Rowan Vildis Cushion Homeware Knitting Pattern

Rowan Vildis Cushion

Project Overview

The Rowan Vildis Cushion is a knitted homeware project designed by Arne & Carlos. This cushion cover is constructed using the bottom-up method with a combination of colorwork techniques to create a striking decorative piece for the home. The finished cushion is designed to fit a 50 cm (19¾ in) square cushion pad.

Construction Method

The cushion is worked flat on straight needles in two main pieces: a front panel featuring colorwork patterning and a plain stockinette stitch back panel. The two pieces are then seamed together using backstitch, with the cushion pad inserted before the final seam is closed. This bottom-up, flat construction approach allows for straightforward gauge management and pattern placement.

Colorwork Techniques

The Rowan Vildis Cushion offers three distinct versions, each utilizing different colorwork methods to achieve its visual impact:

• Version A: Features intarsia colorwork on the front panel, worked entirely in stockinette stitch across all 155 rows of Chart A. Intarsia is a technique where different colored yarns are used for different sections of the design, with bobbins or cards used to manage yarn colors and prevent long floats across the back of the work.
• Version B: Employs the fairisle (stranded) technique for the front panel, working all 135 rows of Chart B in stockinette stitch. Fairisle involves carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work in a controlled manner, creating a reversible fabric with characteristic floats.
• Version C: Combines both intarsia and fairisle techniques within a single design, offering a more complex colorwork approach for experienced knitters.

Stitches and Techniques

Primary Stitch: Stockinette stitch (st st) forms the foundation of this project, worked in rows beginning with a knit row on the right side. All pattern rows are worked in this fundamental stitch, creating a smooth, flat fabric suitable for displaying colorwork.

Seaming: Backstitch is used to join the front and back panels together, creating strong, durable seams that will withstand regular use and handling of the cushion.

Cast-On and Cast-Off: The front panel is cast on with 119 stitches, while the back panel uses 110 stitches. Both pieces are cast off purlwise on the wrong side, creating a neat finished edge.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Vildis Cushion is knitted using Rowan Softyak DK, a yarn weight that works to specific tension requirements. The yarn requirements vary by version, with each version utilizing different quantities and color combinations from the Softyak DK range.

Version A Yarn Requirements:

• Coast 248: 2 x 50gm
• Terrain 243: 1 x 50gm
• Plateau 239: 1 x 50gm
• Plain 232: 1 x 50gm
• Lantana 246: 1 x 50gm
• Pampas 235: 1 x 50gm
• Canopy 254: 3 x 50gm

Version B Yarn Requirements:

• Coast 248: 2 x 50gm
• Pampas 235: 2 x 50gm
• Terrain 243: 3 x 50gm

Version C Yarn Requirements:

• Coast 248: 3 x 50gm
• Terrain 243: 1 x 50gm
• Plateau 239: 1 x 50gm
• Plain 232: 1 x 50gm
• Lantana 246: 1 x 50gm
• Pampas 235: 2 x 50gm

Needles and Gauge

The project is worked on 1 pair of 4mm (no 8) (US 6) needles. Correct