Classic Cable Pillowcase Knitting Pattern
Materials and Info
Finished Size: 18" × 18"
Yarn: Bulky weight (Category 5) — approximately 410 yds (light gray with optional white accent strand)
Needles: US 10 (6 mm) straight or circular needles (whichever you prefer for flat knitting)
Notions: Tapestry needle, 3–4 small buttons or hidden zipper, scissors, pillow insert (18" × 18")
Gauge
14 stitches × 20 rows = 4 inches in cable pattern (blocked)
Cast On
Cast on 72 stitches.
Row Instructions
Row 1 (Wrong Side):
Knit 3, purl to the last 3 stitches, knit 3.
Row 2 (Right Side):
Knit 3, repeat [purl 2, knit 6, purl 2] across the row until 3 stitches remain, knit 3.
Row 3 (Wrong Side):
Knit 3, purl to the last 3 stitches, knit 3.
Row 4 (Right Side):
Knit 3, repeat [purl 2, cable 6 front (C6F), purl 2] across the row until 3 stitches remain, knit 3.
(C6F = slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, knit next 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.)
Body of Pillowcase
Repeat Rows 1–4 until the fabric measures approximately 36 inches, or twice the size of your pillow form height (this creates the front and back panel in one piece).
Finishing
Fold the piece in half with the right side facing out.
Sew or button one side closed, leaving one edge open for inserting the pillow.
Attach buttons or a hidden zipper for closure.
Weave in all yarn ends securely.
Optional: You can hold a strand of soft white yarn together with the gray for a subtle marled effect.
Optional Buttonhole Band (Back Flap)
If you prefer buttons over a zipper:
Work 6 more rows in pattern after reaching 36".
On the next right side row, knit 3 (edge), work 10 stitches in pattern, bind off 2 stitches (buttonhole), work the next section in pattern, bind off 2 more stitches (next buttonhole), continue in pattern, spacing your buttonholes evenly across the row. Knit the final 3 stitches.
On the wrong side row, when you reach the bound-off stitches, cast on 2 stitches over each gap to create the buttonhole openings.
Work 4–6 more rows in pattern to finish the band. Bind off loosely.
Assembly
Fold the piece in half with the right side facing out.
Sew or button one side closed, leaving one edge open for inserting the pillow.
Sew buttons on the opposite edge, aligned with the buttonholes.
Weave in all ends securely. Block if desired for a clean, professional finish.
Optional: For a soft, snowy look, hold a strand of white yarn together with the gray for the entire project or just the edging rows.
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