Maristi cushion cover

Maristi Cushion Cover by Hazel Tindall

Project Overview

The Maristi cushion cover is a round knitted cushion cover designed by Hazel Tindall, inspired by the traditional Shetland beret. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a decorative cushion cover through a structured circular knitting technique, resulting in a finished piece that showcases colorwork and shaping.

What Is Being Made

A round cushion cover constructed from two separate knitted circles that are joined together before blocking. The design draws inspiration from classic Shetland knitwear, bringing traditional textile patterns to a modern home accessory. The finished cushion cover is worked in the round, beginning at the widest edge and tapering toward the center.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular knitting: The cushion cover is knitted in the round rather than flat, creating seamless circles
• Top-down construction: Knitting begins at the widest edge and progresses toward the center of each circle
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases are worked on alternate rounds beginning in round 20, creating the circular shaping
• Colorwork: Charts guide the placement of colors throughout the pattern, with blank and filled squares indicating color changes
• Blocking: The finished cushion cover requires blocking to achieve its best appearance and proper shape
• Joining: The two completed circles are joined together before the final blocking process

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern utilizes charted colorwork instructions with specific stitch counts provided for each completed round. The first 19 rounds are worked without any decreases, establishing the full width of the cushion cover. Beginning in round 20, decreases are introduced and worked on alternate rounds to gradually shape the circles from the outer edge toward the center. The charts indicate stitch counts in the left column, with color changes marked by blank and filled squares.

Materials

This pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides the appropriate gauge and drape for a cushion cover. The pattern accommodates various yarn types, including machine washable wool and other materials, making it adaptable to different fiber preferences and care requirements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working in the round, following charted patterns, and executing decreases. The combination of circular knitting, colorwork, and shaping techniques makes this an engaging project for developing knitters.

Pattern Information

Designed by Hazel Tindall and technically edited by Stephanie Boardman, the Maristi cushion cover pattern is available as a downloadable PDF. Additional knitting patterns from the designer can be found at www.hazeltindall.com. The pattern includes detailed charts with color guidance and stitch count information to support successful completion of this decorative home accessory.