Deco Cushion

Deco Cushion by Waratah Life

What Is Being Made

The Deco Cushion is a decorative knitted cushion cover featuring geometric art deco-inspired patterning. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished cushion cover sized to fit a 40cm square cushion insert. The design brings contemporary glamour to home décor with its striking colorwork pattern.

Construction Method

The cushion cover is knit in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple pattern pieces to be assembled. The design features an overlapping ribbed edge that folds to create an envelope-style enclosure. Seams are worked down each side edge to complete the cushion cover structure. This envelope construction method means the finished cushion requires no buttons, zips, or additional closures—the overlapping ribbed section simply tucks in to secure the cushion insert.

Colorwork Technique

The Deco Cushion uses an accessible colorwork approach ideal for knitters new to multi-color knitting. The pattern ensures that never more than 3 stitches of a single color are worked in any given row. This limited color run length means floats (the strands of yarn carried across the back of the work) remain short and manageable, eliminating the need to catch or weave in floats during knitting. This makes the colorwork beginner-friendly while still creating visually striking geometric patterns.

Stitches and Techniques

• Colorwork knitting with two colors per row
• Ribbed edging for the envelope flap
• Seaming along side edges
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 24 rows over a 10cm square in colorwork

Materials and Yarn

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn (also called 8 ply yarn). The original design uses 4 Seasons Marvel 8 Ply Yarn in two colorways: Twilight and White, with 100g of each color required. The pattern notes that while acrylic yarn was used in the original design for easy machine washing, wool yarn would work equally well as a substitute. Total yardage is 1016 meters. Knitting needles sized 3.25mm are required to achieve the specified gauge.

Finished Dimensions

The cushion cover is designed to fit a standard 40cm square cushion insert, making it suitable for common decorative pillow sizes.

Designer Information

The Deco Cushion pattern is designed by Gillian West for Waratah Life, an independent designer brand. Finished project photos can be shared on Ravelry or on Instagram using the hashtag #waratahlife or by tagging @waratahlife.