Two-Tone Basketweave Cylinder Pouf Knit Free Pattern

Introduction

This two-tone basketweave cylinder pouf is the perfect project for anyone who wants a modern, designer-looking piece of home decor without tackling anything too complicated. It's worked entirely in the round with simple knit and purl stitches, so the only "trick" is the basketweave texture — and once you've knit a few rounds, you'll find the rhythm completely relaxing. The finished pouf has a straight-sided cylinder shape, a blush pink base, and an emerald green top, with a raised checkerboard of purl and knit squares running all the way around. Stuffed firmly, it's a cozy, sturdy footrest or floor cushion that looks and feels wonderfully plush.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Aran weight wool blend (for example, 80% wool, 20% nylon), approximately 800 yards total — 400 yards emerald and 400 yards blush.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 32-inch length, or size to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and a large bag of fiberfill stuffing.
• Finished size: Approximately 20 inches in diameter and 16 inches tall.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on — create the starting stitches.
• k: Knit stitch.
• p: Purl stitch.
• k2tog: Knit two stitches together — a decrease that turns two stitches into one.
• rep: Repeat.
• rnd(s): Round(s) — one full pass around the circular needle.
• pm: Place marker.
• sts: Stitches.

Gauge

16 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 inches in basketweave pattern. Knit a small swatch in the round in the basketweave pattern and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a needle size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Check your stitch count at every decrease round. The shaping rounds change the count quickly, and the totals in parentheses are your safety net.
• Keep the basketweave blocks aligned. The blocks swap every 4 rounds, so read your knitting as you go — the purl squares should always sit above the knit squares from the previous block.
• Change color cleanly at 8 inches. Measure from the cast-on edge, not from the last round, and make the switch right after finishing Rnd 8 of a block.
• Stuff firmly but evenly. Add stuffing in small handfuls and push it toward the sides so the cylinder stays straight and doesn't bulge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Blush Section)

Rnds 1-4: Using blush, CO 160 sts, join in the round being careful not to twist, and pm. [k2, p2] rep around (160 sts).

Rnds 1-4: [k4, p4] rep around (160 sts).

Rnds 5-8: [p4, k4] rep around (160 sts).

Rnds 9-16: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 17-24: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 25-32: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 33-40: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 41-48: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts), ending after Rnd 8. Piece now measures about 8 inches from the cast-on edge.

Body (Emerald Section)

Rnds 1-4: Change to emerald. [k4, p4] rep around (160 sts).

Rnds 5-8: [p4, k4] rep around (160 sts).

Rnds 9-16: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 17-24: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 25-32: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts).

Rnds 33-40: Repeat Rnds 1-8 (160 sts), ending after Rnd 8. Piece now measures about 15 inches from the cast-on edge.

Top Shaping

Rnd 1: [k2tog, k2, p4] rep around (140 sts).

Rnd 2: [k3, p4] rep around (140 sts).

Rnd 3: [k1, k2tog, p4] rep around (120 sts).

Rnd 4: [k2, p4] rep around (120 sts).

Rnd 5: [k2tog, p4] rep around (100 sts).

Rnd 6: [k1, p4] rep around (100 sts).

Rnd 7: [k2tog, p3] rep around (80 sts).

Rnd 8: [k1, p3] rep around (80 sts).

Rnd 9: [k2tog, p2] rep around (60 sts).

Rnd 10: [k1, p2] rep around (60 sts).

Rnd 11: [k2tog, p1] rep around (40 sts).

Rnd 12: [k1, p1] rep around (40 sts).

Rnd 13: [k2tog] rep around (20 sts).

Rnd 14: [k2tog] rep around (10 sts).

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 10 sts, pull tight to close the crown, and secure on the inside.

Bottom Shaping

Stuff the pouf firmly with fiberfill through the open bottom before closing. Using blush, pick up 160 sts evenly along the cast-on edge and pm.

Rnd 1: [k2tog, k2, p4] rep around (140 sts).

Rnd 2: [k3, p4] rep around (140 sts).

Rnd 3: [k1, k2tog, p4] rep around (120 sts).

Rnd 4: [k2, p4] rep around (120 sts).

Rnd 5: [k2tog, p4] rep around (100 sts).

Rnd 6: [k1, p4] rep around (100 sts).

Rnd 7: [k2tog, p3] rep around (80 sts).

Rnd 8: [k1, p3] rep around (80 sts).

Rnd 9: [k2tog, p2] rep around (60 sts).

Rnd 10: [k1, p2] rep around (60 sts).

Rnd 11: [k2tog, p1] rep around (40 sts).

Rnd 12: [k1, p1] rep around (40 sts).

Rnd 13: [k2tog] rep around (20 sts).

Rnd 14: [k2tog] rep around (10 sts).

Add any final stuffing to reach a firm, even shape. Cut the yarn, thread through the remaining 10 sts, pull tight to close the base, and secure on the inside.

Assembly and Finishing

There are no seams to sew — the pouf is knit entirely in the round, and both the top and bottom are closed with a simple gathered drawstring finish. Weave in all ends on the inside of the pouf, working the emerald and blush tails in opposite directions so they don't create a lump. To block, lightly mist the finished pouf with water and pat it into a smooth, even cylinder, then let it air-dry fully before using it. Fluff and redistribute the stuffing one last time through the closed shape by pressing gently from the outside.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the palette: Try mustard and cream, or charcoal and oatmeal, for a different look — the two-tone split works with almost any pairing.
• Add a base disc: Cut a circle of sturdy cardboard or foam to fit inside the bottom before closing for extra structure and a flatter seat.
• Make a smaller version: Cast on 120 sts and follow the same basketweave and shaping logic for a petite footstool-sized pouf.