Sometimes only a circle will do. If you are after a round cushion pattern to cover a circular stool or to decorate your favourite reading chair, this could be the free cushion knitting pattern for you! It is worked in simple stitches using Double Knit yarn. The round cushion pattern is decorated by some easy flowers to give a lovely 3D feel to the project. If flowers are your thing, don't forget to check out our How to knit flowers tutorial too, while you are at it!
The round cushion pattern was designed by Niola Valiji and was originally published in Simply Knitting magazine issue 202. It is a simple project to knit using a wrap and turn knit pattern of knit and purl stitches. If you are a brad new knitter, check out the basics you need to get started in our knitting for beginners article, but there is nothing too tricky in this free cushion knitting pattern.
Want to explore the other round cushion patterns we have free for you on Gathered? For more round cushion patterns, see our free patchwork stool cover sewing pattern, and our crochet donut cushion pattern too.
Round cushion pattern materials
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (100% acrylic, 100g/276m), or alternative DK yarn, 1 ball of each:
- Yarn A Summer Sky Blue (63)
- Yarn B Pale Lilac (145)
- Yarn C Blush Pink (153)
- Yarn D Daffodil Yellow (121)
- Yarn E Raspberry Pink (143)
- Yarn F Pear Green (65)
A pair of 4mm needles
Round cushion pad, 35cm diameter
A small amount of toy stuffing
Round cushion pattern tension
22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles. To discover more about tension and why it is important, see our article on knitting tension squares.
Round cushion pattern measurements
The round cushion pattern knits up at the specified tension to produce a round cushion cover to fit 35cm diameter round cushion pad
Round cushion pattern abbreviations
w&t wrap and turn: with the RS facing, slip the next st purlwise on to the right hand needle, bring the yarn forward between the two needles, slip the st back to the left hand needle and take the yarn to the back between the two needles, turn.
For a full list see our article on knitting abbreviations
Free cushion knitting pattern
Note All pieces are worked flat on straight knitting needles and seamed using mattress stitch. Cast on using the long tail cast-on method. Find instructions for this and many more cool cast ons in our How to cast on knitting article
FRONT and BACK (Both alike)
Cast on 32 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn A.
Row 1 (RS) Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows Purl.
Row 3 K30, w&t.
Row 5 K28, w&t.
Row 7 K26, w&t.
Row 9 K24, w&t.
Row 11 K22, w&t.
Row 13 K20, w&t.
Row 15 K18, w&t.
Row 17 K16, w&t.
Row 19 K14, w&t.
Row 21 K12, w&t.
Row 23 K10, w&t.
Row 25 K8, w&t.
Row 27 K6, w&t.
Row 29 K4, w&t.
Row 31 K2, w&t.
Row 32 Purl.
Rep Rows 1 to 32 seven more times (8 sections in total).
Cast off.
LEAVES (make 3)
Cast on 3 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn F.
Row 1 K1, kfb, K1. [4 sts]
Rows 2, 4 and 6 Purl.
Row 3 K1, (kfb) twice, K1. [6 sts]
Row 5 K1, kfb, K2, kfb, K1. [8 sts]
Row 7 K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. [10 sts]
Row 8 to 12 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.
Row 13 K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. [8 sts]
Row 14 Purl.
Row 15 K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. [6 sts]
Row 16 Purl.
Cast off.
FLOWER PETALS (make 3)
One in each of Yarns B, C and E.
Cast on 6 sts using 4mm needles.
Row 1 (RS) Cast off 4 sts, sl rem st from RH needle to LH needle. [2 sts]
Row 2 Cast on 4 sts, knit to end. [6 sts]
Rep Rows 1 and 2 a further 21 times.
Next row Knit.
Cast off.
FLOWER CENTRE (make 3)
Cast on 8 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn D.
Row 1 (WS) Purl.
Row 2 Kfb, K6, kfb. [10 sts]
Row 3 to 5 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.
Row 6 K2tog, K6, k2tog. [8 sts]
Row 7 Purl.
Break yarn leaving a long tail and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.
EDGING
Cast on 5 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn C.
Row 1 (RS) Sl 1, K4.
Row 2 Sl 1, K4.
Row 3 Sl 1, K1, (kfb) 3 times. [8 sts]
Row 4 Cast off 3 sts, knit to end. [5 sts]
Rep Rows 1 to 4 a further 69 times.
Cast off.
Download the free cushion knitting pattern
If you'd rather have a PDF of the round cushion pattern to print out, or to save on your computer, click the link to download the free cushion knitting pattern PDF. The PDF is 2 A4 pages.
More like the round cushion pattern
We have loads more free knitting pattern like the free cushion knitting pattern for you, right here on Gathered! Check out our free toy dog knitting pattern and our cactus knitting pattern. We have these brilliant owl fingerless gloves knitting pattern for you to try, or knit our Fair Isle fingerless gloves for cosy and colourful days. If you want to treat yourself to a new kit, take a look at our best knitting kits round up, too, or see if you can use up stash you already have in one of our free patterns using our yarn weight conversion chart.
