This is a design in honour of our admiration of the Barred Owl family we came to know in Feb. 2020.

This is a pattern for a cushion cover. This cushion cover is worked in the round from a provisional cast-on and using the Fair-Isle knitting technique.

Stitches are provisionally cast on, the chart is worked before working the buttonhole band. Once the piece is complete, the provisionally cast on sts are returned to needles, the piece is turned inside out, and then the edge is closed using a 3-needle bind off.

Duplicate Stitch and simple embroidery may be used to embellish your owl and leaves.

yarn:
Shetland 4ply by Gathered Sheep Yarns; Fingering; 100% Pure Shetland Wool; 240yds (219m) / 55g and 96yds (87.8m) / 20g mini skein
approximate yarn amounts:
MC (Heathland) - 45g; 197yds/180m
CC1 (Dove) - 35g; 153yds/140m
CC2 (The Golden Ring) - 17g; 75yds/68m
CC3 (Spring) - 19g; 83yds/76m
(Extra yarn for embellishments: approximately 1yd/1m for each embroidered or Duplicate Stitch element)
needles:
2.5mm (us no 1.5) circulars 20in/50cm
3.0mm (us no 2.5) circulars 20in/50cm
plus 3rd needle to work 3-needle bind off (this may be a DPN)
2.25 - 3.0mm crochet hook for provisional cast-on
gauge:
28 sts x 30 rows = 4in/10cm measured over stranded patterning on larger needles
28 sts x 34 rows = 4in/10cm measured over single-coloured stockinette on smaller needles
Some knitters work stranded and single-coloured at different gauges. Change needles, as needed, to keep gauge the same throughout.
approximate finished size:
to fit a 14in/35.5cm x 14in/35.5cm pillow insert
additional tools:
needle to weave in ends, st markers, waste yarn for provisional cast-on (a yarn weight equal to or less than project yarn), 5 buttons (18 - 20 mm), 14in/35.5cm x 14in/35.5cm pillow insert

Black Walnut buttons from Haulin’ Hoof Farmstore.