Peony cushion—knit bold intarsia blooms with a twist!
This peony-themed Pioni cushion is worked using the intarsia technique, creating a striking floral motif. If you prefer, the finished piece can easily be turned into a stylish bag—two projects in one!
Size: 32 cm × 43 cm / 12.5 × 17˝
Pioni cushion—materials:
- Yarn: Vuonue Pentti Kampalanka (70 % Finnwool, 30 % tencel, 240 m / 262 yds / 100g), MC: Lohenpunainen (salmon) 100 g, CC1: Okra (ocher) 30 g, CC2: Tummanharmaa (dark grey) 10 g
- Needles: Circular needle 3.5 mm / US 4. Adjust needle size if needed to obtain the correct gauge.
- Notions: Darning needle, cushion pad or ball fiber stuffing. Lining fabric for a bag, if needed.
Gauge: 22 sts × 28 rnds = 10 cm × 10 cm / 4 × 4˝ over colorwork using 3.5 mm / US 4 needles (after wet blocking)
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- MC: main color
- CC: contrast color
- St st: stockinette stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
Pioni cushion—instructions:
The cushion is worked flat using the intarsia technique with two colors, and the dark grey areas are embroidered onto the fabric in the end.
Using MC, CO 95 sts. Work 10 rows in St St.
Begin the intarsia section by following Row 1 of Chart 1. Work all rows of the chart, and then 10 rows with MC . The front piece of the cushion is now complete.
Continue with MC and work in St St until the height of the back piece matches with the front.
Finishing
Using CC2 and chain stitches, embroider the dark grey details as shown in Chart 2. Dampen the piece carefully, lay flat in measurements and let dry. Steam block if needed.
Join the seams and stuff with a cushion pad or ball fiber stuffing.
Tip: If you want to use the piece to make a clutch bag, turn the colorwork pattern upside down to have the opening of the bag at the top.
The pattern has been originally published in Beloved Patterns magazine 2/2023.
