Cushions in Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky - 10617 - Downloadable PDF

Cushions in Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky

Project Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern from Hayfield offers instructions for creating two distinct knitted cushion covers, each measuring approximately 45 x 45 cm (17¾ x 17¾"). Both designs are worked in super chunky weight yarn using fundamental knitting techniques, making them suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking quick, satisfying projects with striking visual impact.

Diamond Cushion Design

The Diamond Cushion features a sophisticated color-blocked design created through strategic yarn selection. This cushion requires four different yarn colors from the Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky range: Cream (shade 812), Oyster Pink (shade 614), Cocoa (shade 575), and Biscuit (shade 963). The pattern uses 3 balls of the primary color (Yarn A) combined with single balls each of the three contrasting shades, allowing knitters to create visual interest through color placement rather than complex stitch manipulation.

Crisscross Cushion Design

The Crisscross Cushion offers an alternative aesthetic with a simpler two-color construction. Knitters can choose between Cream or Oyster Pink as the main color (Yarn A), paired with either Cocoa or Cream as the secondary color (Yarn B). This design requires 4 balls of the primary yarn and 1 ball of the contrasting shade, providing flexibility in color coordination to suit various interior design schemes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Both cushion patterns are constructed using stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), the most fundamental knitted fabric structure. Stocking stitch is created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric familiar to most knitters. This straightforward stitch choice makes the patterns accessible to intermediate knitters while the super chunky yarn weight ensures rapid project completion.

Materials and Tools Required

Each cushion project requires the following materials:

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Super Chunky, 100g balls in specified shades
• Needles: One pair of 10mm knitting needles (UK size 000, US size 15)
• Notions: 36 cm (14") zip fastener for cushion closure
• Finishing: 45 x 45 cm (17¾ x 17¾") cushion pad insert

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 9 stitches and 12 rows over 10 cm (4") when working stocking stitch on 10mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the finished cushion dimensions; knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning the main project to ensure their personal gauge matches the pattern requirements. Super chunky yarn typically produces loose, open fabric that works quickly on larger needles, but individual tension variations can significantly impact final sizing.

Skill Level and Project Characteristics

Rated as intermediate difficulty, these cushion patterns assume knitters have mastered basic cast-on and cast-off techniques, can maintain consistent stocking stitch, and understand fundamental pattern abbreviations. The super chunky yarn weight accelerates knitting speed, making these projects ideal for crafters seeking visible progress and relatively quick completion times. The color-work elements in both designs are achieved through yarn changes rather than complex intarsia or Fair Isle techniques, keeping the knitting process straightforward while delivering professional-looking results.

Finishing and Assembly

Upon completion of the knitted panels, the cushion covers require finishing with a zip fastener for practical closure around the cushion pad insert. The pattern instructions include guidance on blocking and assembly, with specific care instructions referenced on the yarn ball band for each shade used.