Ivory Star

Ivory Star Cushion Cover by Arella Seaton Design

What is Being Made

The Ivory Star is a knitted cushion cover front featuring an original graphic mosaic pattern. This design is created by Arella Seaton Design as a downloadable PDF pattern. The finished cover is sewn onto a premade cushion cover, making it an ideal project for crafters who want to customize existing home décor pieces. Two size options are provided: a small 35 x 35 cm (14 x 14 inches) and a large 45 x 45 cm (18 x 18 inches) version.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Ivory Star cushion cover is constructed using the mosaic garter stitch technique, which creates a distinctive graphic pattern through strategic color placement and stitch manipulation. The cover is knitted in blocks, allowing for manageable sections that build into the complete design. This block-based construction method is particularly beginner-friendly, as it breaks down the overall pattern into smaller, more approachable segments. The mosaic stitch technique creates a visually striking geometric pattern without requiring complex colorwork skills, making it accessible to knitters new to multi-color projects.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure employed in this design is mosaic garter stitch. Garter stitch forms the foundation of the pattern, created by knitting every row, which produces horizontal ridges and a textured, reversible fabric. The mosaic technique layered over garter stitch creates the graphic star pattern through strategic yarn color changes, allowing the design to emerge from simple knit stitches without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Ivory Star pattern calls for worsted weight yarn (also known as 10 ply), which provides excellent stitch definition and creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for cushion covers. The sample shown uses Malabrigo Yarn Rios in three colors:

• Main Color (MC): Malabrigo Rios #704 Ivory, 100 g / 3.53 oz (192 m / 210 yards)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Malabrigo Rios #696 Whole Grain, 80 g / 2.82 oz
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Malabrigo Rios #429 Cape Cod Gray, 35 g / 1.24 oz

The pattern notes that Drops Lima or similar worsted weight yarns can be substituted if Malabrigo is unavailable. Knitters can adjust the finished size by going up or down in needle size, providing flexibility in the final dimensions of the cushion cover front.

Tools and Notions Required

Beyond yarn, the Ivory Star project requires standard knitting notions including appropriate needles for worsted weight yarn, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a sewing needle with thread to attach the finished knitted cover to a premade cushion cover. Knitters will need to source a plain premade cushion cover in their chosen size to complete the project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent introduction to mosaic knitting and multi-color projects. The block construction method and straightforward garter stitch base make the Ivory Star accessible to knitters who are new to working with multiple yarn colors, while the striking graphic result provides an impressive finished project.