Cushion Covers in Sirdar No.1 - 8050 - Downloadable PDF

Cushion Covers in Sirdar No.1 – Pattern 8050: Complete Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 8050) presents four distinct cushion cover designs, each measuring a finished size of approximately 41 x 41 cm (16 x 16 inches). The pattern is rated intermediate difficulty and is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more textured and cabled stitch patterns. Each cushion cover is worked in DK weight yarn and finished with a zip fastener for a neat, practical result.

The Four Cushion Cover Designs

1. Leaf and Rib Cushion Cover

The Leaf and Rib Cushion Cover combines delicate leaf motifs with classic ribbing to create an elegant, nature-inspired texture. The leaf shapes are formed using increases and decreases worked in sequence — specifically M5 (working knit, yarn forward, knit, yarn forward, knit all into a single stitch to create five stitches from one) and M3 (working knit, purl, knit into one stitch), paired with decreases such as s1, k1, psso, k2tog, and p2sso to shape and close the leaf forms. These are set against a 1x2 rib background, which provides structure and a subtle vertical rhythm to the fabric.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 shade 213, 3 x 100g balls
• Tension: 30 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm over 1x2 rib on 4mm needles
• Key stitches: 1x2 rib, leaf increase (M5, M3), paired decreases (psso, p2sso, k2tog)

2. Blackberry Stitch Cushion Cover

The Blackberry Stitch Cushion Cover features one of knitting's most beloved classic textures. Blackberry stitch — sometimes called bramble stitch or trinity stitch — creates a richly three-dimensional, bobble-like surface that resembles clusters of berries. It is worked by alternating increase stitches (such as knitting into the front, back, and front of a stitch) with decrease rows, producing a dense, tactile fabric that is visually striking and wonderfully cosy. This design makes a bold statement as a home accessory and showcases the stitch definition of Sirdar No.1 DK beautifully.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 shade 200, 3 x 100g balls
• Key technique: Blackberry / bramble stitch (cluster increases and decreases worked in alternating rows)

3. Basket Weave Cushion Cover

The Basket Weave Cushion Cover uses an interlocking arrangement of knit and purl blocks to mimic the over-and-under appearance of woven fabric. This is a classic all-over texture stitch that creates a firm, even fabric with excellent structure — ideal for cushion covers, which benefit from a fabric that holds its shape well. Basket weave is worked entirely with knit and purl stitches, making it an accessible yet impressive pattern for intermediate knitters looking to build their stitch repertoire. The regular, geometric repeat gives the finished cushion a timeless, tailored look.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 shade 204, 3 x 100g balls
• Key stitches: Knit and purl combinations arranged in basket weave blocks

4. Cable Cushion Cover

The Cable Cushion Cover is the most technically involved of the four designs, featuring a rich arrangement of traditional cable and twist stitches worked with a cable needle. The pattern employs a full vocabulary of cable movements, each carefully defined in the abbreviations:

• C7B — a 7-stitch back cross cable (slip 4 sts to back on cable needle, knit 3, then knit 4 from cable needle), creating a bold rope cable twist