Midwinter Cushion Knitting Pattern

Midwinter Cushion in Rowan Felted Tweed

What Is Being Made

The Midwinter Cushion is a decorative knitted cushion cover designed to fit a 47 cm (18½ inch) square cushion pad. This project creates a finished cushion with two identical sides, each composed of 18 individual patterned squares assembled together using mattress stitch. The cushion is constructed as a complete cover that opens along one edge to accommodate the cushion pad insertion.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs intarsia and fairisle color work techniques to create the patterned squares. The intarsia method allows for larger blocks of contrasting colors, while fairisle techniques enable smaller, more intricate color patterns. Both techniques are worked simultaneously throughout the project, requiring careful yarn management and attention to color placement as indicated in the provided charts. The cushion is assembled using mattress stitch, a nearly invisible seaming method that joins the squares seamlessly and creates a professional finish. Additional finishing involves pressing the completed fabric and sewing the front and back cushion sides together along all four edges.

Stitches Used

The pattern is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (st st), beginning with a knit row. This fundamental stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying color work patterns. Cast-on is performed using a standard method across 39 stitches, and the pattern concludes with a purlwise cast-off worked on the wrong side to create a neat edge finish.

Materials

The Midwinter Cushion is knitted using Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a 50-gram weight yarn available in seven coordinated colorways. The yarn palette includes Clay (177), Ginger (154), Seafarer (170), Avocado (161), Pine (158), Cinnamon (175), and Rage (150). Knitting is worked on 3¾mm (US 5) needles. The pattern requires a tension of 26 stitches and 27 rows to 10 centimeters measured over patterned stockinette stitch, with each completed square measuring 15 centimeters (6 inches) square.

Pattern Construction Details

The cushion comprises six different square designs, each worked from a 41-row chart:

• Square One – Make 4 squares, featuring yarn A (Clay) combined with yarn B (Ginger)
• Square Two – Make 4 squares, featuring yarn A (Clay) combined with yarn C (Seafarer)
• Square Three – Make 2 squares, featuring yarn A (Clay) combined with yarn E (Pine)
• Square Four – Make 2 squares, featuring yarn A (Clay) combined with yarn F (Cinnamon)
• Square Five – Make 4 squares, featuring yarn A (Clay) combined with yarn D (Avocado)
• Square Six – Make 2 squares, featuring yarn A (Clay) combined with yarn G (Rage)

All 18 squares are joined to create two identical cushion sides, which are then sewn together along all four edges, leaving one opening for cushion pad insertion. Once the pad is inserted, the opening is sewn closed to complete the project.