Fly cables fly

Fly Cables Fly Knit Pillow Cover by KnitJoys

Project Overview

The Fly Cables Fly is a knitted cushion cover design created by designer Elita Lase of KnitJoys. This downloadable knitting pattern produces an 18 x 18 inch (46 x 46 cm) decorative pillow cover featuring cable stitch work. The finished cover closes with three buttons, making it both functional and visually appealing for home décor applications.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a square knitted pillow cover with dimensions of 18 x 18 inches (46 x 46 cm), designed to fit a standard 45 cm square pillowpad. The cover features a button closure system using three buttons, each approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, allowing for easy removal and washing.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project suitable for beginners, despite the inclusion of cable work. The pattern employs cable knitting techniques, which involve crossing groups of stitches over one another to create the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture that defines the "Fly Cables" design. Cable work requires the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while others are worked, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern utilizes cable stitches as the primary decorative element. While specific stitch-by-stitch instructions are contained within the full pattern, cable stitches are created by working stitches out of order—typically crossing a set of stitches over another set using a cable needle. This creates the raised, interlocking pattern characteristic of cable knit designs. The beginner-friendly difficulty rating suggests the cable work is presented in an accessible manner with clear instructions.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Fly Cables Fly pattern requires the following materials:

• Yarn: Approximately 8.5 ounces (240 grams) or 700 yards (640 meters) of medium weight yarn, classified as #4 Aran or Worsted weight. This yarn weight provides the structure needed for cable definition while remaining manageable for beginner knitters.
• Needles: Two pairs of needles are required—one pair of 4mm (US 6/UK 8) needles and one pair of 4.5mm (US 7/UK 7) needles. The use of two needle sizes allows for gauge control and texture variation within the design.
• Additional Tools: A cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, a large eye knitter's sewing needle for finishing and seaming, scissors, and three buttons measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter for the closure.
• Pillow Pad: A 45 cm square pillowpad to insert into the finished cover.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 20 rows per 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) when worked in the primary stitch pattern. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of 18 x 18 inches. Knitters are advised to work a tension square before beginning the main project to verify their personal gauge, and to adjust needle sizes up or down as necessary to match the specified gauge.

Pattern Information

The Fly Cables Fly is an original design by KnitJoys, copyrighted in 2017. This downloadable PDF pattern is intended for personal use only. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial sale of the pattern or finished items made from this pattern is prohibited without written permission from the designer.