Symmetrical Seed Stitch Cushion Cover

A cozy, beginner-friendly knitted cushion cover featuring an allover seed stitch texture framed by a neat garter stitch border. The design is fully symmetrical — identical front and back panels create a balanced, reversible look. Perfect for adding handmade texture to any room.

Finished Size: 16 x 16 inches (40.5 x 40.5 cm) to fit a 16-inch (40.5 cm) square cushion insert
Difficulty: Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (approx. 400–450 yards / 365–410 m total). Sample uses a soft wool or wool-blend in a solid or lightly heathered color to show the texture.
• US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular knitting needles
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• 16-inch (40.5 cm) square cushion insert
• Optional: 3–4 buttons (¾–1 inch) and matching sewing thread if making a button closure

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in seed stitch, blocked
Please swatch and adjust needle size if needed to match gauge. Accurate gauge ensures the cover fits your insert snugly.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• k: knit
• p: purl
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Stitch Patterns

Garter Stitch (border): Knit every row.
Seed Stitch (center panel):
Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *P1, k1; rep from * to end.
(Repeat these 2 rows. On even stitch counts this produces stable, non-curling texture.)

Pattern Instructions

Front Panel

Cast on 84 stitches.

Lower Border:
Work 8 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).
(Approx. 1 inch / 2.5 cm)

Body – Establish Border + Seed:
Row 1 (RS): K6 (garter border), place marker, work Seed Stitch Row 1 over next 72 sts, place marker, K6 (garter border).
Row 2 (WS): K6, slip marker, work Seed Stitch Row 2 over next 72 sts, slip marker, K6.

Continue as established, keeping the 6 stitches at each edge in garter stitch (knit every row) and the center 72 stitches in seed stitch, until piece measures 15 inches (38 cm) from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.
(Inline check: 6 + 72 + 6 = 84 sts ✓)

Upper Border:
Remove markers. Work 8 rows in garter stitch across all 84 stitches.
Bind off knitwise on the next RS row. Fasten off, leaving a 24-inch (60 cm) tail for seaming if desired.

Back Panel

Work exactly as for Front Panel.
(Two identical panels ensure perfect symmetry.)

Finishing

1. Weave in all yarn ends on the WS of each panel except the long seaming tails.
2. Block both pieces gently to 16 x 16 inches (40.5 x 40.5 cm). Pin to measurements and allow to dry fully — this evens the seed stitch and sets the garter borders.
3. Place panels with WS together (RS facing out). Using mattress stitch and matching yarn, sew three sides (bottom and two sides), matching garter borders carefully for a clean edge.
4. Insert the 16-inch cushion form.
5. Close the final side with mattress stitch.
   Optional Button Closure (beginner-friendly alternative): On the open edge of the back panel only, instead of binding off the upper border, work the 8 garter rows then bind off. On the front panel upper border, after 4 garter rows create 3 evenly spaced buttonholes (e.g., k2tog, yo) spaced about 4 inches apart within the center section, then complete remaining garter rows and bind off. Sew buttons to corresponding spots on back flap. Overlap and button closed.

Tips for Success

• Count stitches at the end of every row for the first few inches to lock in the 6-st borders.
• Seed stitch looks the same on both sides — great for a reversible cover.
• If your seed stitch feels tight, go up one needle size for the center only (keep border on main needle) or relax your purls.
• For a plumper look, make the cover ½ inch smaller than your insert by casting on 80 sts (5+70+5) and working to 15½ inches before upper border.

Care

Hand wash cold or machine wash gentle in a mesh bag. Lay flat to dry. Reshape while damp if needed.

Enjoy your symmetrical textured cushion — a quick, satisfying project that elevates any sofa or chair!