THE PATTERN
Abbreviations
K Knit P Purl st(s) Stitch(es) st st Stocking stitch ** Repeat instructions after asterisk, as many times as instructed
Colour sequence for cushion-cover top A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H Colour sequence for cushion-cover base H, G, F, E, D, C, B, A
Using A, cast on 42 sts. **Work in st st and short rows as follows: Row 1: K Row 2: P Row 3: K to last 2 sts, turn (see note on previous page on how to ‘turn’ in short-row shaping) Row 4: P Row 5: K to last 4 sts, turn Row 6: P Continue working in short rows as set, leaving 2 sts more unworked on every knit row until there are no more stitches to knit.** This completes the first colour segment of the circle. Change to B and repeat from ** to ** for next colour segment. Continue repeating from ** to ** for each colour segment until 8 segments have been worked to form a full circle, following the colour sequence for the cushion-cover top. Do not cast off stitches, but join last segment to first segment by grafting 1 st from needle with corresponding stitch on cast-on edge.
To make the cushion-cover base
Work as given for cushion-cover top, but cast on with H and use colour sequence for the cushion-cover base.
To finish
Weave in any loose yarn ends. Lay the work out flat and gently steam on the reverse to enhance the yarn. Using a length of yarn and the blunt-tipped sewing needle, gently gather together the small hole in the centre of each piece and fasten securely. Sew the top and base pieces together, matching the colours along the seam and leaving an opening for inserting the cushion pad. Insert the pad and sew the opening closed.