Aurora Bloom Knitted Pouf Ottoman Free Pattern – A Plush Textured Floor Cushion
Aurora Bloom Knitted Pouf Ottoman Free Pattern – A Plush Textured Floor Cushion
Transform your living space with this stunning knitted pouf ottoman, featuring a mesmerizing spiral of chunky cables and soft, cloud-like texture. This cozy floor cushion is the perfect blend of modern design and handcrafted warmth, adding a touch of luxury to any room. Whether you're looking for extra seating, a footrest, or a statement piece for your reading nook, this plush, spherical pouf delivers both comfort and style. The seamless construction and dynamic cable pattern make it a rewarding project that will become a cherished centerpiece in your home.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:
- Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (approx. 1200-1500 yards) in a gradient or solid color palette (e.g., cream, blush, sage, or terracotta). For best results, choose a yarn with good stitch definition to showcase the cables.
- Knitting Needles: US 15 (10 mm) circular knitting needles (24-inch or longer) for the main body, and a US 15 (10 mm) double-pointed needle set for finishing the top decreases.
- Stitch Markers: At least one removable stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
- Cable Needle: A small cable needle or double-pointed needle for working the C4F and C4B cable stitches.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.
- Filling: Polyester fiberfill, a large bean bag insert, or old blankets/pillows for a sustainable option.
- Optional: Non-slip fabric pad for the bottom to keep the pouf in place on hardwood floors.
Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) with yarn held double. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your pouf turns out the correct size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless, plush sphere. The spiral cable design is achieved by repeating a simple 8-round pattern. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pouf in no time.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
- M1: Make one (increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch)
- C4F: Cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from cable needle)
- C4B: Cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from cable needle)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd: Round
- Rep: Repeat
Base
Start by creating the circular base of your pouf. This section increases gradually to form a flat, round disc that will become the bottom of your ottoman.
- CO 8 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
- Rnd 1: K8 (8 sts)
- Rnd 2: K1, M1 (increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch), repeat around (16 sts)
- Rnd 3: K2, M1, repeat around (24 sts)
- Rnd 4: K3, M1, repeat around (32 sts)
- Rnd 5: K4, M1, repeat around (40 sts)
- Rnd 6: K5, M1, repeat around (48 sts)
- Rnd 7: K6, M1, repeat around (56 sts)
- Rnd 8: K7, M1, repeat around (64 sts)
- Rnd 9: K8, M1, repeat around (72 sts)
- Rnd 10: K9, M1, repeat around (80 sts)
- Rnd 11: K10, M1, repeat around (88 sts)
- Rnd 12: K11, M1, repeat around (96 sts)
- Rnd 13: K12, M1, repeat around (104 sts)
- Rnd 14: K13, M1, repeat around (112 sts)
- Rnd 15: K14, M1, repeat around (120 sts)
- Rnd 16: K15, M1, repeat around (128 sts)
- Rnd 17: K16, M1, repeat around (136 sts)
- Rnd 18: K17, M1, repeat around (144 sts)
- Rnd 19: K18, M1, repeat around (152 sts)
- Rnd 20: K19, M1, repeat around (160 sts)
Body (Spiral Cable Pattern)
Now that your base is complete, you'll begin the mesmerizing spiral cable pattern. This section creates the textured, three-dimensional surface of the pouf. The pattern repeats every 18 rounds, so once you master the sequence, it becomes rhythmic and meditative.
- Rnd 1: *K8, C4F, K8, P4*; rep from * to * around (160 sts)
- Rnd 2: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 3: *K6, C4F, K6, C4B, K4, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 4: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 5: *K4, C4F, K4, C4B, K4, C4F, K4, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 6: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 7: *K2, C4F, K2, C4B, K2, C4F, K2, C4B, K2, C4F, K2, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 8: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 9: *C4F, K4, C4B, K4, C4F, K4, C4B, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 10: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 11: *K2, C4B, K2, C4F, K2, C4B, K2, C4F, K2, C4B, K2, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 12: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 13: *K4, C4B, K4, C4F, K4, C4B, K4, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 14: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 15: *K6, C4B, K6, C4F, K4, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 16: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 17: *K8, C4B, K8, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Rnd 18: *K20, P4*; rep from * to * around
- Repeat Rnds 1-18 until the body measures approximately 18 inches (46 cm) from the base, ending with Rnd 18.
Top Decreases
Once your pouf reaches the desired height, it's time to shape the top. This section gradually decreases the stitch count, closing the sphere and creating a slightly flattened top for stability. Switch to double-pointed needles when the circular needle becomes too long for the remaining stitches.
- Rnd 1: *K18, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (152 sts)
- Rnd 2: *K17, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (144 sts)
- Rnd 3: *K16, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (136 sts)
- Rnd 4: *K15, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (128 sts)
- Rnd 5: *K14, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (120 sts)
- Rnd 6: *K13, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (112 sts)
- Rnd 7: *K12, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (104 sts)
- Rnd 8: *K11, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (96 sts)
- Rnd 9: *K10, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (88 sts)
- Rnd 10: *K9, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (80 sts)
- Rnd 11: *K8, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (72 sts)
- Rnd 12: *K7, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (64 sts)
- Rnd 13: *K6, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (56 sts)
- Rnd 14: *K5, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (48 sts)
- Rnd 15: *K4, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (40 sts)
- Rnd 16: *K3, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (32 sts)
- Rnd 17: *K2, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (24 sts)
- Rnd 18: *K1, K2tog*; rep from * to * around (16 sts)
- Rnd 19: *K2tog*; rep from * to * around (8 sts)
- Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 stitches, pull tight, and weave in end.
Finishing
Your pouf is almost complete! Follow these final steps to give it its beautiful, plush shape:
- Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle. Be sure to secure them well so they don't unravel with use.
- To give the pouf its shape, stuff it with polyester fiberfill, a large bean bag insert, or even old blankets and pillows for a more sustainable option. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed, paying extra attention to the sides and corners to create a perfectly round sphere.
- If desired, add a non-slip fabric pad to the bottom to keep the pouf in place on hardwood floors. This is especially helpful if you plan to use it as a footrest or extra seating.
Congratulations! You've just created a stunning Aurora Bloom Knitted Pouf Ottoman that will add warmth, texture, and modern elegance to any room. This project is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills, and the result is a functional piece of art you'll be proud to display. Enjoy your new favorite spot to sit, rest your feet, or simply admire your handiwork!