Rowan Torfinn Cushion Knitting Pattern

Rowan Torfinn Cushion

Project Overview

The Torfinn Cushion is an intermediate-level knitted cushion cover designed by Arne & Carlos for Rowan. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a decorative 50 cm (19¾ inch) square cushion cover using the Rowan Softyak DK yarn. The project combines classic knitting techniques with colorwork to produce a finished piece suitable for home décor applications.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete cushion cover consisting of a front panel featuring colorwork patterning and a plain back panel. The finished cushion measures 50 cm square and is designed to fit a standard cushion pad of the same dimensions. The cover is constructed by knitting two separate pieces—a patterned front and a plain back—which are then seamed together and finished with an inserted cushion pad.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Torfinn Cushion employs multiple advanced colorwork techniques to achieve its decorative effect:

• Fairisle Technique: Used for certain versions of the pattern, the fairisle method involves carrying yarn colors across the back of the work to create intricate patterns. This technique is worked entirely in stockinette stitch and requires careful tension management to ensure even fabric.
• Intarsia Technique: Applied in specific pattern sections, intarsia allows for larger blocks of color by using separate yarn bobbins for each color area, eliminating long floats across the back of the fabric.
• Combination Colorwork: Sections of the pattern combine both intarsia and fairisle techniques to achieve the final design effect.
• Seaming: The finished pieces are joined using backstitch seaming along the top, sides, and bottom edges, with the cushion pad inserted before the final seam is closed.

Stitches Used

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The front panel features 135 rows of charted patterning worked in stockinette stitch, while the back panel is worked in plain stockinette stitch for a solid appearance. Cast-off edges are finished purlwise on the wrong side to create a neat edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed for Rowan Softyak DK yarn, a double-knitting weight fiber. Three distinct colorway versions are provided, each utilizing different color combinations from the Softyak DK range:

Version A uses Coast (248), Lantana (246), Tuscan Red (253), Pampas (235), and Albany (255). Version B features Coast (248), Lantana (246), Tuscan Red (253), Pampas (235), Seagrass (249), and Heath (238). Version C combines Coast (248), Lantana (246), Tuscan Red (253), Pampas (235), Seagrass (249), and Heath (238).

Yarn quantities vary by version, with most colors requiring 1–3 balls of 50-gram skeins. The pattern is worked on 4mm (US 6) needles, specified as one pair of needles suitable for the DK weight yarn and tension requirements.

Tension and Finishing

Achieving correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies different tension gauges depending on the technique used: 22.5 stitches and 31 rows per 10 centimeters over patterned stockinette stitch using the intarsia technique; 24 stitches and 27 rows per 10 centimeters over patterned stockinette stitch using the fairisle technique; and 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10 centimeters over plain stockinette stitch. All measurements are taken using 4mm (US 6) needles. The finished cushion requires a 50 cm square cushion pad for insertion and completion.