Diagonal Linen Stitch Cushion Free Knitting Pattern
Diagonal Linen Stitch Cushion Free Knitting Pattern
Introduction
This cushion is a lovely project for anyone who has mastered the knit and purl stitch and wants to try something with a little more texture. The linen stitch gives the fabric a woven, tweedy surface that looks far more complicated than it really is, and the diagonal split of plum and mauve makes it feel crisp and Parisian-chic. Knitted in soft recycled cotton, it has a gentle, substantial drape that sits beautifully on a sofa or bed. Two simple triangles are worked separately and joined along the diagonal, so the color blocking does all the hard work for you.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4) recycled cotton, approx. 200 yd (183 m) per 100 g skein.
- Color A (plum): 2 skeins (approx. 220 yd / 201 m)
- Color B (mauve): 2 skeins (approx. 220 yd / 201 m)
- Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle, 24" (60 cm) or longer, or straight needles.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, tape measure, blocking mats and pins.
- Finished size: Approx. 18" x 18" (45.5 x 45.5 cm) square.
- Insert: One 18" (45.5 cm) square pillow form.
Abbreviations
- CO – cast on
- BO – bind off
- RS – right side (the public, outward-facing side of the fabric)
- WS – wrong side (the back of the fabric)
- k – knit
- p – purl
- sl1 wyif – slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn held in front of the work
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd – round
Gauge
18 sts and 32 rows = 4" (10 cm) in linen stitch, blocked. Knit a small swatch in linen stitch, block it, and measure a 4" section in the middle to confirm your stitch and row counts match before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep the slipped stitches loose. Slip stitches purlwise without twisting, and don't pull the yarn tight — a relaxed tension keeps the linen stitch fabric soft and even.
- Count your cast-on carefully. Each triangle uses 82 stitches, an even number that keeps the slip pattern alternating correctly. Recount before you begin Row 1.
- Block before joining. Linen stitch can pull in slightly; blocking each triangle to 18" square first makes the diagonal edges match perfectly for seaming.
- Mark your right side. Place a removable marker on the RS of each triangle so you always know which face is which when it's time to join.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Triangle A (Plum)
With Color A, CO 82 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k1, *sl1 wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, k1 (82 sts).
Row 2 (WS): p1, *k1, sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, p1 (82 sts).
Rows 3–288: Repeat Rows 1–2 until piece measures 18" (45.5 cm) from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (82 sts).
Next row: BO all sts.
Triangle B (Mauve)
With Color B, work exactly as for Triangle A: CO 82 sts, then repeat Rows 1–2 until the piece measures 18" (45.5 cm), ending with a WS row (82 sts). BO all sts.
Blocking the Triangles
Block both triangles to 18" (45.5 cm) square measurements and let them dry completely before joining.
Joining the Triangles
With RS facing, align the diagonal edges of Triangle A and Triangle B. Using mattress stitch, sew the diagonal edges together, matching stitch for stitch.
Edging
With RS facing and using Color A, pick up and knit 82 sts evenly along one side edge, 82 sts along the opposite side edge, and 82 sts along the top and bottom edges (328 sts total). Join to work in the round.
Rnd 1: purl (328 sts).
Rnd 2: knit (328 sts).
Next rnd: BO all sts.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends on the wrong side of the fabric, working them through a few stitches to secure. Insert the 18" (45.5 cm) square pillow form through the opening, then sew the opening closed using mattress stitch, matching stitch for stitch so the seam disappears into the fabric. Give the finished cushion a light steam or block the edging flat, then let it dry fully before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the palette: Try charcoal and cream, or sage and blush, for a different mood while keeping the same diagonal split.
- Add a button closure: Leave one side of the edging open and add three buttons and buttonholes for a removable, washable cover.
- Make a set: Knit a second cushion with the colors reversed (mauve triangle A, plum triangle B) for a coordinated pair.
