Two variations of a triangle-patterned Christmas Tree Cushion: one is a textured knit-purl pattern made in a single colour suitable for beginners, the other is a four-coloured design suitable for knitters familiar with stranded knitting.

The cushions can be used in the conventional way on a sofa or placed on a table, sideboard or shelf and decorated as a space-saving alternative to a traditional Christmas tree. You can also hang them on the wall or on a door as an alternative to a circular wreath, in which case there is a trunk which can be attached.

The pieces are knit flat then sewn together and the cushions are approximately 56cm (22 inches) tall. The one-colour pattern is given as written instructions and as a chart. The four-colour pattern is given in chart form only.

You will need:

• Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky: 
For the four-colour tree only, approximately 75m of Racing Green (927), 65m of Grass Green (929), 65m of Slate Green (926) and 60m of Paper White (900).
For the one-colour tree only, approximately 215m of Racing Green (927).
If making the trunk, approximately 10m of Coffee Bean (910) per tree.
• 7mm (US 10.75) knitting needles.
• A tapestry needle.
• About 1½ bags of toy stuffing per tree.

Techniques you should be familiar with before using this pattern:

• Casting on and binding off.
• Knitting and purling.
• Decreasing.
• Blocking.
• Sewing seams using mattress stitch.
• For the four-colour tree: stranded knitting and reading a chart.