MillaMia La La Cushion Knitting Pattern

MillaMia La La Cushion: Knitted Textured Cushion Cover

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia La La Cushion is a reversible knitted cushion cover measuring 30cm (11¾ inches) square on all sides. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a decorative cushion with a finished design on both the front and back, making it versatile for displaying in different orientations or matching various bedroom décor schemes. The cushion is designed to fit a standard 30cm by 30cm cushion pad.

Knitting Techniques

This cushion is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The pattern employs a combination of fundamental knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. The primary construction method involves garter stitch and stocking stitch as the main pattern base. A distinctive design feature is the use of Swiss darning (also known as duplicate stitch), a post-knitting embroidery technique where contrast-colored stitches are added after the main knitting is complete. This approach eliminates the need for traditional colorwork during knitting, simplifying the construction process while achieving a professional multi-colored appearance. The finished cushion cover pieces are seamed together on all edges to create the reversible two-sided design.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g-st) – created by knitting every row, producing a textured, bumpy fabric
• Stocking stitch – alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic knitted appearance
• Knit two together (k2 tog) – a basic decrease stitch for shaping
• Make one stitch (m1) – an increase technique for adding stitches within the fabric
• Swiss darning / Duplicate stitch – a post-knitting embroidery stitch applied to create the decorative contrast "V" flecks and color block squares

Materials and Specifications

This project requires MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn, a premium merino wool available exclusively through Lovecrafts. The pattern calls for two 50-gram (1¾ ounce) balls total. The primary colorway uses Petal (color 122) as the main color and Haze Grey (color 107) as the contrast color for the Swiss-darned details. Alternative colorway options are provided, including Ochre with Putty, and Forget Me Not with Snow.

Knitting is worked on 3.25mm (US size 3) needles, a standard pair of straight needles suitable for the yarn weight. The recommended tension or gauge is 27 stitches and 46 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square when working over the pattern using the specified needles and yarn. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished cushion to fit the standard 30cm by 30cm cushion pad included in the materials list.

Design Features

The cushion showcases a color block square design with garter and stocking stitch pattern, enhanced by Swiss-darned "V" flecks in contrasting colors. The reversible nature of the design means both sides display coordinated colorways, making this cushion particularly suitable for children's bedrooms where it can be rotated to complement different décor arrangements. The pattern notes that despite the appearance of colorwork, there are no interruptions during the main knitting phase, as all contrast stitches are applied through Swiss darning after completion, making this an intermediate-level project that is accessible to improving knitters.