Rowan Paint Daubs Cushion Homeware Knitting Pattern

Rowan Paint Daubs Cushion by Kaffe Fassett

Project Overview

The Rowan Paint Daubs Cushion is a knitted homeware project designed by renowned colorwork artist Kaffe Fassett. This cushion cover is created using the intarsia technique to produce a vibrant, multi-colored patterned design. The finished cushion cover measures 50 cm square and is designed to fit a standard 50 cm cushion pad, making it an ideal decorative accent for any interior space.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cushion is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach with seaming to complete the project. The front panel features the primary colorwork design worked using the intarsia technique, which involves using separate lengths of yarn for each color block to create the pattern without carrying yarn across the back. The back panel is worked in plain stockinette stitch for a clean, simple finish. Once both pieces are completed and blocked to size, they are seamed together on three sides, a cushion pad is inserted, and the fourth side is closed to complete the project.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cushion is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base ideal for displaying colorwork. The front panel incorporates a 100-stitch pattern repeat that is worked from a detailed chart over 104 rows, with the pattern rows 1 to 32 repeated again to achieve the full design. This structured approach ensures consistent patterning across the cushion face.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Paint Daubs Cushion utilizes Rowan Felted Tweed yarn in a carefully curated palette of 13 distinct colors:

• Yarn A (Fjord 218): 2 x 50gm – primary color for the front panel
• Yarn B (Candy Floss 221): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn C (Astor 217): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn D (French Mustard 216): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn E (Iris 201): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn F (Lime 213): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn G (Sulfur 220): 2 x 50gm – used for the back panel
• Yarn H (Frozen 185): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn I (Vaseline Green 204): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn J (Mineral 181): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn K (Heliotrope 219): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn L (Ciel 215): 1 x 50gm
• Yarn M (Electric Green 203): 1 x 50gm

Needles and Equipment

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles in different sizes. The front panel is worked using 4mm (US 6) needles, which are paired with the heavier Felted Tweed yarn to achieve the correct tension for the patterned stockinette stitch. The back panel is worked using 3¾mm (US 5) needles, which are slightly smaller to accommodate the plain stockinette stitch worked in Yarn G. Additionally, a 50 cm square cushion pad is required as the insert for the finished cover.

Tension and Sizing

Achieving correct tension is essential for this project. The patterned front panel should measure 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm when worked in stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. The plain back panel should measure 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm when worked using 3¾mm needles. The finished cushion cover is designed to fit a 50 cm square cushion pad, creating a professional, well-proportioned homeware piece.