Hand knitting may not currently be in its heyday, but the satisfaction that one can gain from this classic domestic craft is just as great as it ever was. Though the skill is traditional. the results can be anything but; this cushion, for example. is overstated in both its dimensions and its wonderfully chunky rib – achieved by using broom handles instead of conventional needles. The finishing touch is a pair of mother- of-pearl buttons. whose iridescence
provides a contrast to the texture of the wool.

You Will Need:

(To make a cushion measuring about 50 x 50cm)
* Saw
* 2 broom handles (about 2.3cm diameter)
* Ruler or measuring tape
* Sandpaper (optional)
* Glue (optional)
* 2 discs/knobs (optional)
* Small amount of olive oil (optional)
* Unspun cream merino wool yarn (tops – 64 quality)
* Steam iron
* Scissors
* Cushion pad 50 x 50cm
* 2 buttons
* Large-eyed needle
* Twine

To make the cushion, cast on enough stitches for a much width. Then knit, using stocking stitch (one row knit, one row purl), for 1 loam, slipping the first stitch of each row except the first row (transfer the stitch from the left to the right needle without working it). Cast off loosely on a purl row. Press flat with a steam iron and fold the knitting in half crossways. Cut a 1.5m length of the yarn and neatly join the two sides together, using your fingers to push the yarn in and out of the knitted stitches, as if you were using a needle and thread.

Insert the cushion pad. Attach the buttons to a length of twine and stitch to one open side. Fasten, using a stitch as a buttonhole. Press completed cushion with a steam iron.

Saw the broom handles to about ‘Zoom long each so you can use them as knitting needles. If necessary, sand the rounded ends with sandpaper. It will make
knitting easier if you glue discs or a door knob to the ends to stop the knitted stitches dropping off. It will
also be easier to knit if you lightly oil the ‘needles’ with a little olive oil.

Practise knitting with the needles and thick yarn until you are used to the feeling. As you wrap the yarn around the needles, twist it slightly. This sample can be easily unravelled and the yarn used again.

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