Inspired by a classic quilt block, this beginner friendly Intarsia pattern is for a 16” by 16” throw pillow. The front is hand knit with a worsted weight yarn and the back is a fabric of your choice. A smaller needle size is used than is typical for a worsted weight yarn in order to knit a tight neat fabric for the front of your pillow.

Handmade items have always been a huge part of home for me. My hope is that this pattern helps you create a cozy piece that you use and love in your own space.

In Part 1 of this pattern, you will knit the front of the throw pillow using the intarsia technique. Part 2 will explain how to finish your pillow, using both a sewing machine and hand stitches to sew a back onto your hand knit pillow front.

Needles
Size 5 24” circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn
Approximately 130 g worsted weight yarn total; 100 g for the background color & 30 g for the colorwork. Pictured in hand spun Cormo wool for the background and Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok in Cast Iron for the colorwork.

Gauge
19 stitches = 3 inches blocked in stockinette stitch

Measurements
Finished blocked knit piece will be a 17” by 17” square. This leaves an extra ½” on each side for sewing to the pillow backing.

Materials

• 2 stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Pins
• 17 ¼“ by 17 ¼“ fabric of your choice for pillow backing.
• Thread in the color of your choice.
• A 16” by 16” pillow insert with fill of your choice.
• Sewing machine (unless you’re feeling ambitious or don’t have one! You can always hand-sew the entire pillow together).