Cable Channel – Part 4

With the knitting behind us, it’s time to seam the fabric for a pillow you will be proud to display.  I have a comprehensive video that will take you through every step of the pillow seaming process.  From pinning, seaming, and sewing on buttons, my Pillow Seaming video will take the guess work out of finishing.  A brief description and additional photos are included in this post.

Begin by laying the fabric face down.  Center the pillow form over the wrong side of the Front.  The lifelines at the bottom and top of the Front will help to center the form.  Fold the bottom button band up over the pillow.  Next, overlap the top buttonhole band over the lower half and secure with pins.  Do not pin the knitting to the form.  Try to overlap by at least 1 1/2 to 2″.  I stretched my fabric a bit to get a nice snug fit.  It is perfectly fine if your piece has more of an overlap.

Remove the pillow form and pin the sides together.  In a perfect world, the lifelines will mark the top and bottom of the front but if your length was adjusted that is completely fine.  Just begin the side seam at the fold where YOUR Front meets your adjusted edge.

With a piece of the project yarn approximately 56″ long threaded onto a tapestry needle, begin seaming the side seam at the lower edge of the Front.  Bring the needle from the wrong side to the right side leaving a 6″ tail that can be buried in the seam later.  The seam is closed using the Mattress Stitch.  My video will take newbie seamers through this essential knitting skill.  Unlike standard seaming, beware that the “V”s run in opposite directions due to the folded fabric.  Try not to overthink this!  Pick a stitch column, or “ditch”, on each side of the opening and stick with it up the seam and all be fine.

Work the Mattress Stitch to the overlapped fabric.  Continue with the Mattress Stitch “catching” the lower flap.  Once past the overlap, proceed with the seaming to the top of the pillow.  Bring the tapestry needle to the inside of the pillow and bury the tail in the newly created seam.  Repeat the process for the other side seam.  This is ALL demonstrated in my Pillow Seaming video and is really quite simple to do.

Remove the lifelines and place the pillow form inside of the seamed piece.  Mark the button placement with removable markers.

Unfold the flaps to reveal the marked button positions.  You can remove the pillow form if desired for easy sewing.

I prefer to use thread when sewing on buttons because it is stronger than most yarn.  Also, buttons often have holes that are too small to accommodate the yarn.  However, if you can pull the yarn through the button, it is perfectly acceptable to use it.  If using yarn, I do recommend using a product like Fray Check to secure the knot of yarn on the back of the button.  Once the buttons are sewn in securely, replace the pillow form and button the back closed.

An optional finish is to add tassels to the corners of the pillow.  Tassels are the hottest thing in home decor and I just knew that I wanted to add them to my pillow.  Tassels are super simple to make especially using my Tassels video.  With 25g remaining in my 4th skein, I made four 5g tassels.  I cut a piece of cardboard to a height of 3 1/2″ inches and wrapped the yarn around it 60 times.  If you have less yarn, you can wrap fewer times to conserve the yardage.  After making the tassels, I steamed them to smooth out any squiggly strands of yarn.  Warning: tassels are addicting and you’ll want to add them to everything!

A condensed, pattern-only version of Cable Channel is available here and on Ravelry.  The pattern is free through May 31st and then will only be available for purchase on Ravelry.

Pillows completed by May 31st are eligible for the Skacel Collection prize drawing.  First prize is a set of addi Click interchangeable needles!  Please enter the drawing as it is the only way our sponsor knows if you are knitting with us.  Entries = more KALs!!!!!  The entry form is available here.

As always, I am so thrilled to be a part of your knitting.  I have enjoyed reading your posts and following each one of you.  I will be back in October for another KAL full of new knitting experiences.  Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date on all of the upcoming details.

Many thank for knitting along,

Michelle

Part Four

Click here to download printable version

Finishing – See Pillow Seaming Video

Weave in ends and block piece if desired.  Note:  Kenzie blooms and softens with wet blocking.

 

Place pillow on top of wrong side of Front.

Fold piece at lifelines, overlapping Buttonhole Band by 2”.  (Piece may need to be stretched to overlap edges which creates a nice snug fit.) Pin in place and remove pillow form.

Pin sides together through all thicknesses.

 

Beginning at lower Front edge and using Mattress Stitch, close side seams catching overlapped Button Band.  See Mattress Stitch Video

Insert pillow form and sew buttons into place on Button Band.

