sides facing out). Work your seam along three of the four edges, then insert your cushion pad through the open side. Adjust the pad so it sits evenly inside the cover, then seam the final edge closed.

Take your time with the seaming step. It is the part that most significantly affects the finished appearance of your cushion, and careful, even seam stitches make a noticeable difference.

Color and Colorway Ideas

One of the real pleasures of this pattern is how dramatically different the cushion can look depending on which color of Samt XS you choose. myboshi regularly updates their Samt XS color range, but some combinations that work particularly beautifully for this cushion include:

A single shade of warm cream or ivory creates a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired look that works in almost any living space. Pair two cushions in different neutral tones — stone grey alongside dusty rose, for instance — for an effortlessly coordinated look on a sofa.

For something bolder, a deep terracotta or burnt orange Cloudy & Cuddly cushion makes a striking accent piece against a cream or neutral sofa. The velvet texture adds visual weight even to lighter colors, so do not be afraid of pale shades — a blush pink cushion in Samt XS looks anything but washed out.

If you want to try a two-color version, some crafters work each panel in a different colorway, so that one side of the cushion is, say, deep navy and the other is a warm white. Flip the cushion to change the look of the room. This is not part of the official myboshi Anleitung 220/5, but it is a natural and lovely adaptation for those comfortable with modifying patterns.

Care Instructions for Your Finished Cushion

Samt XS is a polyester yarn, which means your finished cushion is machine washable — a practical advantage for any home furnishing item. Wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C with mild detergent. Avoid tumble drying on high heat, as excessive heat can affect the polyester fibers and cause the velvet pile to matt. Air drying flat or on a low heat tumble dry setting preserves the texture beautifully.

Do not iron or steam the cushion cover directly, as this can flatten the velvet pile permanently. If the pile looks slightly compressed after washing, a gentle brush with a soft clothes brush can help restore it.

Store spare Samt XS yarn in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause color fading in some shades over time.

Tips for Beginners Tackling This Pattern

If this is one of your earlier projects, here are a few things that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Work under good light. Velvet yarn in darker colors especially can be difficult to see clearly under dim lighting. A daylight bulb or natural window light makes an enormous difference in your ability to see your stitch structure.

Do not skip the swatch. It might feel like an extra step you can skip, but the swatch is genuinely your best investment of time on this project. An XS cushion made with the wrong gauge can end up comically small or frustratingly baggy, and the time it takes to re-do the whole thing is far longer than the time it takes to crochet one quick swatch.

Count your stitches at the end of every row for the first several rows until you are confident you are not accidentally increasing or decreasing. It is very easy to accidentally crochet into the turning chain or to miss the last stitch in a row, and catching these errors early is far easier than noticing them ten rows later.

Take breaks. Velvet yarn requires slightly more focus than smooth yarns, and working for long stretches can lead to tension inconsistencies as your hands tire. Short, regular breaks keep your work even and the process enjoyable.

Why myboshi Patterns Are Worth Your Time

myboshi has carved out a distinctive space in the craft world by offering patterns that are genuinely well-tested, clearly written, and designed with real-life aesthetics in mind. Anleitung 220/5 is a good example of this: it is not a complicated pattern, but it is designed in a way that produces a finished piece that genuinely looks beautiful in a home, not just technically correct on a craft table.

The Cloudy & Cuddly series has become something of a signature for myboshi, with multiple sizes, variations, and seasonal colorways available. The XS version is the perfect entry point — small enough to complete quickly, satisfying enough to display proudly, and simple enough to understand fully before moving on to larger sizes or more complex variations.

For crafters building their skills, this pattern also offers a wonderful opportunity to become comfortable with velvet yarn, which is increasingly popular in interior textiles and home furnishing projects. The techniques you develop here — consistent tension with a slippery yarn, clean seaming, working with directional pile — will serve you well in many future projects.

Final Thoughts

The Cloudy & Cuddly Häkelkissen in Samt XS from myboshi is one of those projects that manages to be both relaxing to make and genuinely exciting to finish. From the moment you pull your first ball of Samt XS out of its packaging and feel the velvet pile between your fingers, to the moment you tuck in the cushion insert and hold up the finished piece, it is a satisfying experience from start to finish.

Whether you are making it for yourself, as a gift, or as the first piece in a larger home décor project, Anleitung 220/5 delivers on every count. The yarn is beautiful, the pattern is well-structured, and the finished cushion is exactly the kind of thing that makes a room feel more considered and more comfortable.

Give it an afternoon, give it your best attention, and you will have something genuinely lovely to show for it.