Craft Corner

inspiring craft
This simple
textured pillow
pattern is perfect
for beginner
knitters
Cosy
cushions
SHOW US WHAT
YOU’VE BEEN MAKING
◆ Thought you might like this photo of
octopuses knitted by me from a pattern in
Yours about a year ago, requesting they
be given to a special care baby unit. This
is the second batch I have donated, and
they are very much appreciated.
Olive Hill
YOU WILL NEED
■ 5 x 50g balls of Debbie Bliss
Cashmerino Aran in Cowslip 64
or Aqua 47
■ One pair of 5mm (US 8)
needles
■ One pair of 4mm (US 6)
needles
■ Blunt tapestry needle
■ Button
■ 40cm (16in) square pillow form
FINISHED
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 40cm (16in) square
ABBREVIATIONS
Foll-follows; k-knit; p-purl; patt-pattern;
rep-repeat; RS-right side; st(s)-stitch(es);
WS-wrong side
Repeat sequence within square brackets
the number of times indicated
GAUGE (TENSION)
18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm (4in) working
stockinette (stocking) stitch using 5mm
(US 8) needles.
■ Can’t get this yarn? Find a suitable
alternative at yarnsub.com
Difficulty
rating:
●●●●●
Designed by Pauline Richards,
these cushion cases are knitted
in one piece and folded to create
an envelope style opening, with a
simple loop and button fastening.
To make the pillow cover
Using 5mm (US 8) needles, cast on
73 sts using the cable method.
Row 1: K to end.
Rows 2–8: Rep Row 1.
Work in patt as foll:
Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2: P9, k9, p9, k19, p9, k9, p9.
Row 3: K9, p1, [k1, p1] 4 times, k9,
p1, [k1, p1] 9 times,
k9, p1, [k1, p1] 4 times, k9.
Row 4: P9, k1, [p1, k1] 4 times, p9, k1,
[p1, k1] 9 times,
p9, k1, [p1, k1] 4 times, p9.
Rep Rows 1-4 of patt until 88
rows of patt have been completed
(for back).
Put a row marker at each end of last
row – cut two small lengths of yarn
in a contrast colour and loop one
through the first stitch and the other
through the last stitch of last row.
Work 96 rows in patt (for front),
putting row markers at each end of
last row.
Work 37 rows in patt (for flap).
Next row: K to end.
Rep last row 6 times more
Bind (cast) off.
Finishing
Cover with a cloth or tea towel and
press lightly on the WS. Weave in
yarn tails.
Making up
Using row markers as a guide,
fold flap over with RS facing.
Fold back section up over flap –
the WS of back and front should
now be on the outside.
Using backstitch, sew along
both side edges of pillow cover,
securing button flap between
front and back layers.
Remove row markers and turn
RS out.
Make button loop
Using 4mm (US 6) needles, cast
on 3 sts using cable method.
Next row: K1, p1, k1.
Rep this row 19 times.
Cast off, leaving a long tail to sew
loop onto pillow.
Fold loop in half and sew
each end to underside edge
at centre of flap. Take care
not to stitch all the way
through, so stitches won’t show
on outside of pillow. Sew button
in place to correspond with loop.
Insert pillow form and button
up loop.
Aftercare
Remove the pillow form and
hand wash or wash the cover on
a gentle wool cycle.
Dry flat.
■ A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting
by Tracey Lord, published by CICO
Books (£16.99)
◆ “This is the
first postbox
topper I have
ever attempted.
It’s raised a
few smiles and
compliments from
the locals here in
Clacton.”
D Skeggs
We love to see what you’ve
been making – please share
your creations with us using
the contact details on page 3
102 YOURS EVERY FORTNIGHT
YOURS EVERY FORTNIGHT 103
GET IN
TOUCH
◆ “I love dolls.
I knitted these
two for my
neighbour’s
two small girls.
They take them
to bed with
them every
night.”
Jean Jackson
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENNY WINCER
© CICO BOOKS