Chunky Knit Cushion Cover

 

A soft, tactile home décor project • Written instructions + stitch chart

Pattern at a glance

Skill level	Confident beginner
Construction	Two flat panels, seamed on three sides; zipper or button closure
Sample size	Fits an 18 × 18 in (46 × 46 cm) cushion insert
Stitch pattern	Alternating knit and purl stitches; 2-row repeat
Yarn	Bulky / chunky yarn; estimate 450–550 yd (410–503 m) total
Needles	US 10 (6 mm) straight or circular needles, used flat; adjust for gauge
Notions	Tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape; optional zipper or buttons

Materials

·        Bulky/chunky yarn in one colour. Choose a smooth or softly spun yarn so the small knit-and-purl texture remains visible.

·        Approximately 450–550 yd (410–503 m) for two sample-size panels. Buy extra if using a textured, lofty, or loosely spun yarn.

·        6 mm needles, or a size that gives the gauge below. A circular needle may be used to accommodate the width; work back and forth, not in the round.

·        One 16–18 in (40–46 cm) zipper OR 3–4 buttons and matching yarn for button loops.

·        Optional: lightweight fabric lining to help the cushion keep its shape.

Gauge

Suggested gauge in the stitch pattern, after washing and drying the swatch: 14 stitches × 20 rows = 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm). Gauge is especially important for a cushion cover: a loose fabric may stretch and expose the insert.

To make a swatch, cast on 22 stitches. Work the two pattern rows below for at least 24 rows. Bind off loosely, wash or steam as appropriate for your yarn, dry flat, then measure the centre 4 in (10 cm). Change needle size if necessary.

Abbreviations

K = knit; P = purl; RS = right side; WS = wrong side; st(s) = stitch(es); rep = repeat; BO = bind off; CO = cast on.

Stitch pattern

Worked flat over an even number of stitches. Keep the first and last stitch as a knit selvedge for a neat seam.

Row 1 (RS): K1 (selvedge), then *P1, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1 (selvedge).

Row 2 (WS): K1 (selvedge), then *K1, P1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1 (selvedge).

Repeat Rows 1–2 throughout. The two rows reverse the knit/purl positions across the fabric to create the small, pebbled texture shown in the chart.

Supplied stitch chart: read from the bottom upward; each blank square is K and each marked square is P.

Sizing and stitch calculation

Sample: 18 × 18 in (46 × 46 cm) cushion insert. With the suggested gauge of 14 sts per 4 in, cast on 64 sts (including 2 knit selvedge stitches). This gives approximately 17.7 in (45 cm) of fabric before seaming, allowing a gently snug fit. Work to approximately 18 in (46 cm) in length.

For another size: measure the cushion insert. Aim for a finished panel width about ½–1 in (1–2.5 cm) smaller than the insert width, depending on how firm you want the cover. Multiply your target width in inches by your measured stitches per inch, round to an even number, and use that as your cast-on. Work the panel to the same target height.

Keep an even stitch count so the alternating pattern and selvedges are easy to maintain.

Front panel

1.        CO 64 sts using your preferred stretchy cast-on. Do not pull the cast-on edge tight.

2.        Set up Row 1 on the RS: K1, then work *P1, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.

3.        Work Row 2: K1, then *K1, P1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.

4.        Continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 until the panel measures approximately 18 in (46 cm) from the cast-on edge, or the height required for your insert.

5.        Work the final row loosely and BO all stitches in pattern. Cut yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in.

6.        Lay the panel flat and gently block to the intended dimensions. Avoid stretching the fabric.

Back panel

Make a second panel exactly as for the front. For a coordinated cushion, use the same yarn and stitch pattern on both sides. If you prefer a simpler back, you may work the back in stockinette stitch, but add a fabric lining to reduce stretching and curling.

Finishing and assembly

Option A — zipper closure (recommended)

7.        Place the two panels with right sides facing each other and align all edges.

8.        Using mattress stitch or a neat whipstitch, sew one side, the bottom, and the opposite side. Leave the fourth side open.

9.        Turn the cover right side out. Pin the zipper along the open edge, centring it and distributing the knitted fabric evenly.

10.    Hand-sew the zipper tape to the inside of the knitted edge with small, secure stitches. Avoid catching the zipper teeth.

11.    Insert the cushion form and close the zipper.

Option B — button closure

12.    Knit the front panel as written.

13.    For the back, knit two overlapping rectangles. Each rectangle should be the full panel width and approximately 11–12 in (28–30.5 cm) long for the sample size. Adjust so the two pieces overlap by 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm).

14.    On one short edge of the outer back piece, work a 4-row garter-stitch band (knit every row) before binding off. On the other back piece, work the same band and make 3–4 evenly spaced buttonholes on the final band row (for example: BO 2 sts, then CO 2 sts over the gap on the next row).

15.    Overlap the two back pieces so the button band with holes lies on top. Sew the side and bottom edges to the front panel, catching both back layers.

16.    Sew buttons securely opposite the buttonholes. Insert the cushion and fasten.

Care and styling

Follow the care instructions for your yarn. In general, hand-wash or use the gentlest cycle only if the yarn label permits; reshape and dry flat. Remove the insert before washing. For a crisp cushion shape, use an insert that is slightly fuller than the finished cover. The texture is especially effective in cream, oatmeal, taupe, stone, and muted grey shades.

Troubleshooting

The edges curl or look uneven. Check that the first and last stitches are knitted every row and avoid pulling the selvedge yarn too tightly.

The cover is too loose. Use a smaller needle or reduce the target panel width slightly; a lining also helps support the fabric.

The fabric feels stiff. Try a larger needle and recheck the gauge. The fabric should be dense but still flexible.

The pattern looks like stripes instead of pebbles. Confirm that Row 1 and Row 2 reverse the knit/purl positions as written.