Vine Cushion

Vine Cushion by Jem Weston

Project Overview

The Vine Cushion is an intermediate-level knitted cushion cover designed by Jem Weston. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished cushion measuring approximately 46cm (18 inches) square. The design features a decorative vine motif worked from a chart and includes a functional button band closure, making it both a decorative and practical home accessory.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a knitted cushion cover with a coordinated button band and buttonhole closure system. The cushion is designed to fit a standard 46cm (18-inch) cushion pad. The construction includes a main body worked in stockinette stitch with an integrated vine pattern chart, complemented by a button band that folds to create a neat, finished edge with functional buttonholes for secure closure.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – The primary fabric structure, worked in alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, flat surface
• Chart-based colorwork – The vine motif is worked from a pattern chart, allowing for detailed decorative patterning across the cushion face
• Buttonhole construction – Cast-off buttonholes are created by binding off stitches and then casting them back on in subsequent rows, creating functional openings spaced evenly across the button band
• Button band fold line – A dedicated knit row on the wrong side creates a fold line for the button band, allowing it to fold neatly and professionally
• Color changes – The pattern incorporates multiple yarn colors (Yarn A, B, and C) to build the design, requiring careful yarn management during knitting

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – Used throughout the stockinette stitch base and in the button band rows
• Purl stitch (P) – Alternated with knit stitches to create stockinette fabric and worked in button band rows
• Cast-on and cast-off – Standard cast-on for the initial 112 stitches and cast-off techniques for creating buttonholes

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK weight yarn in three colorways:

• Yarn A – Seashell 466: 2 × 50g balls
• Yarn B – Garden 471: 3 × 50g balls
• Yarn C – Coral Blush 467: 3 × 50g balls

Needles: 1 pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles (also listed as no. 10 in UK sizing)

Notions: Buttons (quantity determined by buttonhole spacing) and a 46cm (18-inch) cushion pad for filling

Yarn Weight and Gauge Considerations

This pattern uses DK (double knit) weight yarn, a versatile medium weight that knits to a fabric with good drape and structure – ideal for a cushion cover that needs to hold its shape while remaining soft and comfortable. The 3.25mm needles paired with DK yarn create a fabric dense enough to support a cushion pad without excessive stretching, while remaining flexible enough for comfortable handling and closure.

Pattern Structure

The cushion is constructed in sections: an initial stockinette base (4 rows), followed by the main body incorporating the vine chart pattern, a button band fold line marked by a knit row on the wrong side, and a mirrored button band section with matching buttonholes. This symmetrical construction ensures the cushion looks finished on both sides, with the button band creating a professional closure system.