Summary: Basic garter stitch pillow/cushion covers. Separate instructions given for Cotton and Chenille versions.

For the Simple Cotton Cushion:

• 920 yds. DK-weight cotton yarn
• US 6 / 4.0 mm needles
• Gauge: 20 stitches to 4” (10cm) in garter stitch using US 6 / 4.0 mm needles

For the Simple Chenille Cushion:

• 765 yds. chunky cotton chenille yarn
• US 8 / 5.0 mm needles
• Gauge: 15 stitches to 4” (10cm) in garter stitch using US 8 / 5.0 mm needles

Other Materials:

• sewing needle
• pins
• 19 3/4” (50 cm)-square feather pillow form (calculation guide provided to alter pattern to fit different sized forms)

From Comforts of Home: Knitted in cotton or chenille yarn in garter stitch, this cushion has a beautiful raised texture. No increasing, difficult shaping, or tricky finishing details are needed. Its simplicity is its major design feature: it is a straight length of knitting, folded twice, and then simply seamed together. This clean-cut style allows the yarn qualities to shine, so varying the kind of yarn has a big effect on its look and feel. Chenille gives a much softer, more luxurious finish to the cushion than the natural, cool cotton. You could also try working it in ultra-tactile yarns like alpaca or cashmere. Or use a soft string for a more contemporary, crisper finish. Neutral colors--cream, ecru, beige, and off-white--serve to emphasize the textural resonances of the yarn. Several cushions in toning shades will complement each other.

Related Pattern: Simple Chenille Cushion (not yet on Ravelry)