Is there anything more quintessentially autumn than a pinecone? I have the most wonderful memories of woodland walks as a child, scuffing through fallen leaves and keeping one eye firmly on the ground for treasures. Conkers were always a close contender (and let’s be honest, they still are), but pinecones had a very special kind of magic about them. I could never just leave them there. They had to come home with me — and once they did, the possibilities were endless. Painting them, smothering them in glitter, or gluing them into a wreath shape.
It turns out this particular fascination is entirely hereditary. Our Christmas tree is lovingly bedecked in homemade ornaments accumulated over the years, and includes a gloriously glittery green pinecone that made its way home from nursery one year. It goes on that tree every single December without fail, and it always will.
All of which is to say — when it came to designing an autumn motif, pinecones were always going to make the list. This one was created as part of the Four Seasons Mix-and-Match MAL, a collaborative event with six designers and 13 compatible mosaic motifs for you to mix, match, and make completely your own this October. You can find all the details over on the main event page if you’d like to explore the full collection.
Otherwise — keep scrolling for your free pattern graph!
***This page may include affiliate links – this means that I may earn a small commission if you purchase the product. This is at no additional cost to you. I will only recommend products that I have tried and tested myself, and that I like using. This income helps me to keep designing quality crochet patterns for you.***
New to Overlay Mosaic Crochet?
Don’t worry, simply start out by watching this video tutorial which covers the basics, or read the summary below.
- All rows are worked from right to left.
- The yarn colour changes with every row i.e. you ONLY use ONE colour per row – ignore any changes in colour of the chart squares, they simply show what the final design will look like. You will need to fo at the end of every row.
- Every row contains the same number of stitches (st).
- The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).
- The first st is indicated by a square with an ‘A’ or ‘B’ in the chart.
- The final st is indicated by a square with a ‘+’ in the chart.
- The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).
- Back loop only sc (BLOsc) are indicated by a square without a ‘X’ in the chart.
- Front loop only double crochet (FLOdc) are indicated by a square with a ‘X’ in the chart.
- All FLOdc are worked into the same-coloured stitch two rows down.
- The red lines on the chart indicate the repeating section.
Short on crochet time? Pin this image so that you can come back later.
This pattern is available from Payhip in US and UK crochet terms, written and graphical instructions, and large print – inside the ‘Starter Stash‘ and ‘Complete Stash‘ Mix and Match MAL bundles.
Also available individually on Ravelry, Payhip, Etsy, and Lovecrafts.
Or join the Elimee Designs Cosy Blanket Club!
If you enjoy crocheting mosaic patterns, you might love these too! Click a photo for more information. Or visit this mosaic crochet blankets blog post.
You may find these video tutorials handy when crocheting your Pinecones Motif:
- How to make a slip knot
- How to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch
- Overlay mosaic crochet – the basic stitches
- How to read an overlay mosaic crochet chart
- Tapestry colour changes in mosaic crochet
- Mid-row colour changes in mosaic crochet
- Mosaic crochet anchor stitch
- Reversible mosaic crochet – drop down dc method
- Reversible mosaic crochet – locking stitch method
- Modified single crochet (for reversible projects)
- How to crochet an envelope border
- How to deal with your ends quickly and securely
The Pattern
Materials
- Stylecraft Special DK:
- Colour A – white apx. 44m/48 yds
- Colour B – grey apx. 38m/42 yds
- The above yardage is based on one single-sided repeat, without a border.
- Crochet hook – 4mm/G-6
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Row counter (optional)
Some alternative yarn suggestions:
Gauge
A 10cm (4 inch) square requires 16.5 rows and 17.5 st of standard overlay mosaic crochet.
Difficulty
Advanced beginner.
Abbreviations
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
BLO = back loop only
FLO = front loop only
st = stitch
Free Graph (coming October 1st)
Each pattern repeat is 48st wide. This blanket can be crocheted any multiple of 48 wide (+3 st to even out the design). For example, a five repeat blanket would require (48 x 5) +3 = 243 st.
Please use the hashtag #EggsinaNestMotif or tag me in your post (@elimee_designs on Instagram and @elimeedesigns on Facebook) so that I can celebrate your finished project too!
Safety Notices
The following has been added as per the new General Product Safety Regulation update December 2024, from the EU Commission.
Safety Disclaimer for Crochet Patterns
Crocheting blankets, accessories, garments, decor, or other crochet products is a fun and rewarding craft. However, it’s essential to follow every step of the pattern carefully to ensure that the finished product is both functional and safe. Please note that, as with any handmade item, there are inherent risks when recreating these patterns. By following all instructions closely and taking appropriate safety measures, you can minimize potential hazards.
Safety with Young Children, Animals, and Adults
- Always use child- and pet-safe materials when creating items for children or pets, particularly for toys, blankets, or any item likely to be chewed, pulled, or handled roughly.
- Ensure the final product is properly constructed, with securely fastened joins and woven-in ends, to prevent unravelling or loose threads that could pose a choking or entanglement hazard.
- For small embellishments such as buttons or beads, avoid their use on items intended for children under three years old or pets, as these can present choking hazards.
Blanket Safety for Babies
- Temperature Regulation: Babies are not as effective at regulating their temperature, and overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When creating blankets for babies, consider the yarn’s warmth and breathability to ensure it is suitable for the intended environment.
- Safe Sleeping Guidance: Blankets should be tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders, and their feet should be placed at the end of the crib or bed. This minimizes the risk of the baby’s face becoming covered by loose bedding.
- For further advice, refer to the safe sleeping guidelines provided by The Lullaby Trust.
Handling Tools Safely
- When working with sharp tools such as scissors, sewing needles, or crochet hooks, handle them carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Accidental cuts or injuries can occur if tools are not used properly. Always store tools safely when not in use, ensuring they are secured in a suitable storage container or area.
Important Note
By purchasing and using this pattern, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the construction, use, and safety of the completed item. I am not liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages caused by the finished product or the tools used during its creation. This includes, but is not limited to, blankets, accessories, garments, decor items, or other crochet creations, whether for children, adults, or animals.
GPSR Contact Details
Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative
Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland
Elimee Designs (Designer)
N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.
The Fine Print
Please note that all written patterns from Elimee Designs are non-refundable.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this pattern please feel free to contact me via hello@elimeedesigns.co.uk or the Elimee Designs Crochet Pattern group on Facebook.
A MASSIVE thank you to Bernie, Connie, Lourdes, Jo Ann, Nancy, Sallyanne, Sharon, and Leticia, for your much appreciated help in perfecting this pattern.
And there we have it — one pinecone, ready to find its way into your next autumnal project! I’d love to know — are you a fellow woodland walk enthusiast? A pinecone collector? Or perhaps a conker devotee? (There is absolutely room for both in this friendship.) Drop a comment below and let me know what autumn treasures used to catch your eye as a child — or still do!
And if you’d like even more motifs to play with, don’t forget to head back to the main MAL event page for the full collection — 13 designs across all four seasons, free motifs, bundles, and a whole lot of autumnal cosiness waiting for you this October.
More crochet fun to enjoy:
- Cosy fall blankets
- Mosaic crochet blankets
- Crochet patterns for spring
- Mother’s Day crochet patterns
- Scrap-friendly crochet patterns