 

If desired, make four tassels with remaining yarn and attach to corners.  See Tassel Video

(My tassels were made according to video over 3 ½” cardboard and wrapping yarn 60 times.  Each tassel used 5g of yarn.)

 

Cable Channel – Part 3

With our lovely pillow front complete, it is time to knit the top half of the back of the pillow known as the buttonhole band.  This section will overlap the lower back and include the buttonholes to close the pillow.  Previous fans will recognize my signature cable-centered buttonholes.  I love how the buttons will nestle inside of the diamonds for a polished finish.

Be sure to place a lifeline through the last row of the pillow front prior to beginning the buttonhole band to aid in centering the pillow in the finishing and to protect your hard work.

This section marks a return to the Twisted Rib as worked in Section A.  Work the Twisted Rib until the rib measures 7″ from the lifeline or 2″ shorter than the desired length. The upcoming cabled buttonhole section will measure approximately 2″ to add to the length for a total of 9″ from the end of the front to the bind off.  The goal is have the top overlap the bottom by about 1 1/2 to 2″.

If your pillow front was slightly longer or shorter than mine, you will need to adjust this length.  I recommend stretching your piece over the pillow form to assess your required length.  Pillow forms vary in the amount of filling so it is best to test the knitting on your form.  If your pillow front is longer, then knit the rib section shorter.  If your front is shorter, then knit the rib section longer.  The yarn and ribbing are very stretchy and it is easy to get a great fit.  I stretched the fabric quite a bit over my pillow form for a snug fit.

Prior to beginning the buttonhole section, place another lifeline through the last row of ribbing.  This lifeline will be handy need to go back and alter the length after completing the buttonholes.

My favorite buttonhole is a one-row style that is sturdy and tidy.  The buttonholes are tucked inside of the diamond cables that are similar to those on the front of the pillow.  The buttonholes are five stitches wide to accommodate the pretty buttons you have chosen.  My Buttonhole video will walk you through all of the buttonhole steps.  The video shows a three stitch buttonhole, but it is the same procedure over any number of stitches.

The final few rows of the buttonhole section contain some oddly placed purl stitches along the top edge.  This is not a mistake in the pattern!  These stitches help keep the bind off edge from flaring.  Just trust the pattern and work as directed.

Finally the stitches are bound off in pattern.  This is typically described as work the knits in knit and the purls in purl while executing the standard bind off. The same holds true here.  Just remember that left and right twists are considered knit stitches so treat both of the twist stitches as knit.  This final edge treatment will keep the edge clean and sophisticated.

My fourth skein weighed 26 grams after binding off leaving plenty for tassels.  My four tassels used 5g of yarn each for those keeping track of yardage.

The above photo shows my completed piece unblocked.  I chose to block the fabric for several reasons.  The fiber content of Kenzie allows the yarn to soften and bloom after a wet blocking.  Blocking also allowed me to coax any stubborn stitches into shape and create a defined sharp top and bottom edge.  As you can see below, I ran blocking wire though the the cast on and bind off edges for a razor sharp edge.  Pins were sufficient for the sides to keep the width to approximately 13″.  For wet blocking you can either pin into place and then spray with water or give the fabric a bath before pinning.  My Blocking video will walk any newbies through the process.

Next week I will have a comprehensive pillow seaming video ready for your viewing.  It will walk you through every step of the finishing process to give you a professional-looking pillow.  I will also address those adorable tassels!

Until next week, happy knitting!

Michelle

Part Three

Click here to download printable version

Buttonhole (5-stitch) – Sl 1 wyif, (sl 1 wyib, psso) 4 times, return the last bind off stitch to left hand needle, turn.  Using Cable Cast On, cast on 5 stitches, turn.  Sl 1 wyib from left hand needle, pass last cast on stitch over this stitch and off the needle.  See Buttonhole Video

For all Cables See Cables Video

C1BK2 – slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then k1 from cable needle.

C1BK2P – slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold to back of work, k2, p1 from cable needle.

C2FK1 – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold to front of work, knit next stitch from left hand needle, k2 from cable needle.

C2FPK2 – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold to front of work, p1, k2 from cable needle.

C4B – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.

C4F – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. cn – cable needle.

