Accented I-Cord Pillows Set

This gorgeous pillow set is inspired by the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona. The body of all the pillows is the same, but the difference is in the I-cord detailing that accents each one. Based on designs found within the basilica, this set of pillows represents Jesus, Mary, and Joseph without being too overly symbolic.

Skill Level: Easy

Size: To fit 16” x 16” pillow

Gauge: 2.5 st = 1 inch

Materials

Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky (85% wool, 15% alpaca; 108 yards [99 meters]/100 grams): Tan (3 skeins/pillow)
Needles: US size 11  needles and US size 8 double pointed needles
Notions: 16” X 16” pillow form, 5 large buttons, crochet hook, tapestry needle, sewing needle and thread to match yarn

Pattern

Cast on 46 stitches.
Row 1: (k2, p2) across to last two stitches, k2.
Row 2: (p2, k2) across to last two stitches, p2.
Repeat previous 2 rows once more.
Row 5: Knit across (wrong side).
Row 6: Purl across (right side).
Repeat previous 2 rows until length measures 34 inches (not including first 3 rows of ribbing).
(k2, p2) across to last two stitches, k2.
P2, k2, yo, p2 tog, k2, p2, k2, yo, p2tog, k2, p2, k2, p2, yo, k2tog, p2, k2, yo, p2tog, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, yo, p2tog, k2, p2.
(k2, p2) across to last two stitches, k2.
(p2, k2) across to last two stitches, p2.
Bind off.

I-cord

You will use 2 double pointed needles to create the I-cord.
On one double pointed needle, cast on 3 stitches. DO NOT TURN.
Slide the work to the opposite side of the needle. The working yarn will be on the left side.
Knit 3 stitches. DO NOT TURN.
Slide the work to the opposite side of the needle. The working yarn will be on the left side.
Continue working as established and a round cord will form.
Work until you have the desired length for the pattern, approximately 125” for Jesus, 115” for Mary, and 110” for Joseph. I found it easier to leave the I-cord unfinished until I was just about to sew on the design so I made sure I had just the right amount.
Cut yarn about four inches from stitches and then pull the yarn tight through all 3 stitches.

Finishing

Lay knitted piece flat with RS (purl side) facing up. Mark approximately 8 inches down on each long edge. With RS tog, fold the buttonhole edge to the mark. Fold the opposite short edge to the mark, overlapping the ribbing and pin in place.
With yarn and a crochet hook, work a slip-stitch seam along each side, working through all three layers at the ribbing.
Turn pillow right side out, sew buttons to ribbing, opposite the buttonholes. Sew I-cord to the side opposite the button bands, using the placement chart for guidance.