Twists & Turns

Twists & Turns Pillow Cover by LadyshipDesigns

What is Being Made

The Twists & Turns Pillow Cover is a knitted cushion cover designed to fit either a 20"x12" (50x30cm) rectangular pillow or a 20"x20" (50x50cm) square pillow. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive rope cable pattern that transforms into a diamond trellis design, creating visual interest through the interplay of twisted stitches. The cover is constructed as a single knitted piece with side seams sewn together for finishing. An envelope closure with four buttonholes allows for easy removal of the cover, making it practical for laundering or updating your room décor with different covers.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated appearance. Cable knitting is the primary technique, with a simple rope cable that evolves into a diamond trellis pattern throughout the design. The transformation of the basic cable into the more complex trellis creates visual depth and demonstrates how fundamental cable techniques can be manipulated for creative results. Buttonhole construction is incorporated into the pattern to create the envelope closure system, requiring precision in placement and execution. Seaming is used to join the side edges of the knitted piece, and finishing techniques including darning in ends are necessary to complete the project professionally.

Stitches Used

While the pattern focuses on cable stitches as its signature element, the construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable manipulation. The rope cable serves as the foundational decorative stitch, created by crossing stitches over a cable needle to create the twisted rope effect. This cable then transitions into the diamond trellis pattern, which is achieved through strategic cable crossings that create the geometric diamond shapes. Buttonholes are worked into the pattern using standard buttonhole techniques, and the piece is likely constructed using basic knit and purl stitches to create the fabric base that supports the cable design.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern requires medium weight yarn in either worsted or aran weight (#4). For the smaller 20"x12" (50x30cm) rectangular pillow cover, you will need approximately 6 oz. (170gm) or 395 yards (360 meters) of yarn. For the larger 20"x20" (50x50cm) square pillow cover, approximately 9.5 oz. (265gm) or 595 yards (560 meters) of yarn is required. The pattern recommends purchasing slightly extra yarn to ensure you have enough to complete the project and to allow for matching dye lots across all yarn balls or skeins.

The needles required include one pair of 4.5mm/US#7 needles and one pair of 5.5mm/US#9 needles, allowing for gauge adjustments or different sections of the pattern. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches, and a large-eyed blunt sewing needle is needed for darning in yarn ends and seaming the pillow cover together. Four buttons measuring 1.5"/38mm are required to complete the buttonhole envelope closure system.

Pattern Details

The Twists & Turns pattern provides full row-by-row instructions for both pillow sizes, ensuring that knitters can follow the design with precision. The pattern is worked as a single continuous piece before seaming, which simplifies construction and creates clean, professional-looking seams. The envelope closure with four buttons is a practical design feature that distinguishes this pillow cover from simpler alternatives, making it both decorative and functional for everyday use.