Product Description
Knit entirely in the round this is a super fun pouf, ottoman, footstool, whatever you'd like to call it! The colorwork is slip stitch mosaic style so it is much easier than it looks, you're only ever working with one color at a time.
You will be holding two strands of yarn at the same time throughout the pattern so it works up more quickly than the yardage would imply. For the “base” color you hold the same solid color double and when the color comes in you hold a solid with a variegated to create the beautiful dewberry flower motif.
You will need 6 balls of the base color (about 1,200 yards/1,100 m). Then you will need 2 balls of the solid contrast and 2 balls of the variegated contrast, which comes to about 380 yards/ 348 m apiece.
I chose to use an acrylic blend yarn because of the end use for this type of item, I recommend steam blocking the colorwork before you get to the stuffing stage.
Dewberry Hassock by Barbara Benson
Project Overview
The Dewberry Hassock is an intermediate-level knitted cushion pouf designed by Barbara Benson. This decorative and functional piece measures 16 inches (40.5 cm) tall with a 26-inch (60 cm) diameter, making it a substantial home accessory suitable for use as a footrest, extra seating, or decorative floor cushion. The project uses chunky-weight yarn held double throughout for a dense, durable fabric.
Yarn and Materials
This pattern calls for worsted weight yarn held double to achieve the desired fabric weight and structure. The specified yarn is Sprightly Yarns Acrylic Wool Worsted, a blend of 50% acrylic and 50% wool that offers durability and easy care. Color A (Linen) requires 6 balls, with each ball containing 216 yards (198 meters) per 100 grams, totaling approximately 1,296 yards for the complete project.
Additional notions include a US 10 (6 mm) circular needle measuring 47 inches (119 cm) in length, double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size, 12 stitch markers with one distinctly different marker for round tracking, a tapestry needle for finishing, and polyester stuffing to fill the completed hassock.
Techniques and Construction Method
The Dewberry Hassock is constructed using the Mosaic technique, one of the most accessible colorwork methods in knitting. The Mosaic approach simplifies color knitting by eliminating the need to carry multiple yarn colors across rows. Instead, knitters work simple knit and slip stitches in alternating colors, switching yarns only at the beginning of every other round. This technique produces beautiful color patterns without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork.
The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles and DPNs as needed, allowing for seamless construction of this three-dimensional pouf. The circular construction method ensures even shaping and eliminates the need for seaming during assembly.
Stitches and Abbreviations
The Dewberry Hassock employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level:
- k: Knit stitch, the basic foundation stitch
- kfb: Knit front and back, used for increasing stitches within a row
- k2tog: Knit 2 together, a standard decrease method
- s: Slip stitch with needle inserted purlwise and yarn held to the wrong side of work, essential for the Mosaic colorwork technique
- pm: Place marker, used to denote round beginnings and pattern repeats
- rep: Repeat, indicating pattern sections that are worked multiple times
Gauge and Sizing
Proper gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern includes gauge information on page 2 of the instructions, and knitters should swatch and measure carefully before beginning the main project. Working with yarn held double and US 10 needles will produce the appropriate fabric density for this substantial pouf.
Skill Level Considerations
Rated as an intermediate project, the Dewberry Hassock is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore colorwork techniques. The Mosaic method provides an excellent introduction to color knitting without the steep learning curve of more complex techniques. Knitters should be comfortable working in the round and managing multiple stitch markers throughout the construction process.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Chunky |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Barbara Benson |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.