Apple Pillow in Schachenmayr Journey - S9355 - Downloadable PDF

Apple Pillow Knitting Pattern in Schachenmayr Journey – Free Downloadable PDF (S9355)

This charming and characterful Apple Pillow knitting pattern by Schachenmayr (pattern reference S9355) produces a three-dimensional, apple-shaped cushion that is as decorative as it is delightful. Worked in the cosy Schachenmayr Journey yarn at an aran weight, this project is a wonderful way to add a playful, nature-inspired accent to any living space. The finished cushion measures approximately 37 cm in height and 44 cm in width, making it a generous, huggable size. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters who want to get started right away.

About the Design

The apple cushion is shaped to mimic the rounded, slightly asymmetrical silhouette of a real apple, complete with the characteristic indentations at the top and bottom. Rather than simply knitting a flat square or rectangle and stuffing it, this pattern uses clever shaping techniques — including cast-ons, increases, and decreases — to build the organic, curved form of the fruit from the ground up. The result is a fully three-dimensional pillow that stands out as a statement piece in home décor knitting.

The cushion is knitted in two main colour sections using Schachenmayr Journey: the primary body of the apple is worked in shade 00071 moos (a rich, earthy moss green), while a contrasting 50 g of shade 00010 kamel (a warm camel tone) is also used, likely for the stalk or accent details. This two-tone approach gives the finished cushion a realistic and visually appealing look.

Construction and Shaping

The cushion panel is knitted flat in rows, with the apple's rounded lower section built up by casting on stitches at the row ends in a stepped sequence. The construction begins with the lower left curve and the lower right curve worked separately, each starting with 9 stitches on 7 mm Milward knitting needles. Stitches are progressively added at the row ends over the first five rows to shape each rounded lobe of the apple's base:

• Lower left curve: Beginning with 9 stitches, stitches are cast on at the row end in rows 2 through 5 (adding 3, 3, 2, and 3 stitches respectively) to reach 20 stitches, which are then placed on hold.
• Lower right curve: Similarly started with 9 stitches, with cast-ons of 3, 3, 3, and 2 stitches across rows 2 through 5 to reach 20 stitches.

In row 6, the two separately worked sections are joined by casting on a further 8 stitches at the row end and then continuing across the 20 held stitches, bringing the total stitch count to 48 stitches. Additional increases of 1 stitch at each end are worked in rows 6 and 7, followed by further increases every 2nd row 6 times and every 4th row 4 times, building the body of the apple up to a maximum of 70 stitches after row 35.

The work is then knitted straight for 30 rows before shaping begins for the upper portion of the apple. Decreases commence at approximately 27.5 cm in height (row 66), with stitches reduced symmetrically on both sides. In row 80, the work is divided by casting off the central 8 stitches, and both sides are completed separately to form the characteristic indented top of the apple shape.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting in rows — the cushion panel is worked back and forth, not in the round
• Stepped cast-on increases — multiple stitches cast on at row ends to create the curved lower lobes of the apple
• Symmetrical increases — worked every 2nd and every 4th row to expand the apple body
• Symmetrical decreases — worked at both ends to taper the upper section of the apple
• Central stitch cast-off and dividing the work