Sanquhar style cushion cover

Sanquhar Style Heart Cushion Cover by Frances Powell

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted cushion cover featuring a traditional Sanquhar Duke pattern combined with a modern color interpretation and heart motif. The finished cushion cover measures approximately 12 inches (30 cm) square and is designed to fit a standard 12 x 12-inch cushion pad. The cover includes button fastening on the back for easy removal and cleaning.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs two-color knitting techniques, which requires careful yarn management and color work skills. The pattern utilizes the traditional Sanquhar Duke design, a classic Scottish knitting pattern known for its geometric and decorative motifs. The designer has modernized this heritage pattern by introducing a contemporary color scheme and integrating a heart design element, creating a fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics suitable for home décor applications.

The project involves stranding yarns across rows when working with multiple colors, a fundamental technique in colorwork knitting that requires attention to tension and yarn carrying to maintain even fabric quality and prevent loose floats on the reverse side.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Stockinette stitch (sst) – the primary stitch pattern, created by alternating one row of knit stitches with one row of purl stitches, producing the smooth, classic knitted fabric surface

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Robin Double Knitting yarn in two colors – one main color and one contrast color. Each color requires 1 x 100 g ball, making this a relatively yarn-efficient project. Double knitting weight yarn is a medium-weight option that works well for structured home décor items.

Needles: Size 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles are required for this project.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 6 stitches and 5 rows per 1 inch (2.5 cm), which is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions and fabric density.

Additional Materials: Three 2.5 cm (1-inch) diameter buttons are needed for the back fastening mechanism, and a 12 x 12-inch (30 x 30 cm) cushion pad is required as the insert.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of two-color knitting work and the skill required to manage multiple yarn colors while maintaining consistent tension and neat colorwork throughout the project. Knitters should be comfortable with basic stitches and have experience with color work techniques before attempting this cushion cover.