LT (Left Twist) – slip as if to knit, slip as if to knit, return both slipped stitches to left needle.  Knit second stitch through the back loop, then knit both stitches together through the back loop.  See Left Twist – Mirror Image to Right Twist Video

RT (Right twist) – knit two stitches together and without taking stitches off left hand needle, reknit the first stitch and remove both stitches from left hand needle.

See Right Twist Video

Section C – Buttonhole Band

Place lifeline through last row of Front to aid in later finishing.

Work Twisted Rib as on Button Band until piece measures 7” from conclusion of Front ending after Row 2.  (I joined 4th skein when section measured 5”.)

Twisted Rib – mult. of 13 + 10, 2 rows (See Chart A below)

Row 1. (RS) K7, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 2. (WS) P3, *p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 7 sts, p7.

Buttonhole Cable – mult. of 26 + 23, 14 rows  (See Chart C below)

Work the following 14 rows once ending after Row 14.

Row 1. (RS)  K7, p1, C1BK2, k1, C2FK1, p1, k4, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, p1, C1BK2, k1, C2FK1, p1, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 2.  (WS). P3, *p7, k3, p7, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p7, k3, p10.

Row 3.  K7, C1BK2, k3, C2FK1, k4, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, C1BK2, k3, C2FK1, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 4.  P3, *p6, k5, p6, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p6, k5, p9.

Row 5.  K6, C1BK2, k5, C2FK1, k3, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k3, C1BK2, k5, C2FK1, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 6.  P3, *p5, k7, p5, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p5, k7, p8.

Row 7.  K4, C4F, k1, buttonhole, k1, C4B, k1, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k1, C4F, k1, buttonhole, k1, C4B, k1; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 8.  P3, *p5, k7, p5, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p5, k7, p8.

Row 9.  K6, C2FK1, k5, C1BK2, k3, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k3, C2FK1, k5, C1BK2, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 10.  P3, *p6, k5, p6, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p6, k5, p9.

Row 11.  K7, C2FK1, k3, C1BK2, k4, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, C2FK1, k3, C1BK2, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 12.  P3, *p7, k3, p7, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p7, k3, p10.

Row 13.  K7, p1, C2FK1, k1, C1BK2, p1, k4, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, p1, C2FK1, k1, C1BK2, p1, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 14.  P3, *p4, k2, p5, k2, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 20 sts, p4, k2, p5, k2, p7.

 

Bind off stitches in pattern.  See Bind Off in Pattern video

(My 4th skein weighed 26g after bind off)

Cable Channel – Part 2

I’m so excited to share Part 2 of Cable Channel with you!  I’ve created an original cable pattern to grace the front of the pillow.  The staggered diamonds are formed from six different types of cables for a truly unique design.  I adore how the twisted ribbing from Part 1 flows into the offset diamonds with a garter stitch center.

Both written and charted instructions are provided for this pattern.  While it may look complicated, take it one row at a time and you will simply fall in love with the results.  For those following the charts, once again the chart is color coded for easy reading.  If you are working from the written directions, I recommend highlighting the cable abbreviations within each row to eliminate confusion. The photo below shows how I colored a few rows.

As in any intricate pattern, placing markers between repeats will keep mistakes to a minimum. Both written and charted followers alike can refer to the chart to help with marker placement.  The pattern repeat is found between the bold lines with the edges stitches outside of them.

While these cables are a bit more involved than the simple 2×2 cable, they all follow the basic principles of cabling.  Slip a group of stitches to a cable needle and hold to either the front or the back of the work.  Work the next group of stitches (may be all knit, all purl, or a combo).  Lastly, work the stitches off of the cable needle as directed in knit, purl or a combo of the two.  You will amaze yourself at the complicated design that emerges with just a bit more effort.  Refresh your cable memory with a quick look at my Cables video.

Be extra careful on the wrong side rows.  The center of the diamonds are worked in garter so it is very tempting to purl on the wrong side rows.  These centers are worked in knit on the wrong side.

Work the 36-row repeat three times ending after Row 36.  Knit to gauge, the pillow front measures between 13-13 1/2″ high.  Due to the way nature of the top edge it is a bit hard to get an accurate measurement.  Don’t forget a lifeline at the end of this section to aid in the finishing process.

Do not fret if your front is longer or shorter than mine.  The pattern is designed with a fluid transition from one stitch pattern to another.  It is perfectly acceptable if your front is longer and spills a bit over onto the back.  Conversely, if your front is a little too short, you will center it on the pillow with the back stitch pattern showing a little more on the front.  I designed the pattern to have a lot of flexibility in the fit.  Any size adjustments will occur in Part 3 and everyone will be fine.  Have no fear and knit on with confidence!

