Fir Cushion Knitting Pattern

Fir Cushion in Rowan Felted Tweed

Project Overview

The Fir Cushion is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This cushion cover is created using the fairisle colorwork technique and is sized to fit a 52 cm (20½ in) x 32 cm (12½ in) cushion pad. The finished project requires knitting two identical sides that are sewn together to create a complete decorative cushion cover.

Craft and Techniques

This project employs fairisle knitting, a traditional stranded colorwork technique that allows multiple colors to be incorporated into a single row of knitting. The fairisle method involves carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work while actively knitting with the working color. To maintain elasticity and prevent loose stitches, the pattern recommends not carrying stranded yarns over more than three stitches at a time, catching floats under and over the working color to keep them neat and secure on the reverse side.

Stitches and Construction

The cushion is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (st st), beginning with a knit row. The pattern is based on a 28-row repeat that is worked from a chart. Each cushion side requires working rows 1 to 28 twice, followed by rows 1 to 24 once more, creating a total of 80 rows. The pattern repeat spans 12 stitches horizontally. After completion, pieces are pressed according to pattern guidelines and sewn together along all four edges, with an opening left for inserting the cushion pad before final closure.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (50gm balls)
  • Yarn A (Clay, shade 177): 2 balls
  • Yarn B (Pine, shade 158): 1 ball
  • Yarn C (Avocado, shade 161): 1 ball
• Needles: 1 pair of 3¾mm (US 5, UK no. 9) needles
• Tension: 25 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm measured over patterned stockinette stitch using 3¾mm needles
• Additional Materials: 52 cm x 32 cm cushion pad for filling

Difficulty and Suitability

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to expand their skills into fairisle colorwork. Achieving correct tension is emphasized as critical to the finished size and shape of the cushion cover.