Misty Highlands Celtic Knot Square: A Free Knitted Cushion Cover Pattern

Bring the rugged charm of the Scottish moors into your living space with this richly cabled square, designed as a plush cushion cover or a statement wall hanging. The interlocking Celtic knot motif is knitted in soft, heathered yarns that invite you to curl up and stay a while. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their cable skills while creating a stunning piece of textured home decor.

This pattern features a beautiful interplay of three earthy tones—Heather Grey, Deep Teal, and Oatmeal—that evoke misty highland landscapes. The central Celtic knot is formed by interlocking cables that weave over and under each other, framed by a dense moss stitch border for a rustic, cozy finish. Whether you're an experienced cable knitter or ready to take your skills to the next level, this project delivers a satisfying challenge with spectacular results.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in three shades:
  • Heather Grey (MC) – Main color for the border and most cable sections
  • Deep Teal (CC1) – Contrast color for cable accents
  • Oatmeal (CC2) – Second contrast color for cable accents
• Approximately 400g total (roughly 800-900 yards depending on yarn brand)

Needles & Tools

• US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles – straight or circular for flat knitting
• Cable needle – for creating the twisted cable stitches
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in ends and seaming
• Stitch markers (2 recommended)
• Scissors
• Blocking mats and pins – for finishing

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished piece measures correctly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in one piece. The central Celtic knot is framed by a textured border of moss stitch and twisted rib. You'll use intarsia for the color changes, twisting yarns at joins to avoid holes. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll create a beautiful 18 x 18 inch (45 x 45 cm) cushion cover.

Special Stitches

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with these cable techniques:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle.
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle.
• C6B (Cable 6 Back): Slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit 3, knit 3 from cable needle.
• C6F (Cable 6 Front): Slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit 3, knit 3 from cable needle.
• T3B (Twist 3 Back): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle, hold to back, knit 2, purl 1 from cable needle.
• T3F (Twist 3 Front): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, purl 1, knit 2 from cable needle.

Pattern Notes: The moss stitch border is worked as follows: Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end. Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end. Repeat these two rows for the border sections. When working the main body, always maintain the moss stitch border on both sides of the piece.

Border (Worked First)

Cast on 90 stitches with Heather Grey (MC).

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat these two rows for 2 inches (approximately 12 rows), ending with a wrong side row. This creates the moss stitch border that will frame your Celtic knot.

Main Body (With Celtic Knot Motif)

Now you'll begin the intricate cable pattern. Follow each row carefully, maintaining your moss stitch borders throughout.

Row 1 (RS): Work 10 stitches in moss stitch, place marker, work 70 stitches in pattern as follows: K10 (MC), join CC1 and K10, join MC and K10, join CC2 and K10, join MC and K10, join CC1 and K10, join MC and K10, place marker, work 10 stitches in moss stitch.

Row 2 (WS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, purl all stitches to next marker, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Row 3 (RS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, *C4B (MC), K2 (MC), C4F (MC), K2 (CC1), C4B (CC1), K2 (CC1), C4F (CC1), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC), C4F (MC), K2 (CC2), C4B (CC2), K2 (CC2), C4F (CC2), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC), C4F (MC), K2 (CC1), C4B (CC1), K2 (CC1), C4F (CC1), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC), C4F (MC)*, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Row 4 (WS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, purl all stitches to next marker, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Row 5 (RS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, *K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC), K2 (CC1), C4F (CC1), K2 (CC1), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC), K2 (CC2), C4F (CC2), K2 (CC2), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC), K2 (CC1), C4F (CC1), K2 (CC1), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (MC)*, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Row 6 (WS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, purl all stitches to next marker, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Row 7 (RS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, *C4F (MC), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (CC1), C4F (CC1), K2 (CC1), C4B (CC1), K2 (MC), C4F (MC), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (CC2), C4F (CC2), K2 (CC2), C4B (CC2), K2 (MC), C4F (MC), K2 (MC), C4B (MC), K2 (CC1), C4F (CC1), K2 (CC1), C4B (CC1), K2 (MC), C4F (MC), K2 (MC), C4B (MC)*, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Row 8 (WS): Work 10 moss stitches, slip marker, purl all stitches to next marker, slip marker, work 10 moss stitches.

Repeating the Pattern

Repeat Rows 1-8 three more times for a total of four pattern repeats. However, to create visual interest and depth in your Celtic knot, follow these variations:

• Second repeat: Swap the positions of CC1 and CC2 to create a subtle color shift in the knot.
• Third repeat: Use MC for all cable sections and CC1/CC2 only for the background between cables, creating a more unified knot appearance.
• Fourth repeat: Return to the original color placement from the first repeat for symmetry.

This color variation technique adds depth and dimension to your finished piece, making the Celtic knot appear to weave and shift as it travels across the fabric.

Finishing the Body

After completing all four pattern repeats, work in moss stitch for another 2 inches (approximately 12 rows) to create the bottom border. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as they appear) to maintain the stretch of the moss stitch edge.

Assembly

Follow these steps to transform your knitted square into a beautiful cushion cover:

1. Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle, being careful to secure the color changes neatly on the wrong side of the work.
2. Block the square to 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 cm), pinning the cables to open them up and define the Celtic knot pattern. Use a steam iron or spray block for best results.
3. Fold the square in half with right sides together, aligning the edges carefully.
4. Sew three sides closed using a mattress stitch or whipstitch with your tapestry needle and matching yarn.
5. Turn the cover right side out through the open side.
6. Insert an 18-inch cushion form into the cover.
7. Whipstitch the fourth side closed to secure the cushion inside.

Alternative finishing: For a removable cover, add a fabric backing with a hidden zipper instead of sewing the fourth side closed. This allows you to easily remove and wash the cover when needed.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use stitch markers to clearly separate the moss stitch borders from the cable section—this prevents accidental increases or decreases at the edges.
• Twist your yarns at every color change to prevent holes from forming in your work.
• Keep a cable needle close and practice the cable techniques on a swatch first if you're new to cabling.
• Count your stitches after each pattern repeat to ensure you haven't dropped or added any stitches.
• Block generously—cables really come alive after blocking, so don't skip this crucial step!

This Misty Highlands Celtic Knot Square is more than just a cushion cover—it's a piece of art that brings warmth and texture to any room. The interlocking cables create a timeless design that pays homage to traditional Celtic craftsmanship while using modern color techniques for a fresh, contemporary look. Whether you display it on your sofa, drape it over an armchair, or hang it on the wall, this knitted square is sure to become a cherished heirloom piece.

Happy knitting, and may your cables always cross beautifully!