Knitted Rhombi Cushion Cover

About 3 years ago, I knitted a scarf for my dad, I followed the knitting pattern called Rhombi Scarf, written by Margaret Kendall. While the stitches are easy for the beginner to complete, the pattern was complex and it felt good to push my experience. I took the pattern and extended it so it would make a large panel that could be turned into a cushion cover or repeated over to make varying size blankets.

The pattern is in both written and chart form. Charts can be found at the end of the written pattern.
For charts, begin with row 1 at the top of the chart. Right side (odd numbered) are read from right to left Wrong side (even numbered) are read from left to right. Written instructions and charts include a 3 stitch garter border on each edge.

The finished pattern is reversible, so you may choose whichever side appeals to you most, and is symmetrical in both directions. To be able to see the pattern stitch of the finished work I recommend using a solid coloured yarn. A variegated yarn will obscure the stitches making the pattern hard to see, and undermining all the hard work you put into the finished item (I know this because I tried to make my prototype with a stashed variegated yarn before realising that they just didn't play well together).

The main motif is based on ‘The Elongated Diamond Pattern’ from a ‘Treasury of Knitting Patterns’ by Barbara G Walker.

I bought 2 x 100g ball of 12ply weight yarn (approx 404m) - I used approx145g (approx 300m) of 4 Seasons Marvel 12ply

Knitting Needles - 5.5mm (US size 9 or UK/Canada size 5)

40 x 40 cm (15 x15 Inch) pillow form or hobby fill toy stuffing

Yarn needle for sewing in ends.

A copy of the pattern (included in this tutorial). The pattern is available in both written and charted format.

Difficulty - Beginner / Intermediate

This pattern assumes knowledge of how to complete a long tail cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch and the standard bind off technique. There is also an assumption that the knitter understands how to 'read' their knitting.

While the stitches themselves are easy for a beginner to complete the pattern is not one that you could complete whilst watching the TV.

Instructions

Cast on 57 stitches

Knit 8 Rows to form Garter stitch border

Work pattern, as written/charted.

Knit 8 Rows to form Garter stitch border.

Bind off.

Block if required.

Fold finished fabric in half and seam sides around cushion pad / stuffing.

Sew in ends.

To make the cushion you will need to cast on 57 stitches. I used the long tail cast on technique because as a beginner that was the technique I was most comfortable with.

Instructables has tutorials for the long tail cast on technique.

There is a calculation that can be used to figure out how much yarn to use for your long tail cast on - it can be found here - http://jackie-es.com/the-designing-day/mathematics...

In short it states:

Long tail length (in inches based on mm needle size):

[ (Number of stitches) * (mm needle size) / 8 ] + some extra for weaving in later

We are casting on 57 stitches on 5.5mm needles, so the calculation is [57 * 5.5 / 8] = 39.19″ + some extra for weaving in later Note: For those using metric, convert by a factor of 2.54 cm per inch; i.e. 2.54 * 39.19 = 99.6 cm.

I used a tail length of 150cm to be on the safe side, because I find nothing more tedious than casting on to find my tail too short!

The pattern whilst made of simple knit and purl stitches is quite complex.

Here are some progress photos for you to compare against.

You should notice that there is a distinct pattern developing.

Your knitted piece should look like this photograph by the time you are half way through (Row 105)

At the end of the instructions you should have a knitted piece that looks like the photograph.

Bind Off all stitches using the basic bind off technique (again, you can find an instructable for this)

You can at this point block your work. I blocked my finished fabric to 40cm wide and 90cm long.

Choose the side of the fabric which you prefer, and fold in half with preferred side facing outwards and using mattress stitch seam the cast on and cast off edges together. Place your cushion pad in the centre and seam up the edges.

Alternatively seam all sides using mattress stitch leaving a 5 cm gap. Stuff the cushion with hobby fill and close the gap.

Thanks for knitting. I hope you enjoyed creating your finished cushion. To see what else I've been up to please visit my Ravelry page http://www.ravelry.com/designers/louise-hilton/patterns

I'd love to see pictures of your finished projects, you can email me at louise_m_hilton@hotmail.com or link your project to my pattern on Ravelry and hit the 'I made it' button, I would love to see your finished items.

Happy Knitting

Louise