This cushion is not difficult to make, even though it looks complicated. Simply start at the bottom tip and CO on each side of the central stitch. The work will look a little odd and stretched when it is complete, however to make a nice heart shape it is important to follow the instructions on blocking in Good Advice.
Back: Grey wool fabric: 60 × 45cm (18 × 24in).
You can also knit another heart to use for the back.
Yarn
Falk from Dale Garn (wool)
150g (51⁄4oz) grey no. 0004
Plippi from Rauma Ullvarefabrikk
(alpaca/nylon)
50g (13⁄4oz) grey
Beo from Larartus (polyamide)
50g (13⁄4oz) black
Front:
Row 1: CO 7 sts with 3.5mm (size 4) needles.
Row 2: K2, p3 and k2.
Row 3: P2, k1, CO 1 st on each side of the central stitch, k1 and p2.
Row 4: K2, p5 and k2.
Row 5: P2, k2, CO 1 st on each side of the central stitch, k2 and p2.
Row 6: K2, p7 and k2.
Row 7: P2, k3, CO 1 st on each side of the central stitch, k3 and p2.
Row 8: K2, p9 and k2.
Row 9: P2, k4, M1 st on each side of the central stitch, k4 and p2.
Row 10: K2, p11 and k2.
Row 11: P2, k5, M1 st on each side of the central stitch, k5 p2.
Row 12: K2, p13 and k2.
Row 13: P2, k6, M1 st on each side of the central stitch, k6 and p2.
Row 14: K2, p15 and k2.
Row 15: P2, k7, M1 st on each side of the central stitch, k7 and p2.
Row 16: K2, p8, k1, p8 and k2.
Row 17: P2, k8, M1 p st on each side of the central stitch, k8 and p2.
Row 18: K2, p8, k3, p8 and k2.
Row 19: P2, place the next 4 sts on a cn behind the work, knit 4 sts, then knit the 4 from the cn (1 right cable), p1, M p1 st on each side of the central stitch, p1, place the next 4 on a cn in front of the work, knit 4 sts, then knit the 4 sts from the cn (left cable), p2.
Row 20: K2, p8, k5, p8 and k2.
Continue the same way by M1 st on each side of the central stitch every other needle as well as continuing the cables. This means that you have to turn when you are at row 9 and 19.
Repeat until you have 165 sts on the needle. Next row: K82sts, cast off 1sts, knit to end. Now you should have 82 sts on each side. Leave the sts on the right side alone while you continue on the left side.
*Begin by knitting p2 and the two next sts k to 1, knit to the end of the needle. Do the same thing back: k2, the next 2 sts ptog to 1, knit to the end of the needle. Knit back and forth without casting (binding) off*. Repeat from * to * 4 times.
Continue knitting cables and turning as before.
*Knit p2, knit the next 2 sts k joined as 1, knit to the end of the needle. Do the same thing back:
k2, the next 2 sts p joined as 1, knit to the end of the needle*. Repeat from * to * 4 times. Cast (bind) off the 3 first sts, knit to the end of the needle. Do the same thing back.
*Cast (bind) off the first 5 sts, knit to the end of the needle. Do the same thing back*. Repeat from * to * 5 times.
Cast (bind) off the last 10 sts.
Knit the right side of the work in the same way.
Fur trim:
CO 5 sts with 1 grey and 1 black yarn on 9mm (size 13) needles. Knit k back and forth with double thread until it measures 175cm (69in). Cast (bind) off and attach thread.
Assembly:
Sew in all loose threads on the work.
Sketch and cut out a heart that measures about 60cm (24in) in height and about 45cm (18in) in width. Place the drawing on a porous board, and attach the work (see Good Advice).
Use the same pattern to cut out a back piece in grey wool fabric.
Place the knitted heart and the back piece wrong side to wrong side and sew together. Leave an opening of about 10cm (4in) on one side. Fill the pillow with washed and carded wool or use a foam cushion insert. Sew together.
Hide the stitched edges with the fur trim. Sew the trim together first to form a ring and distribute it evenly around the edge. When you sew it onto the cushion the extra fur will disappear. Fold around the wound edges and secure with pins. Sew with small tacking (basting) stitches through all four layers.