Rowan Slalom Homeware Knitting Pattern

Rowan Slalom Knitted Cushion Cover

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Slalom is a knitted cushion cover designed as a homeware accessory by renowned knitwear designer Martin Storey. This project creates a decorative cushion cover measuring approximately 46 cm (18 inches) square, suitable for standard cushion pads. The finished piece combines a patterned front panel with a coordinating solid back, constructed using traditional seaming techniques.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked using the bottom-up construction method, meaning pieces are knitted from the cast-on edge upward. The design employs stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle technique, which involves carrying two colors across the row to create intricate patterns. All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to form the cushion cover.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (st st), the fundamental knit stitch that creates a smooth, V-textured fabric. The front panel features a 24-stitch pattern repeat that is worked across 103 cast-on stitches, repeated 4 times per row. The pattern itself spans 50 rows, which are repeated throughout the 103 total rows of the front piece. The back panel is worked in solid stockinette stitch without colorwork, providing a clean, coordinating finish.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted yarn, a durable wool suitable for homeware projects. The colorway combination includes Cream (yarn A, requiring 2 × 100g balls) and Black (yarn B, requiring 1 × 100g ball). Knitting is executed on 4½mm (US 7) needles. The tension is critical for proper fit: 20 stitches and 25 rows over 10 cm in solid stockinette stitch, and 23 stitches and 23 rows over 10 cm in the patterned stranded colorwork sections. An additional material required is one cushion pad measuring approximately 46 cm (18 inches) square.

Construction Method

After completing both the patterned front and solid back panels, pieces are pressed according to standard blocking instructions. The front and back are then sewn together along three sides using mattress stitch or similar seaming method. The cushion pad is inserted through the opening, and the fourth side is closed with seaming to complete the project.