Birga Cushion in Schachenmayr Bravo Big - S10767 - Downloadable PDF

Birga Cushion in Schachenmayr Bravo Big – Knitted Super Chunky Cushion Cover Pattern (S10767)

The Birga Cushion is a free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed by the Schachenmayr Design Team and published by MEZ GmbH. It produces a generously sized, cosy cushion cover measuring approximately 50 x 50 cm, making it a perfect home accessory project for anyone looking to add a handmade, textural touch to their living space. Rated as a beginner level project, this pattern is an excellent introduction to working with super chunky yarn and large needles, delivering impressive, satisfying results with minimal knitting experience required.

What Is Being Made

The finished object is a knitted cushion cover worked as a single flat panel in a striking multi-colour sequence. The panel is then folded and seamed on three sides, stuffed with a pillow insert, and closed on the final side to create a plump, decorative cushion. The completed cushion measures 50 x 50 cm, a standard European cushion size, making it easy to source a suitable pillow filling.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting in rows – Despite being worked on a circular needle, the cushion panel is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which is a common approach when using very long needles for wide pieces.
• Colour sequence knitting – The pattern is worked in a series of colour changes using the four shades of Schachenmayr Bravo Big, creating a bold striped or blocked colour effect across the fabric.
• Casting on and casting off – The panel begins with a simple cast on of 42 stitches and is worked for 100 cm (180 rows) before all stitches are cast off.
• Blocking and dampening – After knitting, the finished panel is dampened and blocked to even out the stitches and achieve the correct dimensions before seaming.
• Seaming – Three sides of the cushion are sewn together with right sides facing, the pillow filling is inserted, and the final seam is then closed. This is a straightforward finishing technique well within the reach of a beginner knitter.
• Weaving in ends – With multiple colour changes, neatly weaving in yarn ends is an important finishing step, completed using a tapestry needle.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – The entire cushion panel is worked in garter stitch, which means every row is knitted (knit stitch on both right-side and wrong-side rows). Garter stitch creates a dense, ridged, reversible fabric with a pleasing texture that is particularly well-suited to super chunky yarn, as it highlights the weight and loft of the fibre beautifully. It also lies flat without curling at the edges, making it ideal for a cushion cover that needs to look neat and tidy.

Materials Required

Yarn – Schachenmayr Bravo Big

Schachenmayr Bravo Big is a super chunky weight yarn sold in 200 g balls, with each ball yielding approximately 120 metres. It is a machine-washable yarn from the trusted Schachenmayr brand, making it a practical choice for home accessories. The Birga Cushion uses four colours from the range:

• Col. 00103 – Leinen meliert (linen marl): 2 balls – the main background colour
• Col. 00122 – Gold: 1 ball
• Col. 00173 – Gletscher (glacier): 1 ball
• Col. 00165 – Teal: 1 ball

The total yarn requirement is approximately 200 g across all colours combined. As with all multi-skein projects, it is important to purchase sufficient yarn from the same dye lot to ensure colour consistency throughout the finished piece.

Needles and