Debbie Bliss Bauhaus Home Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Bauhaus Home Cushion in Rialto DK

What is Being Made

This is a knitted cushion cover project designed using the Debbie Bliss Bauhaus Home pattern. The finished cushion measures 44cm (17¼ inches) square and is constructed to fit a 42cm (16½ inch) cushion insert. The design features a patchwork aesthetic created through the combination of multiple colored garter stitch and stocking stitch squares arranged in a geometric pattern inspired by Bauhaus design principles.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Bauhaus cushion employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The project uses a modular construction approach, where individual squares are knitted separately and then joined together using mattress stitch, a seamless joining technique that creates neat, professional-looking seams. This method allows for the creation of the color-blocked patchwork design without the need for complex colorwork within individual rows.

The pattern incorporates both garter stitch and stocking stitch sections. Garter stitch squares measure 11.5cm (4½ inches) on each side and create a textured, reversible fabric. The upper front section of the cushion is constructed in stocking stitch over 32 rows, while the lower back section also uses stocking stitch. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as yarn overs and decrease stitches (knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) to create tapered sections, demonstrating advanced shaping skills.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the basis of the fabric
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create stocking stitch
• Stocking Stitch (st st) – alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Garter Stitch – knitting every row to produce a textured, bumpy surface
• Yarn Over (yo) – creating decorative increases and openwork details
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease stitch
• Slip, Knit One, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (skpo) – a left-leaning decrease stitch
• Slip One, Knit Two Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl1, k2tog, psso) – a double decrease creating more dramatic shaping
• Make One (m1) – an invisible increase stitch
• Knit into Front, Back, and Front (kfbf) – a double knit increase creating additional stitches
• Mattress Stitch – the joining technique used to seam the finished squares together

Materials and Specifications

The project uses Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn available through Lovecrafts. The color palette consists of five distinct shades, with 2 balls (50g/1¾oz each) of each color required:

• Sea Green 81 (Color A)
• Rose 76 (Color B)
• Scarlet 12 (Color C)
• Ocean 72 (Color D)
• Mustard 99 (Color E)

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) needles and a pair of 4mm (US 6) needles. The gauge is measured at 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10cm (4 inch) square worked in stocking stitch using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished cushion to fit the 42cm (16½ inch) insert properly.

Additional notions include 6 buttons for fastening the cushion cover and a 42cm (16½ inch) cushion insert to provide structure and support to the finished knitted cover.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters. The advanced classification reflects the combination of techniques required, including the management of multiple colors through separate square construction, proficiency with various decrease stitches, understanding of gauge and tension, and the ability to execute neat mattress st