Poppy (Hexagon) Cushion Knitting Pattern

Poppy (Hexagon) Cushion in Rowan Cotton Wool

What is Being Made

The Poppy (Hexagon) Cushion is a decorative cushion project designed by Georgia Farrell. This intermediate-level knitting pattern creates a hexagon-shaped cushion cover consisting of two identical knitted pieces that are sewn together and filled. The completed cushion measures approximately 33 cm (13 inches) at its widest point and 31.5 cm (12.5 inches) in height, making it a substantial decorative accent piece suitable for home furnishings.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its distinctive hexagon shape. The primary construction method uses garter stitch throughout, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The hexagon shape is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked at regular intervals.

The pattern begins with increases worked using yarn forward (yfwd) techniques combined with knit through back loop (K1 tbl) stitches to create structured shaping. These increases are repeated in a four-row pattern for multiple repeats to expand the piece to its maximum width. The cushion is then shaped back down through strategic decreases worked at regular four-row intervals until the piece returns to its original stitch count, creating the characteristic hexagon geometry.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g st): Knit every row to create the primary fabric texture throughout both cushion pieces
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Used to create decorative increases that shape the hexagon expansion
• Knit through back loop (K1 tbl): Twisted stitches worked at the edges to create definition and structure
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at each end of alternating rows to shape the hexagon back to its original dimensions

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is worked using Rowan Cotton Wool yarn in the colorway Dolly 206. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 38 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch. The project requires one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles (also referred to as no. 8 needles in UK sizing).

Each hexagon cushion piece requires 50 grams of Rowan Cotton Wool yarn. The pattern also calls for machine washable toy filling to stuff the completed cushion cover, ensuring the finished piece is firmly filled for optimal shape retention and comfort.

Construction Process

The cushion is constructed by casting on 36 stitches and working in garter stitch throughout. The first two rows are worked straight, then a four-row repeat pattern of increases is worked 14 times, expanding the piece to 66 stitches at its widest point. After working two additional straight rows, decreases are worked at each end of every fourth row until the stitch count returns to 36 stitches, at which point the piece is cast off.

Two identical hexagon pieces are created using this same method. The pieces are then pressed according to pattern instructions, with special attention given to the edges. The two hexagon sections are sewn together around the entire outer edge, leaving an opening for filling. Machine washable toy filling is inserted to create a firm cushion, and the opening is then sewn closed to complete the project.