Home Accessories in Stylecraft Special XL Tweed - 9811 - Downloadable PDF

Home Accessories in Stylecraft Special XL Tweed - Knitted Blankets and Cushions

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern features a collection of four knitted home accessories designs created using Stylecraft Special XL Tweed super chunky yarn. The collection includes a large blanket and three coordinating cushion designs, all suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The blanket measures 85cm wide by 102cm long (33½in x 40in), while the cushions are finished at 45cm square (17¾in).

Blanket Design and Construction

The blanket is worked as a substantial piece using 10mm needles and features a structured foundation of k2, p2 ribbing that creates vertical lines of texture. The pattern begins with 122 stitches cast on loosely, establishing the width of the finished piece. After working the initial ribbed section measuring 7cm (2¾in), the pattern incorporates a decrease row that reduces stitch count strategically, creating shaping and visual interest. The reverse stocking stitch technique is used as the primary stitch structure, which produces a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing the yarn's tweed texture.

Cushion Designs

Three distinct cushion variations are included in this pattern collection, each offering different textural approaches:

• Basketweave Cushion: Creates a woven appearance through strategic placement of knit and purl stitches
• Honeycomb Cushion: Features a dimensional cellular pattern that adds depth and visual complexity
• Additional Design: A fourth coordinating cushion design completes the collection

All cushions are worked to the same finished dimensions of 45cm square (17¾in), making them compatible with standard cushion pads and allowing for mix-and-match styling within a room.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The patterns employ fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Ribbed Stitching: K2, p2 rib creates elastic, structured edges and foundation sections
• Reverse Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric structure, offering a smooth finished appearance
• Cable Work: A cable measuring 9 stitches spans 8cm (3¼in) in width, adding textural dimension and visual interest to the designs
• Decreasing Techniques: Work 2 together decreases are used to shape the blanket and create intentional stitch reductions
• Textural Patterns: Basketweave and honeycomb stitch patterns create dimensional surfaces through knit and purl combinations

Materials and Yarn Requirements

All projects use Stylecraft Special XL Tweed in the super chunky weight category, worked on 10mm needles. Yarn quantities vary by project:

• Blanket: 8 x 100g balls in Grey (shade 1099)
• Basketweave Cushion: 4 x 100g balls in Sage (shade 1725)
• Honeycomb Cushion: 5 x 100g balls in Boysenberry (shade 1825)

The tweed yarn adds natural color variation and texture throughout the finished pieces, creating visual depth and interest. The super chunky weight allows for quick project completion while the 10mm needles provide comfortable working needles suitable for the yarn's thickness.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern specifies a tension of 9 stitches and 12 rows to 10cm (4in) over reverse stocking stitch using 10mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions. The cable element measures 8cm (3¼in) wide when worked over 9 stitches, providing a reference point for gauge checking. Working loosely when casting on is recommended to ensure the foundation edge remains elastic and properly proportioned to the finished fabric.