Unbiased

Unbiased Knit Cushion by Pia Thadani

Project Overview

Unbiased is an ingeniously designed knit cushion cover that creates the illusion of straight stripes through a clever bias knitting technique. Designed by Pia Thadani, this intermediate-level project transforms diagonal knit stripes into a visually striking pillow by seaming them together strategically. The finished cushion fits a 14-inch square pillow form and features a unique construction method that results in distinctive diagonal seams and offset stripes visible on the back—the telltale signature of its bias-knit origin.

What You'll Create

This project produces a decorative cushion cover measuring 14 inches square, suitable for a standard pillow form insert. The design showcases a two-color striped pattern in a sophisticated color palette combining neutral and earthy tones. The cushion can be further customized with optional buttons for added visual interest and detail.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Unbiased cushion employs advanced shaping techniques that define intermediate-level knitting. The primary technique is bias knitting, which involves creating diagonal stripes that are then seamed to appear horizontal. This construction method requires proficiency with the following techniques:

• Increases: Make 1 right (m1r) and make 1 left (m1l) increases are used to shape the fabric as it's knit diagonally
• Decreases: Slip slip knit (ssk) and knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases are employed to control shaping
• Seaming: Strategic seaming transforms the diagonal knit sections into straight stripes
• Garter stitch selvedges: Neat edge finishing using garter stitch selvedge techniques for clean seams

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a strategic construction:

• Knit (k): The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches
• Make 1 right (m1r): An invisible increase worked from the right side
• Make 1 left (m1l): An invisible increase worked from the left side
• Slip slip knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease

Materials and Tools

The Unbiased cushion is worked in Aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that creates a fabric with good structure and drape suitable for home décor projects. The pattern calls for Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Yarn, a 100% acrylic fiber available in convenient 170-yard skeins.

Yarn Requirements:

• 175 yards of #125 Taupe (Color A) for the primary striped color
• 100 yards of #174 Olive (Color B) for the contrasting striped color

Tools and Notions:

• Size 8 / 5mm knitting needles (or size needed to obtain proper gauge)
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• 14-inch square pillow form (insert)
• 1 or 2 decorative buttons of any desired size (optional embellishment)

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore more complex construction methods. Knitters should be comfortable with basic increases, decreases, and reading pattern instructions before beginning this project. The bias knitting technique and strategic seaming require attention to detail and understanding of how the pieces fit together, but the actual stitch work remains accessible to intermediate-level crafters.