Cobblestone Cabled Pillow

Abbreviations

Finishing

Block all three panels to 16 in × 16 in (front) and 16 in × 13.5 in (each back panel) using wet blocking or steam. Allow to dry completely. Lay Front panel WS up. Place Back Panel A (button band) on top RS up, aligning three edges; panel extends 13.5 in from one edge. Place Back Panel B (buttonhole band) on top RS up from the opposite edge, overlapping Panel A by approximately 3 in at center; the three-button opening runs horizontally across the overlap. Pin all edges. With tapestry needle and yarn, seam three sides (two side edges and the bottom edge) using mattress stitch or whip stitch, catching all three layers where the panels overlap. Weave in all ends. Sew three buttons onto Back Panel A aligning with the buttonholes in Back Panel B. Insert 16-in pillow form through button opening.

Notes

Stitch count for the cable panel interior: 4 garter border + 2 purl + (6 knit + 2 purl) × 6 cables + 4 garter border = 4 + 2 + 48 + 12 + 6 = 72 sts total — verify before beginning. Cable is twisted every 4 rows (on RS rows 11, 15, 19, etc.), creating a dense rope texture. C6B and C6F alternate across the row to form opposing twist directions for a cobblestone effect. If you prefer a uniform twist, substitute all cables with C6B. The yo/k2tog buttonhole is a simple one-stitch hole; for a larger button use a two-row bound-off buttonhole instead. Both back panels are knit in garter stitch (every row knit) for reversibility and to prevent curling. Always check your blocked gauge before beginning — cable patterns compress significantly, and blocking at the correct dimensions is essential for a neat fit. Buttons should be sewn on after blocking as recommended.