Nova the star cushion

Nova the Star Cushion by The Old Horizon

What is Being Made

Nova is an intermediate-level knitted star cushion designed by The Old Horizon. This decorative cushion features a distinctive star shape and measures approximately 47cm (18.5 inches) wide and long when completed. The finished cushion is suitable for home décor, offering a charming handmade accent piece for sofas, beds, or chairs.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Nova cushion employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its three-dimensional star form. The pattern utilizes increases as a primary shaping method, specifically using make-one stitches to expand the fabric symmetrically from a small cast-on edge. The increases are strategically placed on alternating rows to build the star's geometric shape gradually. The pattern combines knit and purl rows to create texture and structure throughout the piece. Makers will need to understand basic seaming techniques using a tapestry needle to join the knitted pieces together and close the cushion around the stuffing.

Stitches Used

The Nova pattern focuses on essential stitches suitable for intermediate knitters. Key stitches include:

• Cast on – The pattern begins with a simple 3-stitch cast on, leaving a 12-inch tail for seaming
• Knit stitch (K) – Used throughout the pattern on right-side rows
• Purl stitch (P) – Used on wrong-side rows to create texture and structure
• Make-one right (M1R) – An increase stitch worked on knit rows to shape the star symmetrically on the right side
• Make-one left (M1L) – An increase stitch worked on knit rows to shape the star symmetrically on the left side

Materials and Tools

The Nova cushion requires Aran weight yarn, which provides a medium thickness ideal for creating a substantial, well-structured cushion. Makers have flexibility in yarn selection. For a single-colour version, 140g of yarn is needed, with Lionbrand Heartland or Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran recommended as suitable options. For the multicoloured version shown in the pattern, four 140g balls of Lionbrand Heartland yarn are required in the following colours: Valley (171), Acadia (098), Yellowstone (158), and Yosemite (135).

Additional materials include 5.5mm straight needles for working the knitted fabric and approximately 250g of toy stuffing to fill the completed cushion. A tapestry needle is essential for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with basic skills who are ready to progress beyond simple projects. The intermediate classification reflects the need to understand increase techniques and the ability to follow a structured pattern that builds shape through multiple rows of increases.