Unicorn & Cushion in King Cole Yummy - 9087 - Downloadable PDF

Unicorn & Cushion Knitted in King Cole Yummy

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole (pattern 9087) provides instructions for creating two coordinating projects: a decorative cushion and a stuffed unicorn toy. Both projects are designed to be knitted using King Cole Yummy yarn, a super chunky weight yarn that creates quick, satisfying results. The cushion serves as a home décor piece, while the unicorn functions as a soft toy or accessory.

Cushion Project Details

The cushion is designed to measure 16 inches when completed. It is knitted using 5mm needles in stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for a finished home accessory. The tension for the cushion is 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stocking stitch. Knitters should adjust their needle size as needed to achieve the correct tension, ensuring the finished cushion reaches the specified dimensions.

Unicorn Project Details

The unicorn toy is constructed using 4.5mm needles, which are slightly smaller than those used for the cushion, creating a denser fabric suitable for a stuffed toy. The tension for the unicorn is 13 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stocking stitch. The unicorn features a head cast on with 14 stitches and includes front legs (made in a pair). The toy is assembled by sewing the cast-on edge to the top centre of the body, then stuffing the piece before closing. Additional seams are sewn up during assembly while stuffing is added progressively.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

Stocking Stitch (St-st) is the primary stitch used throughout both projects. This fundamental knitting stitch is created by alternating knit rows and purl rows, producing a smooth, V-textured fabric on the right side.

2x2 Ribbing is also incorporated into the pattern. This elastic stitch is created by alternating groups of two knit stitches with two purl stitches. The ribbing technique is worked differently on alternating rows—where stitches were knitted in the previous row, they are purled, and vice versa. This creates a stretchy, textured fabric commonly used for cuffs and edges.

Shaping Techniques: The pattern employs several shaping methods to create the three-dimensional forms of both projects:

• Make 1 (M1): An increase technique that creates a new stitch by picking up and working a loop between existing stitches, allowing the knitter to add stitches without creating visible holes.
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A decrease method that reduces stitches by knitting two stitches together as one, slanting the decrease to the right.
• P2tog (Purl Two Together): The purl-side equivalent of K2tog, used for decreasing stitches while working on wrong-side rows.

Materials Required

Both projects are worked in King Cole Yummy, a super chunky weight yarn that knits quickly and produces a soft, bulky fabric. The pattern specifies the use of 5mm needles for the cushion and 4.5mm needles for the unicorn, with an additional 5.5mm needle size mentioned for the unicorn head. Main colour (MC) and contrast colour (CC) yarns are referenced in the pattern, allowing for colour variation between the body and accent areas. Stuffing material is required for the unicorn toy to achieve its three-dimensional shape.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The combination of basic stitches with shaping techniques and assembly requirements provides an engaging project that builds skills in garment construction and toy making.