Koigu Undulations Homeware Knitting Pattern

Koigu Undulations Knit Pillow Cover

What is Being Made

Koigu Undulations is a knitted homeware project designed by Kathryn Drummond that creates an 18" x 18" two-sided pillow cover. The design features decorative undulating (wavy) shaping across the fabric, producing an elegant textured surface suitable for decorative cushions or throw pillows. The finished pillow cover fits a standard 18" x 18" pillow form.

Design and Construction Method

This knitting pattern uses a worked flat construction technique, meaning the fabric is created in rows back and forth on needles rather than in the round. The finished flat rectangle measures 29" x 14.5" before blocking and sewing, which is then seamed together to form the two-sided pillow cover. The pattern incorporates stripe colorwork throughout, utilizing nine of ten available Koigu yarn colors arranged in a custom sequence chosen by the knitter to maximize contrast between neighboring stripes.

Shaping Techniques

The distinctive undulating curves that give this pillow its name are created using German short rows, a shaping technique that produces smooth, sculptural waves in the knitted fabric. German short rows are explained within the pattern instructions, making this technique accessible even for knitters new to this method. The pattern notes that the construction consists of essentially three different row types that, when combined in various sequences, create the undulating shapes. This modular approach allows for creative variations if making multiple versions of the pillow.

Stitches and Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 29 stitches and 56 rows equaling 4 inches when measured before blocking. The designer notes that exact gauge is not critical for this project, as there is flexibility when blocking the finished fabric to size. This tolerance makes the pattern more forgiving for knitters whose tension may vary slightly.

Materials and Tools Required

• Koigu yarn in nine selected colors from the available ten-color palette (the pictured version uses the Super Moon Pencil Box color collection)
• 3 mm circular needle with a 32-inch or longer cord for main knitting
• Optional: a second circular needle in 4 mm size for cast-on and bind-off steps
• Seven knitting markers in two different types or colors (four markers of one type designated M1, and three markers of a second type designated M2) for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Large tapestry needle for seaming the two halves together and weaving in yarn ends
• 18" x 18" pillow form for finishing

Seaming and Finishing

The pillow cover is constructed as a seamed project, with the knitted rectangle folded and sewn together along the edges to create the finished two-sided cover. The seaming process requires a tapestry needle and matching yarn for joining the pieces invisibly and securing all yarn ends for a polished final product.

Pattern Notes

The pattern instructions recommend reading through all directions before beginning to knit. New colors are joined at the beginning of right-side rows to maintain clean color transitions. The design encourages creative customization, as knitters can arrange the nine chosen colors in any order they prefer and potentially create multiple versions with different color arrangements for varied aesthetic effects.