"Weekend Cushion" - Free Cushion Knitting Pattern For Home in Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky

Weekend Cushion – Free Chunky Knitting Pattern for a Striped Home Accessory

The Weekend Cushion is a free, beginner-friendly knitting pattern from Paintbox Yarns, designed to create a cosy, striped cushion cover sized to fit a 45 cm (18 in) square cushion pad. With its bold colour palette and satisfying chunky weight, this project is ideal for knitters who want a quick, rewarding make that adds a handcrafted touch to any living space.

What Is Being Made

The finished item is a knitted cushion cover worked to fit a standard 45 cm (18 in) square cushion pad. The design features a vibrant multi-stripe pattern worked across the cushion front (and back), making it a striking decorative accessory for sofas, armchairs, or beds. The cover is constructed in flat panels that are subsequently seamed together, giving a neat, structured finish.

Colourway and Materials

The pattern as shown on the cover uses Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky in five carefully chosen shades:

• Colour A – Banana Cream
• Colour B – Dusty Rose
• Colour C – Daffodil Yellow
• Colour E – Tea Rose
• Colour F – Buttercup Yellow

Each colour requires 1 × 100 g ball of Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky. Because yarn quantities are based on average requirements, they are approximate. Paintbox Yarns notes that it cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if any yarn other than the recommended Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky is substituted.

Yarn Weight and Needles

The pattern calls for chunky weight yarn worked on a pair of 5½ mm knitting needles (UK 5 – US 9). Chunky yarn is a thick, substantial weight that knits up quickly and produces a plush, cushiony fabric — making it particularly well suited to home accessories like cushion covers. The generous yarn weight means the project progresses fast, which is part of what makes it so appealing for a weekend make.

Tension and Gauge

The required tension is 14 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm (4 in), measured over garter stitch using 5½ mm needles, or the needle size required to achieve the correct tension. Checking tension before beginning is always recommended, as it directly affects the finished dimensions of the cushion cover and how well it fits the 45 cm pad.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this pattern is garter stitch — one of the most fundamental and beginner-friendly stitches in knitting. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, producing a ridged, reversible fabric with a pleasing texture and natural elasticity. It lies flat without curling at the edges, which makes it especially practical for cushion panels. The simplicity of garter stitch also means the knitter can focus on the enjoyable rhythm of the stripe colour changes rather than managing complex stitch patterns.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: The cushion panels are knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round, making this accessible to knitters at any stage.
• Stripes: Multiple colours are introduced across the fabric to create the signature striped design. Working stripes in garter stitch is a great introduction to colour-change techniques, as yarn is typically joined at the beginning of a row.
• Seaming: Once the panels are complete, the pieces are joined together using a seaming technique to form the finished cushion cover. Seaming is a core finishing skill that gives the project a polished, professional appearance.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated easy / beginner, making it an excellent choice for those who are new to knitting or looking for a relaxed, low-pressure project. The combination of garter stitch, straightforward stripe sequences, and basic seaming means there are no complex techniques to navigate, yet the finished cushion looks impressive and colourful.

Pattern Format and Terminology