Prism Drift Ripple Pillow: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Rainbow Home Accent

Bring a wave of color and texture into your living space with this stunning ripple pillow, knitted in a soft gradient of rainbow hues. The gentle chevron pattern creates a mesmerizing, dimensional surface that is both cozy and modern. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills with color changes and simple increases/decreases. The result is a plush, 16-inch square pillow that will become the focal point of any sofa, bed, or reading nook.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident novice, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. The rhythmic ripple stitch is meditative once you get into the flow, and the rainbow color sequence adds an element of joy to every row. Let's dive in and create something beautiful for your home!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 7 colors (e.g., Cascade 220). You will need approximately 100g of each color:
  • Color A (Red)
  • Color B (Orange)
  • Color C (Yellow)
  • Color D (Green)
  • Color E (Blue)
  • Color F (Indigo)
  • Color G (Violet)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. Straight needles are fine, but a 24-inch circular needle is recommended for the large number of stitches.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, stitch markers (optional but helpful), scissors.
• Pillow Form: 16-inch square pillow insert, or polyester fiberfill for stuffing.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but it will affect the final size. For a 16-inch pillow, aim for approximately 120 stitches across.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pillow is knitted flat in one piece, then seamed and stuffed. The ripple pattern is created by alternating increases and decreases, with color changes every 10 rows. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pillow in no time.

Special Stitches

• k2tog: Knit two stitches together (this creates a right-leaning decrease).
• kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (this creates an increase).
• yo: Yarn over (this creates an increase and a decorative hole, though in this pattern it's used to shape the ripple).

Getting Started: Cast On and Set-Up

Cast On: With Color A (Red), cast on 120 stitches loosely. A long-tail cast-on works well here. Ensure your cast-on is not too tight, as this will make the edge stiff.

Set-up Row (WS): Purl all stitches. This row establishes the wrong side of your work and creates a clean base for the ripple pattern.

The Ripple Pattern (Worked on Right Side)

Row 1 (RS): With Color A, k2, *kfb, k8, k2tog, k2tog, k8, kfb, k1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2. (You will have 6 full ripple repeats across the row.)

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Rows 3-10: Repeat Rows 1-2 four more times (total 10 rows of Color A).

Let's break down Row 1 to ensure clarity:

• Knit the first 2 stitches.
• Then, repeat the following sequence 6 times: kfb (increase), k8, k2tog (decrease), k2tog (decrease), k8, kfb (increase), k1.
• Finally, knit the last 2 stitches.

This creates the chevron peaks (at the kfb increases) and valleys (at the k2tog decreases). The pattern is symmetrical, creating a beautiful wave effect.

Color Changes and Sequence

Color Change: After completing 10 rows of Color A, cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color B (Orange) at the beginning of the next row.

Rows 11-20: Repeat Rows 1-10 with Color B.

Continue in this manner, changing colors every 10 rows, following the sequence:

1. Color A (Red) – Rows 1-10
2. Color B (Orange) – Rows 11-20
3. Color C (Yellow) – Rows 21-30
4. Color D (Green) – Rows 31-40
5. Color E (Blue) – Rows 41-50
6. Color F (Indigo) – Rows 51-60
7. Color G (Violet) – Rows 61-70

After completing 10 rows of Color G, repeat the color sequence in reverse (F, E, D, C, B, A) to create a symmetrical rainbow gradient. Each color block is 10 rows, so you will have 13 color blocks total (A through G and back to A).

Reverse Sequence:

8. Color F (Indigo) – Rows 71-80
9. Color E (Blue) – Rows 81-90
10. Color D (Green) – Rows 91-100
11. Color C (Yellow) – Rows 101-110
12. Color B (Orange) – Rows 111-120
13. Color A (Red) – Rows 121-130

Finishing the Knit Piece

After the last row of Color A (Row 130), bind off loosely on the right side. A stretchy bind-off, like the "Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off," is ideal to match the cast-on edge. Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle, being careful to secure them on the wrong side of the work.

Assembly: Seaming and Stuffing

Now it's time to transform your knitted rectangle into a plush pillow.

1. Fold: Fold the knitted rectangle in half, with the right sides together. The cast-on and bind-off edges should meet at the top and bottom.
2. Sew Side Seams: Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn (Color A works well for the final seam), sew the side seams using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. Leave one end completely open for turning and stuffing.
3. Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the pillow right side out through the open end. Use a blunt object, like a knitting needle, to gently push out the corners.
4. Insert Pillow Form: Insert your 16-inch square pillow form, or stuff generously with polyester fiberfill. Ensure the corners are filled out nicely for a plump look.
5. Close the Opening: Sew the remaining opening closed with a ladder stitch (also known as an invisible seam). This will create a seamless finish.

Optional: Adding a Rainbow Fringe

For an extra touch of boho charm, add a simple fringe to the top and bottom edges.

1. Cut 6-inch lengths of each of your 7 yarn colors. You'll need about 20-24 pieces per edge.
2. Fold a piece of yarn in half. Insert the folded end through the edge of the pillow using a crochet hook, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. This is called a lark's head knot.
3. Repeat along the cast-on and bind-off edges, alternating colors to match the rainbow gradient.
4. Trim the fringe evenly with scissors for a polished look.

Your Prism Drift Ripple Pillow is now complete! Place it on your sofa, bed, or favorite chair and enjoy the cozy, modern, and vibrant addition to your home decor. Happy knitting!