Debbie Bliss Union Jack Cushions Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Union Jack Cushions

What is Being Made

These are decorative knitted cushion covers featuring a Union Jack design, finished at 46 x 46cm (18 x 18 inches). The pattern includes two colorway options: the first combines Navy, White, and Maroon, while the second uses Charcoal, White, and Gray. Each cushion cover is designed to fit a standard 46 x 46cm cushion pad and features functional button closures for easy removal and washing.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques to create the finished cushion covers. Stranded colorwork is the primary technique, used to knit the Union Jack pattern from a chart. When working stranded colorwork, separate balls of yarn are used for each color area, and yarns are twisted at color changes to prevent holes in the fabric. Buttonhole construction creates functional closures on the cushion back, allowing the cover to open for insertion of the cushion pad. The cover is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning all rows are worked back and forth. The pattern also incorporates moss stitch (also called seed stitch) for the decorative edging, which creates a textured, bumpy surface through alternating knit and purl stitches.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The main stitch used for the body of the cushion cover, creating a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side
• Moss stitch: An alternating knit-purl pattern (K1, P1 repeated) used for the edge borders, creating a textured finish
• Buttonhole stitches: Created using yarn over (y2rn) and paired decreases (skpo and k2tog) to form functional openings
• Make one (m1): An increase stitch used to shape the fabric
• Decreases: Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) and knit two together (k2tog) are used both for shaping and creating buttonholes

Materials

The cushion covers are knitted using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarn, a premium blend that combines the softness of cashmere with the durability of merino wool and nylon. For the first colorway, the yarn requirements are 5 balls in Navy (color 4), 2 balls in White (color 25), and 1 ball in Maroon (color 88). The second colorway requires 5 balls in Charcoal (color 28), 2 balls in White (color 25), and 1 ball in Gray (color 09). Each ball weighs 50g (1¾oz). The project is worked on 5mm (US 8) knitting needles. Three buttons are required for each cushion cover to secure the buttonholes, and a 46 x 46cm cushion pad is needed as the inner form.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over a 10cm (4 inch) square when working in stocking stitch using 5mm needles. The cushion cover is constructed as a single piece worked flat, with the upper cushion back beginning with a cast-on of 91 stitches. Moss stitch borders frame the edges, followed by the main body worked in stocking stitch. A foldline row creates structure, and buttonholes are strategically placed to allow the cover to open and close securely around the cushion pad.