My finished front is slightly smaller than my pillow form (below).  It stretched nicely over the form as seen in the first photo of this post.

For those keeping a close eye on yardage, here are my benchmarks on the Front for your reference:

  • Joined 2nd skein on Row 11 of 1st repeat
  • 2nd skein weighed 28g after one repeat
  • Joined 3rd skein on Row 6 of 3rd repeat
  • 3rd skein weighed 26g after completing Front

Next week’s clue brings some delightful cable buttonholes to complete the knitting.  See you then!

Happy knitting,

Michelle

Part Two

Click here to download printable version

For all cable stitches, refer See Cables Video.

C1BK2 – slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then k1 from cable needle.

C1BK2P – slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold to back of work, k2, p1 from cable needle.

C2FK1 – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold to front of work, knit next stitch from left hand needle, k2 from cable needle.

C2FPK2 – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold to front of work, p1, k2 from cable needle.

C4B – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.  

C4F – slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front of work, knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. 

cn – cable needle.

LT (Left Twist) – slip as if to knit, slip as if to knit, return both slipped stitches to left needle.  Knit second stitch through the back loop, then knit both stitches together through the back loop.  See Left Twist Mirror Image Video

RT (Right twist) – knit two stitches together and without taking stitches off left hand needle, reknit the first stitch and remove both stitches from left hand needle.  See Right Twist Video

Section B – Pillow Front

Cable Channel – mult. of 26 + 23, 36 rows  (See Chart B below)

Row 1.  (RS) K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k4, p1, C1BK2, k1, C2FK1, p1, k4, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 2.  (WS) P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p4, k1, p2, k3, p2, k1, p4, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 3.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k4, C1BK2, k3, C2FK1, k4, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 4.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p6, k5, p6, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 5.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k3, C1BK2, k5, C2FK1, k3, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 6.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p5, k7, p5, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 7.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k2, C1BK2, k7, C2FK1, k2, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 8.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p4, k9, p4, k2, p2; repeat from to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 9.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, C4F, k9, C4B, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 10.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p4, k9, p4, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 11.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k2, C2FK1, k7, C1BK2, k2, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 12.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p5, k7, p5, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 13.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k3, C2FK1, k5, C1BK2, k3, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 14.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p6, k5, p6, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 15.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k4, C2FPK2, k3, C1BK2P, k4, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, p2, k7.

Row 16.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p4, k1, p2, k3, p2, k1, p4, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 17.  K7, p2, RT, p1, *LT, p2, k4, p1, C2FPK2, k1, C1BK2P, p1, k4, p2, RT, p1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, LT, P2, k7.

Row 18.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Row 19.  K7, p1, C1BK2, k1, *C2FK1, p1, k4, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, p1, C1BK2, k1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, C2FK1, p1, k7.

Row 20.  P7, k1, p2, k1, *k2, p2, k1, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p4, k1, p2, k1; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k2, p2, k1, p7.

Row 21.  K7, C1BK2, k2, *k1, C2FK1, k4, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, C1BK2, k2; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k1, C2FK1, k7.

Row 22.  P9, k2, *k3, p6, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p6, k2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k3, p9.

Row 23.  K6, C1BK2, k3, *k2, C2FK1, k3, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k3, C1BK2, k3; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k2, C2FK1, k6.

Row 24.  P8, k3, *k4, p5, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p5, k3; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k4, p8.

Row 25.  K5, C1BK2, k4, *k3, C2FK1, k2, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k2, C1BK2, k4; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k3, C2FK1, k5.

Row 26.  P7, k4, *k5, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p4, k4; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k5, p7.

Row 27.  K3, C4F, k5, *k4, C4B, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, C4F, k5; rep from * to last 11 sts, k4, C4B, k3.

Row 28.  P7, k4, *k5, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p4, k4; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k5, p7.

Row 29.  K5, C2FK1, k4, *k3, C1BK2, k2, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k2, C2FK1, k4; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k3, C1BK2, k5.

Row 30.  P8, k3, *k4, p5, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p5, k3; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k4, p8.

Row 31.  K6, C2FK1, k3, *k2, C1BK2, k3, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k3, C2FK1, k3; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k2, C1BK2, k6.

