For a 40 x 40 cm cushion we will need:
two skeins of Berry cord 3 mm,
size 8 circular knitting needle,
a needle, thread, buttons, scissors
and an inner cushion
Instructions (abbreviations: k = knit, p = purl):
First cast on the number of stitches you need (I had 56) and for the first 4 rows knit the right-side rows and purl the wrong-side rows (stockinette).
In the fifth row (knit) we make buttonholes so that we can button up the cushion. For each buttonhole bind off 2 or 3 stitches, depending on how big you want the buttonhole. If you want to close the cover with a zip, you will not make buttonholes.
On the wrong side purl, and above the bound-off stitches cast on new ones.
In the next right-side row, knit the cast-on stitches through the back loop (the English way); otherwise the whole row is knit.
Purl the next row, and in the next right-side row we start the pattern. On the right side alternate 1 knit, 1 purl; on the wrong side the other way round, so that it forms a seed (moss) stitch. (On the right side I knit the stitch, and on the wrong side I knit it as well.)
Where we want to cross stitches (I knitted 36 stitches and then started crossing). Next to the crossed stitches there is always a purl stitch on the right side. And we cross: put 2 stitches on a cable needle and hold them behind the work, knit the next stitch, and now knit the stitches from the cable needle; the next stitch is purl, and now we alternate knit and purl again. You can cross stitches just once or repeat as you like. I repeated, so I had 1 purl, then three crossed stitches as described, then 1 purl, then k, p, k, then 1 purl, 3 crossed stitches, 1 purl, and finished the row alternating k and p.
This is what it looks like from the right side.
And this is the wrong side: you purl the crossed stitches, and the stitches that are purl on the right side next to the pattern you knit on the wrong side.
Knit to the height you need, according to the cushion you want to put inside, then bind off the knitting; do not pull the bound-off stitches tight.
Fold the whole piece in half and crochet the sides together.
Here there are three layers because of the knitted start with the buttonholes. You pick up the inner threads of the edge stitches, yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook. You are in fact joining with a slip stitch.
This is what the seam looks like from the side and when unfolded.
Now just sew on the buttons, slip in the cushion, and your guests can admire your skill.
Happy crafting!
Tutorial for www.tvorboshop.cz written by Jaroslava Němečková