I designed this cushion for my March 2019 retreat. After a relaxing first day, I felt we could extend our techniques further on the Sunday — so we worked on another cushion square, this time combining two colourwork techniques: slip stitch and fair isle.

Slip stitch is simple — but I think it’s magical. It takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s also my favourite colourwork technique! Regular Purl &Jane knitters will recognise it from patterns like the Charlie Cushion, Spencer Scarf, Emmen Jumper, Aisling Hat and Cara Tank Top. They might look tricky, but with slip stitch they’re enjoyable and surprisingly easy to knit.

I designed the slip stitch square first because it uses my favourite technique, then added fair isle so knitters could see and feel the difference between the two. It’s a great project to explore and compare both colourwork styles — and end up with a lovely handknit cushion at the same time.

CONSTRUCTION
Individual squares knitted flat from the bottom up and joined together to make the cushion.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, slip stitch (mosaic) colourwork, fairisle and cast off. Joining seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
To make 8 squares:
One 100g hank each of WYS Bluefaced Leicester Aran
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 166m/182yds per 100g
AND WYS Croft Shetland Aran.
100% British Shetland wool, 166m/182yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
5mm.

NOTIONS
Cushion pad to fit.

GAUGE (tension)
19 stitches and 21 rows to 10cm square over fairisle pattern. I obtained this gauge with 5mm needles.
It is important to obtain gauge so do swatch and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
For one square:
16.5cm wide x 17cm long.

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.