Sampler is a felted patchwork pillow with optional easy needle felted decoration.

One size

Size

Approximately 23” square after felting (Not including ball fringe)

Materials

3 Hanks Berroco Ultra Alpaca, (100 grs), #6242 Cobalt Violet (P) and 1 hank each #6225 Masa (Y), #6249 Fennel (G), #6227 Henna (O) and #6234 Cardianal (R)

Straight knitting needles, size 10

1 Bag fiberfill for stuffing

Tapestry needle

1 Yd dark green velour fabric for backing

3 Yds gold ball fringe

Optional (For needle felting):  1 Hank each Berroco Ultra Alpaca (100 grs), #6235 Fuschia and #6286 Verdigris Mix and 1 ball Berroco Keltic (50 grs), #5866 Argyll

1 Needle felting tool

Note 1

There are no gauge requirements for this project.  2 Strands of yarn are worked tog throughout.  1 Mitered Square should measure approximately 4 1/2” square after felting.

Note 2

Sl the first st and p the last st of every row.  Pillow is worked in 5 strips of 5 mitered squares each.  When finishing, sew strips tog in alternate directions as shown on diagram.  This is so that the diagonal dec lines of each strip go in the opposite directions keeping the pillow top from biasing when it is felted.

Square 1

With straight needles, using 2 strands of G held tog, cast on 39 sts.

Row 1 (RS):  Sl 1, k17, k2 tog, psso, k17, p1 – 37 sts.

Row 2 and all WS rows:  Sl 1, k to last st, p1.

Row 3:  Sl 1, k16, sl 1, k2 tog, psso, k16, p1 – 35 sts.  Continue in this manner to dec 2 sts at center of every RS row until 3 sts remain, end on RS.

Next Row (WS):  Sl 1, k1, p1.

Following Row:  Sl 1, k2 tog, psso – 1 st.  Fasten off.  Mark this square for beg of strip.

Square 2

Hold Square 1 with RS facing, so that the dec line goes from the lower left corner to the upper right corner.  With straight needles, using 2 strands of O held tog, pick up and k20 sts along top edge of square 1, then cast on 19 sts – 39 sts.  Knit 1 row.  Beg with Row 1, complete same as Square 1.  In this manner, make 3 more squares using colors on diagram to complete strip 1.  Make 4 more strips using colors shown on diagram. 

Finishing

Sew strips tog matching marked squares with arrows shown on diagram.  Felt pillow top by washing in washing machine using hot water and soap until individual squares measure 4”.  Remove from washer and allow to air dry.  When dry, make a design on each square as shown in photo, using needle felting tool and yarns detailed under materials.  Use your imagination and have fun with it.  Sew ball fringe around 4 sides of pillow top.  Cut fabric backing to same size as pillow top.  Sew 3 sides of pillow top to backing.  Stuff pillow, then sew side seam.

Squares 1 and 2 are marked. Work following squares using colors shown. Each strip should begin at arrow. When finished, diagonals of strips will run in alternate directions as explained in Note 2 of directions.