Very Pretty! How To Knit A Cable Pillow

Very Pretty! How to Knit a Cable Pillow: A Comprehensive Guide

Knitting has alway been a timeless craft, a way to create something unique and personal with your very own hands. In recent years, a resurgence in interest has brought many back to the joy of knitting, focusing on modern designs and classic patterns with a fresh twist. One such enduring pattern is the cable knit, a technique often seen in classic fisherman’s sweaters but one that can easily be adapted to create beautiful home decor. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of creating a stunning cable knit pillow, a perfect addition to any living space offering both style and comfort.

Understanding Cable Knitting

Before diving into the knitting process, it’s essential to understand what makes a cable knit so special. Essentially, cable knitting involves crossing groups of stitches over one another to form interwoven patterns that mimic the appearance of twisted ropes or braids. Although it may appear intricate, the basic concept is simple: stitches are held in the front or back of the work and then knitted to create a raised design.

Materials Needed

For any successful knitting project, having the right materials is crucial. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for this cable pillow project:

1. Yarn: Choose a medium to chunky yarn, depending on the pillow size and desired texture. A wool or wool-blend yarn is ideal for its softness and definition.

2. Knitting Needles: Circular needles are recommended for their flexibility, especially if you’re working with wider pieces. Check your yarn label for the recommended needle size.

3. Cable Needle: This is a short, double-pointed needle used to hold stitches temporarily while you create the cable twist.

4. Pillow Insert: Choose a pillow insert to fit the desired size of your finished pillow cover.

5. Darning Needle: Used for weaving in the ends and sewing the pieces together.

6. Buttons or Zippers: Depending on how you want to finish the pillow cover, you may need buttons or a zipper.

Getting Started with the Cable Knit Pattern

The first step in creating your pillow is to decide on the size and design. For this project, we’ll create a standard 16×16 inch pillow cover. Depending on your preference, you can make both sides of the pillow cabled or keep one side plain.

Sample Pattern: Cable Design

• Gauge: Ensure your gauge is correct to achieve the proper size. Recommended: 18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
• Pattern Repeat: 8-row repeat.

Basic Pattern Rows:

1. Row 1 (RS): P2, K6, [P2, K6] to end of row.
2. Row 2 (WS): K2, P6, [K2, P6] to end of row.
3. Row 3 (RS): P2, C6F, [P2, C6F] to end of row.
4. Row 4 (WS): Repeat Row 2.
5. Row 5 (RS): Repeat Row 1.
6. Row 6 (WS): Repeat Row 2.
7. Row 7 (RS): Repeat Row 1.
8. Row 8 (WS): Repeat Row 2.

Abbreviations Used:

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C6F: Cable 6 Front (slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit next 3 stitches, knit 3 from cable needle)

Knitting the Pillow Front

1. Casting On: Begin by casting on 90 stitches. This may vary slightly depending on your gauge; adjust as necessary.

2. Establishing the Pattern: Follow the basic pattern rows, ensuring that you maintain consistency with the stitch count. The pattern repeat forms the beautifully braided cables across your work. Continue straight until you’ve reached the desired length, ensuring that your panel measures approximately 16 inches square.

3. Shaping and Sizing: Block your work to ensure it holds its shape, especially since cable knitting can contract the fabric. To block, wet your piece lightly and pin it to the correct dimensions on a blocking mat.

Knitting the Pillow Back

For a simple yet cohesive look, you can knit the back in a plain stockinette or garter stitch. Alternatively, you can mirror the front panel design if you prefer a fully cabled look.

1. Casting On: Use the same number of stitches as the front.

2. Pattern Choice: If incorporating stockinette, continue in this pattern, alternating knit and purl rows until the desired length is achieved. For a garter stitch, knit every row.

3. Finishing the Panel: Just as with the front, block your back panel to match the size of the front precisely.

Assembling the Pillow

1. Joining the Panels: With the right sides facing inwards, seam three sides together using a mattress stitch for an invisible join. If you plan to use buttons, leave one side open. For a zipper, allow for this in your seam.

2. Button/Zipper Closure: If you opted for buttons, evenly spaced buttonholes can be added to one side before seaming, matching them with sewn-on buttons on the opposite side.

3. Inserting the Pillow Form: Once assembled, turn the cover right side out and insert your pillow form. Close the open edge with your preferred method.

Tips for a Perfect Cable Pillow

• Consistent Tension: Cable knitting requires consistent tension; otherwise, cables may look uneven. Practice with a swatch to get comfortable.

• Cabling Without a Needle: Once proficient, try cabling without a cable needle for increased speed. Many knitters find this faster once they’re comfortable with the technique.

• Experiment with Variations: Try different cable patterns to see which you enjoy most. Many pattern books and online resources can provide inspiration and guidance.

• Color Choices: While classic cream or neutral shades highlight the cable texture beautifully, don’t shy away from bold colors that can make a statement in your decor.

• Using Patterns Creatively: Consider vertical or horizontal placement of cables, mixing panels, or incorporating additional textures like seed or basketweave.

Caring for Your Hand-Knit Pillow

Hand-knit pillows require gentle care. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Washing: Hand wash with cool water and mild detergent, gently squeezing water out without wringing.

• Drying: Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent distortion.

• Storage: When not in use, store flat or rolled to avoid stretching. Protect from dust and pests by using a breathable storage bag.

Conclusion

Knitting a cable pillow is a fulfilling project that combines skill with creativity, resulting in a stylish, functional piece for your home. With its lush texture and timeless appeal, a knit pillow can transform any space, making it instantly cozy and inviting. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or new to the art, this project offers an opportunity to enhance your skills and produce a cherished accessory that speaks to your personal aesthetic. Enjoy the process, savor the moments of creative challenge, and delight in the beauty of a handcrafted home. Happy knitting!