Pig and Sheep Cushion Covers

Pig and Sheep Cushion Covers by Sleake Knits

What Is Being Made

These are knitted cushion covers designed by Sylvia Leake, featuring charming pig and sheep motifs. Each cover measures 30cm x 30cm (12 inches x 12 inches) and is intended to fit a standard cushion pad of the same dimensions. The pattern allows you to create decorative home accessories with animal-themed designs, perfect for adding a playful touch to any room's décor.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several key techniques to bring the pig and sheep designs to life. The pattern uses intarsia or colorwork methods to create the animal motifs, requiring careful management of multiple yarn colors throughout the knitting process. Knitters will work with a main color (MC) and contrast color (CC) to establish the background and design elements. The pattern includes instructions for placing stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistent shaping. Button bands are incorporated into the construction, with three buttons (2.5cm/1 inch diameter) used as functional closures for the cushion cover opening.

Stitches Used

The foundation of these cushion covers relies on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Garter stitch (g st) – created by knitting every row, this stitch provides a textured, reversible fabric often used for borders or specific pattern sections
• Stocking stitch / Stockinette stitch (st st) – alternating knit and purl rows to create the smooth, classic knitted fabric that forms the main body of the covers
• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches – the fundamental building blocks used in various combinations to construct the garment and create the colorwork pattern

Materials and Tools

The cushion covers are crafted using chunky or bulky weight yarn in a wool or wool-blend fiber. The designer used Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash, which is 100% Merino Wool available in approximately 117 meters (128 yards) per 100g (3.5oz) skein. For one cushion cover, you will need approximately 180g of main color yarn and 20g of contrast color yarn. Suggested color combinations include Ecru paired with Pumpkin Spice for a warm, autumnal aesthetic. Knitting needles required are 6mm (UK size 4 / US size 10). Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching buttons, stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, and a 30cm x 30cm (12 inch x 12 inch) cushion pad to complete the finished project.