The Woven Stone Cable Pillow Free Pattern
The Woven Stone Cable Pillow: A Modern Knitting Project for Your Home
Welcome, fellow knitters! Today, I'm thrilled to share a pattern that perfectly marries modern design with timeless technique: The Woven Stone Cable Pillow. This isn't just another cable knit; it's a sculptural, architectural accent that brings a cozy yet sophisticated texture to any room. The pattern creates a stunning central diamond motif with twisted stitches that mimic a woven, basket-like texture, all set against a reverse stockinette background. The result is a pillow that looks like carved stone—warm, dimensional, and utterly unique. Whether you're a seasoned cable knitter or looking for a challenging but rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you to create a beautiful, handmade home accent.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the recommended yarn will ensure the best stitch definition and that soft, plush feel.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10 ply) yarn, approximately 400-450 yards. A heathered oatmeal or stone gray color is ideal. A wool and alpaca blend is highly recommended for its softness and excellent stitch definition.
- Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles. You can use straight needles or circular needles for working flat. A cable needle is also required.
- Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional), and a 16-inch pillow form.
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for the pillow to fit the form properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat in two identical panels (front and back) and seamed together. The cable pattern creates a central diamond motif with twisted stitches on a reverse stockinette background. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pillow in no time.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.
- C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.
- T3F: Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to front, purl next 2 stitches, then knit the stitch from cable needle.
- T3B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit next 1 stitch, then purl 2 stitches from cable needle.
- Rep: Repeat
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- BO: Bind off
Pattern Notes
- The pillow is worked flat in two identical panels (front and back) and seamed together, leaving an opening for the pillow form.
- The cable pattern creates a central diamond motif with twisted stitches on a reverse stockinette background.
Panel (Make 2)
Finished Size: Approximately 16 inches square (fits a 16-inch pillow form).
CO 72 sts.
Set-up Row (WS): P2, (K2, P4) rep across to last 2 sts, P2.
Row 1 (RS): K2, (P2, C4F) rep across to last 4 sts, P2, K2.
Row 2 (WS): P2, (K2, P4) rep across to last 2 sts, P2.
Row 3 (RS): K2, (P2, K4) rep across to last 4 sts, P2, K2.
Row 4 (WS): P2, (K2, P4) rep across to last 2 sts, P2.
Row 5 (RS): K2, (P2, C4B) rep across to last 4 sts, P2, K2.
Row 6 (WS): P2, (K2, P4) rep across to last 2 sts, P2.
Row 7 (RS): K2, (P2, K4) rep across to last 4 sts, P2, K2.
Row 8 (WS): P2, (K2, P4) rep across to last 2 sts, P2.
Repeat Rows 1-8 until piece measures approximately 15 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Next Row (RS): K2, (P2, C4F) rep across to last 4 sts, P2, K2.
Next Row (WS): P2, (K2, P4) rep across to last 2 sts, P2.
BO loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls). Weave in ends.
Finishing
- Block both panels to 16 inches square. This is essential for the pillow to have a professional, even shape.
- With right sides together, sew three sides of the pillow together using a mattress stitch or backstitch, leaving one side open.
- Insert a 16-inch pillow form into the opening.
- Sew the remaining side closed using the same method. Weave in all ends.
Your Woven Stone Cable Pillow is now complete! Enjoy the beautiful texture and modern elegance it brings to your home. Happy knitting!
