Albers Cushion Knitting Pattern

Albers Cushion in Rowan Handknit Cotton

What is Being Made

The Albers Cushion is a decorative knitted cushion cover designed to fit a 60 cm (24 in) x 40 cm (16 in) cushion pad. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished cushion with a geometric color-blocked front and back, suitable for home décor applications. The pattern offers two distinct colourway options, allowing crafters to choose between different color palettes for their finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

Intarsia Knitting: The primary technique employed in this project is intarsia, a color-work method that involves knitting with multiple yarn colors to create distinct blocks of color within the fabric. This technique requires careful color management, with crafters joining in and breaking off colors as indicated by the pattern chart. The intarsia method differs from stranded colorwork in that each color section uses separate yarn lengths rather than carrying yarn across the back of the work.

Chart Reading: The pattern utilizes a detailed chart for both the front and back pieces. Crafters must read odd-numbered rows (right-side/RS rows) in one direction and even-numbered rows (wrong-side/WS rows) in the opposite direction. For the back piece, the chart is reversed, requiring crafters to read odd-numbered rows from left to right and even-numbered rows from right to left. The pattern note indicates that color changes occur at heavier vertical and horizontal lines on the chart.

Seaming Methods: The cushion pieces are joined using either back stitch or mattress stitch, providing options for different finishing preferences. The pattern includes two assembly options: one without a zipper and one with a 56 cm (22 in) optional zip for easier cushion pad insertion and removal.

Stitches Used

Stockinette Stitch (St St): The foundation stitch for this project, stockinette stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side. This stitch provides an ideal canvas for the intarsia colorwork pattern.

Pattern Stitches: In addition to stockinette stitch, the cushion incorporates pattern stitches as indicated by the chart. The pattern consists of 116 rows total, with color changes creating the geometric design characteristic of the Albers aesthetic.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Albers Cushion uses Rowan Handknit Cotton, a natural fiber yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. This cotton yarn provides structure and drape suitable for a cushion cover. Two colourway options are provided:

• Colourway 1: Lace (A), Lapis (B), Blushes (C), Sea Foam (D), Goldfish (E), and Forest (F)
• Colourway 2: Linen (A), Straw (B), Ballet Pink (C), Feather (D), Bark (E), and Warm (F)

The yarn quantities required are 2 balls each of colors A through E, and 1 ball of color F for either colourway option.

Needles: The pattern calls for one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles, appropriate for the yarn weight and the desired fabric tension.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch and pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the cushion to fit the specified 60 cm x 40 cm pad. The pattern recommends pressing the finished pieces as described in the general information page before assembly. The cushion cover is completed by joining the front and back pieces along the cast-off edge and both row-end edges, with the option to insert a zipper for convenient cushion pad access.