Fir Cushion in Rowan Felted Tweed - 4085 - Downloadable PDF

Fir Cushion in Rowan Felted Tweed

Project Overview

The Fir Cushion is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Martin Storey that creates a decorative cushion cover measuring 52 cm (20½ in) by 32 cm (12½ in). This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished cushion by knitting two identical sides that are sewn together to encase a standard cushion pad. The design combines colorwork and classic knitting techniques to create an attractive home décor piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a cushion cover consisting of two knitted rectangular panels. Each panel measures 52 cm wide by 32 cm tall and is worked in stockinette stitch with an integrated fairisle colorwork pattern. The two panels are sewn together on all four edges with an opening left for inserting a cushion pad, which is then closed after insertion. The finished cushion provides both visual interest through its patterned design and practical functionality as a decorative home accessory.

Techniques Used

The Fir Cushion employs fairisle technique, a traditional colorwork method that involves carrying yarn across the back of the work while switching between colors to create the pattern on the front. This technique allows multiple colors to be incorporated into a single row without cutting the yarn. The pattern is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The fairisle pattern repeats over 28 rows and is worked from a provided chart, requiring careful attention to color placement and tension throughout the knitting process.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the entire cushion cover, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth fabric with characteristic V-shaped texture
• Fairisle colorwork: Integrated into the stockinette stitch base, allowing the pattern to emerge through strategic color changes across the 28-row repeat
• Cast on and cast off: Standard edge techniques used to begin and finish the knitted panels

Materials Required

The Fir Cushion is worked using Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a 50-gram ball weight yarn. The color palette consists of three shades: Clay (177) requiring 2 balls, Pine (158) requiring 1 ball, and Avocado (161) requiring 1 ball. Knitting is performed on 3¾mm (US 5) needles, one pair of which is needed for the project. The pattern is designed to work at a tension of 25 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm when measured over the patterned stockinette stitch using the specified needles. Additionally, a 52 cm by 32 cm cushion pad is required to complete the finished project, though this is not included with the pattern.

Pattern Construction

The cushion side pattern begins with casting on 123 stitches using the 3¾mm needles. The fairisle pattern from the chart is then worked repeatedly, with the 28-row pattern repeat worked twice completely, followed by rows 1 through 24 of the pattern a third time. This creates the full height of the cushion panel. The pattern is worked beginning and ending rows as indicated on the chart, maintaining stockinette stitch throughout. Once both panels are complete, they are pressed according to the pattern instructions before assembly.

Finishing and Assembly

After pressing both knitted panels, they are sewn together along all four edges using mattress stitch or a similar seaming method. Importantly, one edge or section is left partially open to allow insertion of the cushion pad. The cushion pad is then inserted through this opening, and the remaining seam is closed to complete the cushion. This construction method ensures a professional finish with the seams hidden on the interior of the cushion cover.