Joy Cushion Knitting Pattern

Joy Cushion in Rowan Kid Classic

What Is Being Made

The Joy Cushion is a decorative knitted cushion cover designed by Chloe Thurlow. This project creates a square cushion measuring 45 cm (17¾ inches) on each side, suitable for a standard cushion pad insert. The pattern requires knitting two identical sides that are sewn together to form the finished cushion cover.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty. The primary technique used throughout is the fairisle method, a traditional colorwork approach that involves working with two yarn colors simultaneously across rows. Fairisle knitting creates intricate patterned designs by carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work, catching them periodically to maintain even tension and prevent long floats.

The pattern notes provide specific guidance for managing fairisle tension: stranded yarns should not be carried over more than three stitches at a time. Floats should be caught under and over the working color to ensure they sit neatly on the reverse side of the fabric. Additionally, the pattern includes a tension adjustment note: if plain chart areas (such as rows 20 to 37) appear loose, switching to smaller 4½mm needles for those sections will tighten the overall tension and create a smooth, even finish.

Stitches Used

The cushion is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (st st), beginning with a knit row. Stockinette stitch creates the classic smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The fairisle patterning is integrated directly into the stockinette base, with color changes indicated on a detailed chart that spans 74 rows.

Materials

Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic (50gm balls)

• Color A (Mulberry 894): 3 balls
• Color B (Feather 828): 1 ball

Needles: Two needle sizes are required

• 4½mm (US 7) needles (optional, used for tension adjustment on plain chart areas)
• 5mm (US 8) needles (primary needles for main knitting)

Additional Materials: One 45 cm (17¾ inch) square cushion pad for insertion into the finished cover.

Pattern Construction

Cast on 89 stitches using the 5mm needles and yarn B. Work rows 1 through 74 from the fairisle chart, then repeat rows 1 through 32 once more before casting off. This creates the required dimensions for one cushion side. The pattern must be worked twice to create matching front and back pieces.

Finishing

After pressing both pieces according to standard finishing instructions, sew the front and back together along all four edges using mattress stitch or an appropriate seaming method. Leave one opening large enough to insert the cushion pad. Once the pad is inserted, sew the opening closed with invisible stitching to complete the cushion cover.