Whitby

Whitby Knit Cushion Cover by Michelle Hazell

Project Overview

Whitby is a knitted cushion cover design by independent designer Michelle Hazell, inspired by the charming North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a decorative cushion cover sized to fit a 43 cm (18 inch) square pad, perfect for refreshing tired cushions or personalizing new ones with handmade elegance.

Construction Method

The cushion cover is knit in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple pattern sections. After completing the knitted fabric, side seams are sewn together to form the cushion shape. The closure is secured with a functional one-row buttonhole design paired with six 1-inch buttons, allowing for easy removal and washing of the cover.

Signature Drop Stitch Pattern

The defining design feature of Whitby is its drop stitch pattern, which creates an intentional openwork effect. This technique strategically reveals glimpses of the fabric beneath the knitted cover, adding visual interest and texture. The drop stitch pattern is particularly effective for upcycling existing cushion pads, as the semi-transparent areas showcase what lies underneath while maintaining structural integrity. This design approach makes Whitby ideal for both revamping worn cushions and adding a personalized, artisanal touch to new ones.

Knitting Specifications

Gauge: 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the drop stitch pattern when worked on 4mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cushion cover to fit the 43 cm square pad correctly.

Needles: One set of US #6/4mm straight needles is required to work this project at the specified gauge.

Yarn Requirements

Approximately 730 yards (670 meters) of DK weight yarn is needed to complete the cushion cover. The pattern calls for a warm, snuggly DK yarn in a solid or semi-solid color with good stitch definition, ensuring the drop stitch pattern remains clearly visible and visually striking.

Recommended Yarn Options:

• Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK: 120 meters per 50 grams, 100% British wool
• Woolyknit DK Classics: 96 meters per 50 grams, 100% merino wool spun in Yorkshire

Both options provide the warmth and stitch definition necessary for this design, with the added benefit of quality natural fiber content.

Additional Materials and Notions

• Six 1-inch buttons for the buttonhole closure
• Sewing-up needle for seaming the cushion cover sides

Stitches and Techniques

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques. The M1P (Make 1 stitch purlwise) technique is used to increase stitches by purling into the loop of the stitch below the one on the right needle, creating seamless increases within the fabric. The one-row buttonhole is the closure method, a refined buttonhole technique that creates a neat, functional opening for button fastening without requiring multiple rows of shaping.

The drop stitch pattern itself is a deliberate technique where stitches are allowed to unravel or are dropped intentionally to create the openwork effect characteristic of this design. This requires careful attention during knitting to ensure stitches drop in the intended locations and create the desired visual pattern.

Difficulty Level

Whitby is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of drop stitch patterning, gauge precision, and buttonhole construction requires solid foundational skills and attention to detail, though the one-piece construction simplifies the overall project scope.