Branching Out - 18"x18" Pillow Cover

Branching Out Pillow Cover 18"x18" by LadyshipDesigns

What is Being Made

The Branching Out is a hand-knit pillow cover measuring 18 inches by 18 centimeters (46x46 cm). This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished cushion cover featuring a repeating cable pattern design with a functional three-button closure. The pillow cover is knit as a single piece and then folded and seamed together during finishing, making it a practical home décor accessory suitable for intermediate knitters.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs cable knitting techniques to create visual texture and dimension. The pattern utilizes several fundamental stitches and specialized cable maneuvers:

• Knit stitch (K) – the basic foundation stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P) – creates texture variation when combined with knit stitches
• T1B (Twist 1 Back) – slip the next stitch onto a cable needle and hold in back of work, knit 1 from the left needle, then purl 1 from the cable needle
• T1F (Twist 1 Front) – slip the next stitch onto a cable needle and hold in front of work, creating the complementary cable twist
• Cable needle work – essential for manipulating stitches to create the repeating cable pattern that gives this pillow cover its distinctive branching appearance

The repeating cable pattern creates a sophisticated textured design that adds visual interest and tactile appeal to the finished pillow cover.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: Approximately 10.5 ounces (300 grams) and 325 yards (300 meters) of chunky weight yarn, also classified as bulky weight or #5 yarn weight. The pattern recommends purchasing slightly extra yarn to ensure completion and to verify that all yarn balls match in dye lot for color consistency.

Needles and Notions:

• One pair of 6.5mm/US 10.5/UK 3 needles
• One pair of 8mm/US 11/UK 1 needles (primary needles for working the pattern)
• One cable needle for executing cable stitches
• A large-eyed blunt sewing needle for seaming the pillow cover together
• Three buttons, each approximately 1.5 inches (3.75 centimeters) in diameter, for the closure

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 16 rows over a 4-inch by 4-inch (10 centimeter by 10 centimeter) square when worked on 8mm/US 11/UK 1 needles over the cable pattern. Working a tension square before beginning the project is essential to ensure the finished pillow cover achieves the intended 18-inch dimensions.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for knitting the Branching Out pillow cover. The construction method involves knitting the entire piece as one unit, then folding and seaming the side edges together during finishing. The three-button closure adds both functional and decorative elements to the design, allowing for easy insertion and removal of a pillow form. The chunky yarn weight ensures relatively quick project completion while the cable pattern provides an intermediate-level challenge suitable for knitters with foundational skills.