DIY Cable Knit Pillow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 18/05/2025

Cozy up your living space with the timeless charm of a handmade cable knit pillow! There's a satisfying simplicity to crafting your own home décor, and this project offers a perfect blend of achievable ambition and rewarding results. Forget expensive, mass-produced cushions; learning to knit your own cable knit pillow is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginners. The tactile texture and unique character of a hand-knitted item add a touch of warmth and personality that no store-bought pillow can replicate. Imagine sinking into a sofa, surrounded by the comforting softness of a pillow you've created yourself.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the right yarn to mastering the cable knit stitch. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just picking up needles for the first time, we'll provide clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure you successfully create a beautiful, cable-knit pillow to cherish. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Knitting needles
  • Cabling needle
  • Pillow form
  • Backing fabric
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Needle and thread
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors to prevent fraying and ensure clean cuts when cutting yarn.
  • Always double-check your stitch count regularly to avoid mistakes that could affect the final look and size of your pillow.
  • When using a needle to sew the pillow cover together, be mindful of the needle's sharpness to avoid pricking yourself. Take your time and use a thimble if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Casting On

    • Cast on 56 stitches using the long tail cast-on method.
    Cast on 56 stitches using the long tail cast-on method.
    Casting On

  2. Knitting the Cable Pattern

    • Row 1 (knit 8, purl 4) x 4, knit 8. Row 2 (purl 8, knit 4) x 4, purl 8.
    • Perform a 'two over two cable left' using a cabling needle.
    • Continue knitting until the piece measures 17 inches.
    Continue knitting until the piece measures 17 inches.Continue knitting until the piece measures 17 inches.Continue knitting until the piece measures 17 inches.
    Knitting the Cable Pattern

  3. Finishing the Knitted Piece

    • Lightly steam the knitted piece to flatten it.
    Lightly steam the knitted piece to flatten it.
    Finishing the Knitted Piece

  4. Preparing the Backing Fabric

    • Cut the backing fabric into a 17-inch square.
    Cut the backing fabric into a 17-inch square.
    Preparing the Backing Fabric

  5. Attaching the Backing

    • Pin the knitted piece and backing fabric together (right sides facing), leaving one end open.
    • Sew around three sides using a wide stitch and reduced pressure on the presser foot.
    Sew around three sides using a wide stitch and reduced pressure on the presser foot.Sew around three sides using a wide stitch and reduced pressure on the presser foot.
    Attaching the Backing

  6. Stuffing and Closing

    • Turn right side out and insert a pillow form.
    • Hand-stitch the open end closed, using a needle and thread matching the backing fabric.
    Hand-stitch the open end closed, using a needle and thread matching the backing fabric.Hand-stitch the open end closed, using a needle and thread matching the backing fabric.
    Stuffing and Closing

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Use a pillow form instead of loose batting to prevent stuffing from coming through the knitted fabric.
  • Use pins to secure the fluffier middle section of the pillow while hand-stitching the final end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the knitting leads to a misshapen pillow and an unprofessional look.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by knitting slowly and focusing on the feel of the yarn.

2. Incorrectly Calculating Gauge

Reason: An inaccurate gauge calculation results in a pillow that's too big or too small.
Solution: Knit a gauge swatch before starting the main project to ensure accurate measurements.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for a cable knit pillow?
A medium-weight worsted weight yarn is ideal for cable knitting pillows. It provides a good balance of drape and stitch definition. Look for yarns that are durable and easy to care for, like wool blends or acrylics.
How do I determine the right size for my pillow?
Measure your existing pillow inserts to ensure a proper fit. Add an inch or two extra to your measurements to account for the seam allowance and the slight compression of the knitted fabric.
What if I make a mistake while knitting?
Don't worry! Knitting mistakes are common. For small errors, try unraveling a few rows and re-knitting. For larger mistakes, consider using a crochet hook to gently unravel the incorrect section and start again. If the mistake is irreversible, you might need to create a new panel and join it.