Row 32.  P9, k2, *k3, p6, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p6, k2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k3, p9.

Row 33.  K7, C2FPK2, k2, *k1, C1BK2P, k4, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, C2FPK2, k2; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k1, C1BK2P, k7.

Row 34.  P7, k1, p2, k1, *k2, p2, k1, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p4, k1, p2, k1; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k2, p2, k1, p7.

Row 35.  K7, p1, C2FPK2, k1, *C1BK2P, p1, k4, p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4, p1, C2FPK2, k1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, C1BK2P, p1, k7.

Row 36.  P7, k2, p2, *k1, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p4, k2, p2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k1, p2, k2, p7.

Work above 36 rows three times ending after Row 36.

(3rd skein weighs 26g, Front = 13-13 ½” tall)

Chart B

Cable Channel – mult. of 26 + 23, 36 rows

Cable Channel – Part 1

Welcome to the Progressive Needles Knit Along sponsored by Skacel Collection.  I can’t thank the folks at Skacel enough for their dedication to knitting education that makes this series possible!

Cable Channel is a textured pillow that will add a pop of color and charm to any decor.  Before we begin, here is an overview of the KAL:

  • A portion of the 4-part mystery pattern is revealed here on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays in April at 9am Eastern time.  The weekly pattern, video resources and lots of helpful tips are included in each post.  An abbreviated, pattern-only version is included to download.
  • All techniques are supported with video instruction at knitpurlhunter.com
  • All questions and comments are monitored daily both here and in the Knit Purl Hunter group on Ravelry.  It’s like having  your own private knitting tutor!
  • Projects completed by May 31st are eligible for the monthly prize drawing – first prize is a set of addi Clicks!  See skacelknitting.com for all the info.
  • VERY IMPORTANT:  Cable Channel is a FREE pattern through May 31st.  After this date, it will only be available for purchase on Ravelry.  Be sure to download each portion of the pattern prior to this date.  Saving it to your Ravelry page will NOT save the pattern.  The helpful tips and videos for each section will remain on my website indefinitely.

 

Pillow Talk

I will admit to being a bit of a pillow fanatic.  My philosophy is that a sofa is just a vessel to hold pillows!  I regularly rotate pillows on beds and sofas to keep the decor fresh and interesting.  I decided it was high time that I brought you on board with this delightful obsession.

Cable Channel is designed for easy seaming.  It is knit in one long piece that is folded and overlapped to be buttoned on the back.  The schematic below shows the approximate measurements of the pillow top after blocking and the order of the knitting.  Today’s clue begins with Section A where the buttons will be added later in the finishing process.

Button Band

Section A is comprised of a lovely twisted rib design.  Not only is this pattern good looking, the ribs will hug the pillow form for a snug fit.

I chose to cast on with the Crochet Cast On method because it leaves a nice clean edge and no long tail calculation is required.  Any cast on technique will work, but I recommend giving it a try.  It’s my go-to cast on for large numbers of stitches where a firm cast on is not needed.  Watch my Crochet Cast On video for a quick tutorial.

The instructions are given in both written and charted formats to suit your preference.  Note that the chart is color coded for easy reading.  If you are unable to print in color, use highlighters or colored pencils to aid you.  The pattern’s 13-stitch repeat is found between the bold lines in the chart.  No matter how you choose to read the instructions, I’m betting that the design will be easily memorized and be a quick knit.

The Twisted Rib uses both left and right twists to achieve its braided appearance.  I have once again chosen to use the Left Twist- Mirror Image since it most closely mimics the Right Twist.  Check out the linked videos to refresh you on these cable-like cousins.

The Twisted Rib is worked until the piece measures 8″ from cast on edge.  At first the fabric will seem way too wide, but it will pull in nicely after a few inches when the rib starts to pull in horizontally.  Do not bind off as the pillow will continue over these same 101 stitches.

I recommend laying the width of the piece over your pillow form to evaluate the fit.  Pillows vary in level of filling so it is best to check your knitting with your exact form.  The rib stretches and pulls so it is very forgiving to fit but a little awkward to measure.  My button band measured approximately 11 1/2″ wide unstretched prior to blocking, but anything close to that will work.

At the completion of this section, be sure to place a lifeline through your stitches.  This lifeline will be used in the finishing process and will safeguard your hard work.

