#1373 Minneola - Floor Cushion Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Chester

Pattern #1373 Minneola – Spherical Floor Cushion / Pouf Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns

The Minneola Floor Cushion is a spherical knitted pouf designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns. This home decor knitting pattern produces a generously sized, stuffed ottoman that measures approximately 23 inches in diameter and 16 inches in height, making it a substantial and functional piece suitable as an extra seat, a footrest, or a decorative accent for any living space. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible after purchase.

What Is Being Made

The finished object is a floor cushion or pouf — sometimes called an ottoman — with a satisfying spherical shape. It is designed to be stuffed to just the right level of firmness so it holds its round form while remaining comfortable underfoot or as casual seating. The fluffy boucle texture of the recommended yarn adds visual interest and a tactile softness to the surface, giving the finished piece a luxurious, cozy appearance. Because Valley Yarns Chester is available in a range of natural and rich colorways, the Minneola pouf can be tailored to complement virtually any interior design aesthetic.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Chester, a super chunky weight yarn with a fiber composition of 30% Alpaca and 70% Highland Wool, sold in 100g hanks of approximately 89 yards each. The alpaca content contributes exceptional softness and a subtle sheen, while the Highland Wool provides structure, resilience, and warmth — qualities that are especially important in a floor cushion that must hold its shape over time.

• Color A: 5 hanks of Valley Yarns Chester in Lime
• Color B: 5 hanks of Valley Yarns Chester in Olive

A total of 10 hanks are required across both colors, reflecting the substantial size of the finished pouf. Additional materials include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Needles

Because this project is worked both flat and in the round, and because the stitch count changes significantly as the pouf is shaped, the pattern requires a range of circular needle lengths. Knitters will need US size 11 (8.0 mm) circular needles in 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32- to 40-inch lengths, as well as double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size — or the size needed to achieve gauge. Having multiple needle lengths on hand allows for smooth transitions as stitches are increased and then decreased to form the spherical shape.

Gauge

The stated gauge is 8 stitches and 10 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Achieving accurate gauge is important for this project, as it directly affects the final diameter and height of the pouf. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before casting on.

Techniques Used

The Minneola Floor Cushion incorporates several knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for knitters at the advanced beginner skill level who are ready to expand their repertoire:

• Worked in the Round: The main body of the pouf is knitted seamlessly in the round using circular needles, creating a smooth, continuous fabric without seams on the exterior.
• Worked Flat: Certain sections of the construction are worked flat, meaning knitters will work back and forth in rows rather than rounds, adding a layer of technique variety to the project.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The pouf is built from the bottom upward, which is a logical and intuitive approach that allows knitters to visualize the shape as it grows.
• Seamless Construction: The seamless approach minimizes finishing work and results in a polished, professional-looking finished object.
• Stripes: The two-color design — Lime and Olive — is achieved through stripe patterning, which is one of the most accessible colorwork techniques in knitting. Stripes require no complex