Mossy Glen Cushion Free Pattern – Textured Knitted Pillow Cover

Mossy Glen Cushion Free Pattern – Textured Knitted Pillow Cover

Bring the serene beauty of a forest floor into your living space with this richly textured knitted pillow cover. The combination of moss stitch and cable details creates a plush, organic surface that invites touch and adds depth to any room. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills while creating a stunning piece of home decor.

With its earthy palette of deep fern, soft moss, and muted sage, this pillow cover mimics the uneven ground of a forest glen. The repeating pattern of alternating cable twists and purl valleys creates a dimensional, braided texture that is both visually striking and wonderfully tactile. Whether you're an experienced knitter or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a beautiful, handmade accent for your home.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three shades of green (e.g., Fern, Moss, and Sage) – approximately 400 yards total. Choose a soft, durable yarn like wool or a wool-blend for the best texture and longevity.
• Knitting Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles – straight or circular, whichever you prefer for flat knitting.
• Cable Needle: A small cable needle (or double-pointed needle) for creating the cable twists.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming the panels together.
• Pillow Form: A 16-inch square pillow form or insert.
• Stitch Markers (optional): To help keep track of pattern repeats.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your finished pillow cover is the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pillow cover is knitted flat in two identical panels and seamed together, with an envelope closure for easy insertion of a pillow form. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, professional-looking pillow cover in no time.

Panel 1 (Make 2)

You will make two identical panels. Each panel measures approximately 18 inches square before seaming.

Cast On and Border

Step 1: With Fern yarn, cast on 72 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).

Step 2: Work 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This creates a neat, sturdy border that will frame your design beautifully.

Main Body – Cable Pattern

Step 3: Switch to Moss yarn and begin the main cable pattern. This pattern creates the beautiful braided texture that mimics forest ground.

Row 1 (Right Side): K3, *p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): K3, *k2, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, k2, p4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 3 (Cable Row – Front Cross): K3, *p2, k2, p2, slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2, k2, p2, slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Tip: When you slip stitches to the cable needle and hold in front, the cable will twist to the left. Holding in back creates a right-leaning twist. This alternation creates the beautiful braided effect.

Row 4: Same as Row 2.

Row 5: K3, *p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 6: Same as Row 2.

Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 1-2 twice. This gives you several plain rows between cable twists, allowing the texture to breathe.

Row 11 (Cable Row – Back Cross): K3, *p2, k2, p2, slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle, p2, k2, p2, slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 12: Same as Row 2.

Step 4: Repeat Rows 1-12 until the piece measures approximately 16 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Row 12. This ensures you complete a full pattern repeat before moving to the next section.

Color Transition and Moss Stitch Band

Step 5: Switch to Sage yarn. Work 2 rows in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side). This creates a smooth transition between the cable pattern and the moss stitch band.

Step 6: Work 4 rows in moss stitch as follows:

Moss Stitch Row 1: K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * across.

Moss Stitch Row 2: P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * across.

Note: The moss stitch creates a nubby, organic texture that beautifully contrasts with the smooth cables above it.

Step 7: Repeat these 6 rows (2 stockinette + 4 moss stitch) once more. This creates a wide, textured band that adds visual interest to the bottom of your pillow.

Final Border and Bind Off

Step 8: Switch back to Fern yarn and work 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This mirrors the top border and completes the frame.

Step 9: Bind off all stitches loosely. A loose bind-off is essential to prevent the edge from pulling or curling. You can use a larger needle for binding off if needed, or use a stretchy bind-off method like the "knit two together" bind-off.

Finishing and Assembly

Step 10: Block both panels to the same dimensions (approximately 18 inches square). Wet blocking or steam blocking will help even out the stitches and set the cables. Pin the panels to a blocking mat and allow them to dry completely.

Step 11: With right sides together, sew three sides together using a mattress stitch. This invisible seaming technique creates a professional finish. Take your time with this step – it makes a huge difference in the final look.

Step 12: Turn the pillow cover right side out. Insert a 16-inch pillow form through the open side.

Step 13: Sew the fourth side closed using a whip stitch. This creates the envelope closure that keeps your pillow form secure while remaining easy to remove for washing.

Step 14: Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle. Make sure to secure them well so they don't work their way out with use.

Tips for Success

• Check your gauge: Before starting, knit a small swatch to ensure your gauge matches. This is crucial for achieving the correct finished size.
• Use stitch markers: Place markers between pattern repeats to help you keep track of where you are, especially during cable rows.
• Keep tension even: Cables can pull your knitting tighter. Be mindful of your tension, especially on cable rows.
• Block patiently: Proper blocking transforms your knitting. Don't skip this step – it will make your cables look crisp and professional.

This Mossy Glen Cushion pattern is a wonderful project that combines beautiful texture with practical home decor. The earthy greens and organic patterns will bring warmth and nature-inspired coziness to any room. Enjoy the process, and don't hesitate to make it your own with different color combinations!