A Little Secret

I have listed my yarn usage as a reference for your knitting.  At the completion of the pillow, I had 25g (half of a skein) remaining.  However, following today’s big trend, I chose to add tassels to the corners of the pillow and I adore the look!  The tassels used 5 grams each.  I let you in on this little secret in case you want to keep a close eye on your yardage.  I will reveal all of the tassel details in Part 4.

Until Next Week

Please join my Ravelry group where you can find lots of support from me and the thousands of other members.  I answer questions daily and many of the members also offer helpful tips and encouragement.  It’s a fun and vibrant community of knitters.

Enjoy the pattern and see you next week!

Happy knitting,

Michelle

Part One

Click here to download printable version

  • Kenzie by HiKoo, 50% New Zealand merino, 25% nylon, 10% angora, 10% alpaca, 5% silk noils, 50g/160 yards each, 4 skeins
  • Waste yarn – contrasting color in a similar weight to Kenzie, 2 yards
  • US #6 (4mm) 24” circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Optional – crochet hook Size F or G for cast on
  • 14” pillow form
  • 7/8” (22mm) buttons, 4
  • Cable needle
  • Tapestry needle

14″ square

23 sts and 30 rows = 4” in stockinette

LT (Left Twist) – slip as if to knit, slip as if to knit, return both slipped stitches to left needle.  Knit second stitch through the back loop, then knit both stitches together through the back loop.  See Left Twist – Mirror Image Video

RT (Right twist) – knit two stitches together and without taking stitches off left hand needle, reknit the first stitch and remove both stitches from left hand needle.  See Right Twist Video

 

Section A – Button Band

Cast on 101 sts.  (I used Crochet Cast On, but any method is acceptable.) .

See Crochet Cast On Video

 

Twisted Rib – mult. of 13 + 10, 2 rows (See Chart A below)

Row 1. (RS) K7, *p2, RT, p1, LT, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Row 2. (WS) P3, *p4, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2; repeat from * to last 7 sts, p7.

Repeat the above two rows until piece measures 8” ending after Row 2.  Place lifeline through last row to aid in later finishing.  (My 1st skein weighed 6g at this point)

 

Chart A

Twisted Rib – mult. of 13 + 10

April KAL

Join me this April for Cable Channel, a stylish pillow featuring an original cable pattern.  Knit in HiKoo Kenzie, the design creates a rich fabric to add beauty and texture to any decor.  Pillows provide the perfect platform to explore new techniques and hone the finishing skills.  They also make great gifts!

Cable Channel is knit in one piece with simple seaming and features a button closure to allow for easy washing and assembly.  The front and back are knit in different stitch patterns to keep the project interesting and texturally charming.  Both written and charted instructions, along with video support, are provided to guarantee success.

HiKoo Kenzie delivers the excellent stitch definition and durability best suited for casual luxury.  Available in over 25 colors, there is a shade to match every décor or provide that perfect “pop” of color.  With the wide selection of Skacel Buttons, it’s a snap to find the perfect button.

Check out all of the vibrant colors of Kenzie and browse the beautiful Skacel button catalog.  The possibilities are endless!

FAQ
When does the KAL start?

Thursday, April 4th and continues every Thursday in April.

What does the pillow look like?
The KALs are a mystery knit.  A portion of the pattern is released each week to add to the excitement.  I promise to deliver a cable pattern that is sure to impress you!  My trusted test knitters are still raving about it.

Do I need to register?
Nope, it is absolutely FREE!  Just head to my website to download the instructions anytime after 9am on April 4th.  Also included are helpful tips, videos and photos to guide you.

Can I ask questions?
Yes!!!!!  I monitor questions daily on my website and in my Ravelry group.  It’s like having your won private knitting tutor.

Where can I buy the yarn?
The KAL suppliers link below lists many of the shop that carry HiKoo Kenzie.  Check your local yarn shop or jump online to find many fine retailers happy to ship to you.  Any shop that carries HiKoo can order the buttons as well.

Materials

  • Kenzie by HiKoo, 50% New Zealand merino, 25% nylon, 10% angora, 10% alpaca, 5% silk noils, 4 skeins.  Shown in #1024 Hokitika
  • US #6 (4mm) 24” circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 14” pillow form
  • 7/8” buttons, 4.  Shown in Skacel coconut button #BU1732C23

Size
14” square

Gauge
23 sts and 30 rows = 4” in stockinette