Rock, Paper, Scissors

Rock, Paper, Scissors Knitted Cushions by Petitchoufleur Knits

Project Overview

Rock, Paper, Scissors is an advanced knitting pattern set designed by Gwen Wagner-Adair that creates three sculptural cushion covers using a distinctive wedge construction technique. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Petitchoufleur Knits offers knitters the opportunity to create a playful set of three cushions in graduated sizes, each representing one of the classic game elements through shape and form.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for three separate knitted cushion covers, each with its own finished dimensions and yarn requirements:

• Rock cushion (small): 48cm x 17cm (19" x 7"), requires 5 balls of yarn
• Paper cushion (medium): 58cm x 20cm (23" x 8"), requires 8 balls of yarn
• Scissors cushion (large): 66cm x 25cm (26" x 10"), requires 11 balls of yarn

Each cushion cover is designed to be stuffed with cushion inserts or duvet filling to create dimensional, sculptural home décor pieces. The three cushions work together as a coordinated set, though they can be made individually.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced pattern employs a specialized wedge construction technique that creates the distinctive three-dimensional shape of each cushion. The wedge method involves strategic short-row shaping, where the knitter turns the work before reaching the end of the row, leaving gaps that are later closed using specific techniques. This creates the sculptural form characteristic of these cushion designs.

The pattern uses a longtail cast-on to begin the cushion covers, establishing a secure foundation for the subsequent shaping rows. The wedge pattern is repeated multiple times throughout the construction, with the number of repetitions varying by cushion size to achieve the correct finished dimensions.

Closing the gaps created during short-row shaping requires careful attention to working stitches tightly or picking up stitches as detailed in accompanying tutorials, making this pattern suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with intermediate to advanced construction methods.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Rock, Paper, Scissors cushions is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch provides a dense, textured fabric with excellent drape and structure, making it ideal for cushion covers that need to hold their shape when stuffed. The pattern gauge is 9 stitches and 20 rows per 10cm (4 inches) in garter stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

The construction relies on short-row shaping as the primary structural technique, creating the wedge forms through strategic turning points rather than relying on decreases or increases. This method produces clean lines and sculptural definition.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Cygnet Seriously Chunky, a 100% acrylic yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and durability for cushion covers. This chunky-weight yarn offers 52 yards (48 meters) per 100-gram ball. The three cushions are available in coordinating colorways: Mustard for the Rock cushion, Peacock for the Paper cushion, and Slate Grey for the Scissors cushion.

Needles: An 8mm (US 11) circular needle measuring 100cm (40 inches) is required for this pattern. The circular needle accommodates the larger stitch counts needed for the cushion covers and provides flexibility during the short-row shaping process.

Additional Notions: A wool needle for sewing up the cushion covers is necessary to join seams, and cushion inserts or duvet filling is required to stuff the completed covers to achieve their final three-dimensional form.