#1399 Haruka - Cushion Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Easthampton

Pattern #1399 Haruka – Bias-Knit Decorative Cushion by Susan Baron for Valley Yarns

The Haruka cushion pattern (#1399), designed by Susan Baron and published by Valley Yarns, is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern for a stunning decorative pillow that lets the yarn take centre stage. The finished cushion measures a generous 19 inches square, making it a practical and eye-catching addition to any home décor scheme. Because the design relies on the natural colour progression of a self-striping yarn rather than complex stitch work, it is an ideal project for newer knitters looking to build confidence while producing a polished, professional-looking result.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single square decorative cushion cover in one size, designed to fit a 20-inch foam pillow form or a Poly-fil stuffed insert. The slight size difference between the finished knitted cover and the insert ensures a plump, well-filled appearance. The cover is closed with an optional 16-inch invisible zipper, giving a neat, tailored finish that allows the insert to be removed for washing or replacement.

Design Concept and Yarn

The Haruka cushion is built around the beautiful colour properties of Valley Yarns Easthampton, a sport weight yarn composed of 75% Merino Wool and 25% Nylon, sold in 100 g cakes containing approximately 436 yards each. Two cakes are required to complete the project. The Merino content gives the fabric a wonderfully soft hand and excellent stitch definition, while the Nylon adds durability — an important quality for a cushion that will see regular use. The pattern is available in at least two colourways: 06 River Stones and 09 Farmers Market, each offering its own distinct palette, meaning knitters can easily choose a version to complement their existing interior colours. Because Easthampton is a self-striping cake yarn, the colour transitions happen automatically as you knit, creating a rainbow-like gradient effect without any manual colour changes or yarn joins.

Techniques Used

• Bias knitting (on the diagonal): The cushion front is worked on the bias — that is, at a 45-degree angle to the finished fabric edges. This is achieved by working increases at both ends of every right-side row to build up to the centre point of the square, then working decreases to mirror the shape back down. Bias knitting creates a dynamic, angled fabric structure that interacts beautifully with self-striping yarn, causing the colour stripes to run diagonally across the cushion face rather than horizontally.
• Worked flat: The panels are knitted flat, back and forth in rows, rather than in the round. This is a straightforward approach well suited to beginner knitters who are still developing their technique.
• Bottom-up construction: The piece is begun from the lower point of the bias square and worked upward toward the widest point before decreasing back to the top point.
• Seamed finishing: Once the knitted panels are complete, the cushion cover is assembled using seaming techniques, joining the pieces together neatly. A tapestry needle is used for this step.
• Invisible zipper insertion (optional): For a polished, professional closure, the pattern includes guidance for inserting a 16-inch invisible zipper. An invisible zipper sits flush with the fabric when closed, hiding the teeth and pull for a seamless look.
• Stripes: While no manual colour changes are required, the self-striping nature of Valley Yarns Easthampton means the finished fabric features organic, flowing stripe sequences that shift gradually through the colourway.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: The main body of the cushion is worked in classic stockinette stitch — knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows — producing a smooth, even fabric surface that showcases the yarn's colour transitions to maximum effect.
• Increases and decreases: Shaping the bias square requires regular increase stitches at the beginning and end of right-side rows during the first half, and corresponding decrease stitches during the second half. These simple shaping techniques are well within reach of beginner knitters.

Needles and Materials