Modern Art Oval Pillow or Placemat

Modern Art Oval Pillow or Placemat by knitvana

Project Overview

The Modern Art Oval Pillow or Placemat is an intermediate-level knitting design inspired by Wassily Kandinsky paintings. This versatile project can be crafted as either a decorative pillow or a functional placemat, measuring 16.5" x 13". The design combines artistic color blocking with fundamental knitting techniques, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who want to explore colorwork and structured shaping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates an oval-shaped textile piece that functions as either a home décor pillow or table setting placemat. The front features a vibrant, multi-colored design inspired by abstract art principles, while the back provides a simpler, coordinating finish. The finished dimensions of 16.5" x 13" make this project appropriately sized for standard pillow forms or as a decorative placemat for dining tables.

Design Inspiration and Artistic Elements

The Modern Art Oval Pillow or Placemat draws inspiration from Wassily Kandinsky paintings, incorporating the abstract artist's approach to color and geometric composition. This connection to fine art elevates the project beyond basic home goods, allowing knitters to create museum-quality decorative pieces for their homes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate project employs several key knitting techniques. The primary method involves intarsia colorwork, where small knitted squares (measuring 5 stitches by 7 rows) are worked in different yarn colors to build the larger design. The pattern uses a diagram-based approach, allowing knitters to follow a visual map of color placement. The back side is worked using basic stitch alternation, making it an efficient use of yarn and a restful contrast to the detailed front.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The design utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for colorwork. The front side follows a charted diagram with specific color changes at designated points. The back side employs a simple alternating stitch pattern: all odd rows are worked in knit stitches, while all even rows are worked in purl stitches. This basic garter and reverse stockinette combination creates texture and visual interest on the reverse side while remaining straightforward to execute.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed to accommodate yarn scraps and small quantities. Each small square requires approximately 2 yards of yarn, making this an excellent project for using up leftover yarn from other projects. The designer recommends using yarn already in your stash rather than purchasing large quantities of new yarn, promoting sustainable and economical crafting practices.

Color Palette

The design features a rich, multi-color palette inspired by Kandinsky's bold use of color. The recommended yarn colors include:

• Yellow
• Light Yellow
• Coral
• Dark Salmon
• Medium Red
• Medium Pink
• Bright Pink
• Light Purple
• Teal Blue
• Light Green
• Mint Green
• Light Olive Green
• Dark Olive Green
• Dark Green
• Orange
• Burgundy
• Black
• Dark Brown

The back side is worked entirely in yellow, providing a cohesive and calming reverse. These colors are suggestions based on the designer's available yarn; knitters are encouraged to substitute with colors from their own collections.

Skill Level and Project Scope

Classified as an intermediate project, this pattern requires comfort with basic knitting stitches and the ability to follow a charted diagram for colorwork. The intarsia technique of working small color blocks builds valuable skills in color management and pattern following. The project is manageable in scope, making it achievable for knitters progressing beyond beginner level without requiring advanced techniques like fair isle or complex shaping.

Designer Information

This pattern is part of knitvana Art Knittings Designs, a collection that merges fine art inspiration with knitting craft. The design is copyrighted by MELENAR, LLC (2011) and represents the independent designer's approach to creating functional art pieces through knitting.