Checkerboard Cushions in Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky - 10674 - Downloadable PDF

Checkerboard Cushions in Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky – Pattern 10674

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield provides instructions for creating a striking checkerboard-effect cushion cover worked in Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky yarn. The finished cushion measures approximately 45 cm x 45 cm (17¾" x 17¾"), making it a substantial, decorative home accessory. The geometric design is achieved through an intricate combination of knitted triangles and diamonds, producing a classic checkerboard or entrelac-style visual effect across the surface of the cushion front.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a cushion cover designed to fit a standard 45 cm square cushion pad. The cover features a bold, textured checkerboard pattern constructed from individually worked geometric shapes — specifically triangles and diamonds — knitted in sequence and joined as the work progresses. A 36 cm (14 inch) zip fastener is incorporated into the finishing to allow easy removal of the cushion pad for washing. The pattern is rated as advanced in difficulty, reflecting the complexity of the modular construction technique involved.

Techniques Used

The primary construction method is a modular or entrelac-style knitting technique, in which individual geometric units — triangles and diamonds — are knitted one at a time, with each new unit picking up stitches from the edge of a previously completed unit. This approach creates the characteristic interlocking checkerboard appearance without the need for seaming individual squares together afterward. Key techniques include:

• Picking up and knitting stitches along the edges of completed triangles and diamonds to begin each new unit
• Working on the right side and wrong side in alternating rows within each unit
• Turning the work mid-row to shape individual diamonds and triangles
• Decreasing using p2tog (purl two together) to join adjacent units and shape the geometric pieces
• Working base triangles to establish the foundation row of the design
• Working right-side diamonds and wrong-side triangles to build subsequent rows of the pattern
• Zip insertion during finishing to create a functional, neat closure

Entrelac-style knitting, as used here, is a rewarding but technically demanding method that requires careful attention to stitch counts, turning points, and the direction of work. Each unit is self-contained yet seamlessly integrated with its neighbours, giving the finished fabric a woven, three-dimensional quality that is particularly striking in a chunky-weight yarn.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) — used across right-side rows within diamonds and triangles
• Purl (p) — used across wrong-side rows within each unit
• Purl two together (p2tog) — the primary decrease stitch used to join units and shape the geometric sections
• Increase (inc) — referenced in the abbreviations for shaping purposes within individual units
• Pick up and knit — used at the start of each new diamond or triangle to connect it to the previous unit

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 30 stitches and 7 rows to 5 cm (2 inches) measured over the pattern using 10 mm knitting needles (UK 000 / USA 15). Achieving the correct tension is particularly important in this pattern, as the modular construction relies on each unit producing a consistent number of stitches and rows to ensure the diamonds and triangles align correctly across the cushion face.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky — a super chunky weight yarn, available in shade 840 Purple or shade 839 Bottle Green. Each ball weighs 100 g. Approximately 4 balls are required, based on the specified yarn and tension.
• Needles: 1 pair of 10 mm knitting needles (UK 000 / USA 15)
• Hab