Rowan Truls Cushion Knitting Pattern

Rowan Truls Cushion

Project Overview

The Truls Cushion is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Arne & Carlos for Rowan. This decorative cushion cover combines sophisticated colorwork techniques with classic knit construction, creating a finished piece measuring 50 cm wide by 30 cm deep. The project is worked in Rowan Softyak DK yarn using 4mm needles, resulting in a soft, tactile cushion cover suitable for home décor.

What Is Being Made

This is a two-piece cushion cover consisting of a decorative front panel and a plain back panel. The front features intricate patterned colorwork, while the back provides a neutral foundation. The two pieces are seamed together and finished with a cushion pad insert, creating a complete decorative home accessory.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Truls Cushion employs two primary colorwork techniques:

• Intarsia Technique: Used in conjunction with fairisle on the front panel (Version A) to create larger blocks of color and more complex pattern areas. This technique involves using separate yarn lengths for different colored sections, preventing long floats across the back of the work.
• Fairisle Technique: Applied to both Version A and Version B front panels to create detailed, repeating patterns. This traditional stranded colorwork method involves carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the stitches, creating a double-thickness fabric with excellent elasticity and durability.

Stitches and Construction

The cushion is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches worked throughout in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The front panels are cast on and worked from chart patterns for 75 to 85 rows depending on the version selected. The back panel is worked in plain stockinette stitch without patterning, providing structural balance. All pieces are cast off purlwise on the wrong side to create a neat, professional finish. Seaming is completed using backstitch, a strong and invisible joining method that creates durable seams suitable for a functional cushion cover.

Yarn and Materials

The Truls Cushion is knitted using Rowan Softyak DK, a yarn weight that provides excellent stitch definition for colorwork projects. The pattern offers three different color versions, each utilizing a palette of Rowan Softyak DK shades:

Version A and Version C: Both versions use identical yarn quantities: Seagrass 249 (2 x 50gm), Plateau 239 (1 x 50gm), Tuscan Red 253 (1 x 50gm), Terrain 243 (1 x 50gm), Black 250 (1 x 50gm), Pampas 235 (1 x 50gm), Lantana 246 (2 x 50gm), Coast 248 (2 x 50gm), Heath 238 (1 x 50gm), and Plain 232 (2 x 50gm).

Version B: Uses a modified color palette: Seagrass 249 (2 x 50gm), Plateau 239 (1 x 50gm), Tuscan Red 253 (1 x 50gm), Terrain 243 (1 x 50gm), Black 250 (1 x 50gm), Pampas 235 (1 x 50gm), Coast 248 (2 x 50gm), and Heath 238 (1 x 50gm).

Knitting is worked on one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles, which are appropriately sized for DK weight yarn and produce the required gauge. A cushion pad measuring 50 cm wide by 30 cm deep is inserted into the finished cover.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a tension of 22.5 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the patterned sections. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the cushion pad fits properly within the completed cover.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Truls Cushion requires solid foundational knitting skills and familiarity with colorwork techniques. Knitters should be comfortable reading and following chart patterns, managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, and executing both intarsia and fairisle techniques accurately. The project is suitable for experienced beginners or intermediate knitters seeking to develop or refine their