Deramores Vigur Basket Stitch Throw and Cushion Knitting

Vigur Basket Stitch Throw and Cushions Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Vigur Basket Stitch Throw and Cushions is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Wendy Kippax. This collection includes a squared throw measuring 130cm in length and 100cm in width, along with three coordinating cushions. The pattern is named after Vigur, a small island off the north coast of Iceland, with yarn colors inspired by the island's natural landscape.

What is Being Made

• Throw: A large blanket composed of nine squares, each measuring 30cm x 30cm, knitted together as you go to form three columns
• Cushions: Three matching cushions featuring basket stitch patterns that echo the design of the throw, knitted in one piece with double ribbed backs and button fastenings

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method involves knitting squares together as you go, which eliminates the need for extensive seaming and simplifies the assembly process. The throw is constructed by joining three columns of squares directly during the knitting process. The cushions are knitted in one piece rather than assembled from separate components, with double ribbed backs providing structure and elasticity. Final assembly for the cushions involves seaming using a tapestry needle, and button attachment for closure.

Stitches Used

Despite the complex appearance of the finished design, the pattern relies primarily on combinations of basic knit and purl stitches to create the basket stitch effect. Key abbreviations include:

• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (a decrease stitch)
• SSK: Slip first stitch as knit, slip second stitch as purl, then knit into the back of both stitches (another decrease method)
• YO: Yarn over the needle (creates an eyelet or lace element)
• PSSO: Pass slip stitch over the stitch just worked (completes certain decrease sequences)
• Yif/Yib: Yarn in front or yarn at back of work (positioning yarn for texture)
• Stocking stitch: Used as the base for cushion construction
• Ribbing: Double ribbed stitch used for cushion backs

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern uses Deramores Studio Chunky yarn, a thick yarn weight that creates fabric quickly. Four colorways are featured:

• Deramores Studio Chunky in Cornflower (Yarn A): 2 x 100g
• Deramores Studio Chunky in Jade (Yarn B): 2 x 100g
• Deramores Studio Chunky in Elephant (Yarn C): 2 x 100g
• Deramores Studio Chunky in Blue Velvet (Yarn D): 2 x 100g

Needles: 6.5mm straight needles are used throughout the project. The pattern notes that tension is not critical, as long as the same needle size is maintained consistently. Variations in tension will proportionally adjust the overall dimensions of the throw and cushions.

Additional Materials:

• Stitch holder or spare yarn (for holding stitches during construction)
• Tapestry needle (for sewing seams and weaving in ends)
• Nine buttons, each 2.5cm / 1 inch in diameter (for fastening the three cushions, with three buttons per cushion)

Tension and Sizing

The recommended tension is 14 stitches and 19 rows over 10cm when worked in stocking stitch. However, the pattern is forgiving regarding exact tension matching. Since the same needles are used throughout, minor tension variations will simply scale the finished dimensions proportionally rather than creating inconsistencies within the project. This makes the pattern accessible to knitters with varying experience levels.

Design Features

The basket stitch pattern creates visual interest through the strategic combination of knit and purl stitches, producing a textured, three-dimensional appearance that is more complex-looking than the actual st