Circles and Triangles Cushion Cover

Circles and Triangles Cushion Cover by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

This is a knitted cushion cover measuring 40 x 40 cm, designed by Sian Brown as an intermediate-level knitting project. The cover features a striking geometric pattern combining circles and triangles across the front, creating a modern, visually engaging textile accent piece suitable for home décor.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Circles and Triangles Cushion Cover employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Intarsia Knitting: The geometric motifs on the front are worked using the intarsia method, which allows for color changes within rows while maintaining clean, defined pattern edges. This technique requires reading the chart carefully, with right-side rows read from right to left and wrong-side rows read from left to right.
• Stocking Stitch: The main fabric body is worked in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, classic knit surface that provides an ideal base for the patterned front panel.
• Ribbed Edging: The cast-on edge features a knit-one, purl-one ribbed pattern worked over five rows, providing elasticity and a finished appearance to the opening.
• Button Band Construction: The design incorporates a button closure system, allowing the cushion cover to be removable for washing or changing.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Knit Stitch (k): Forms the primary fabric structure in stocking stitch sections and the button band.
• Purl Stitch (p): Creates the reverse side of stocking stitch and forms the ribbed edging in alternation with knit stitches.
• Ribbing (k1, p1): The alternating knit and purl pattern at the cast-on edge provides stretch and a professional finish.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Circles and Triangles Cushion Cover is designed to be worked in Sublime Extra Fine Merino Worsted, a premium yarn composed of 100% Merino wool. This yarn weight is classified as aran weight, ideal for creating fabric with good drape and definition suitable for cushion covers.

Yarn Quantities by Color:

• Color A - Caramel Kiss (607): 3 balls (122 grams total) forms the primary background color for the majority of the cushion cover.
• Color B - Vintage (608): 1 ball (42 grams) used for the ribbed edging and intarsia chart work, providing contrast.
• Color C - Capri (507): 1 ball (32 grams) incorporated into the geometric pattern motifs.
• Color D - Flounce (485): 1 ball (34 grams) adds additional color variation to the circles and triangles design.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires a pair of size 4.5mm knitting needles and 5 buttons for the closure mechanism.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this intermediate project. The yarn knits to aran weight at a tension of 20 stitches and 29 rows measured over 10 x 10 centimeters (4 x 4 inches) when worked in stocking stitch. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their finished cushion cover meets the intended 40 x 40 cm dimensions.

Pattern Construction Overview

The cushion cover is constructed in two main sections. The back panel is worked first in stocking stitch using Color A, building up 30 centimeters from the cast-on edge. The front panel introduces the geometric circles and triangles motifs through intarsia chart work, with the pattern repeated across the width of the fabric. The structured approach allows intermediate knitters to manage the color work while maintaining consistent fabric quality throughout the project.