This eye pillow is great for relieving stress and melting away tensions after a hard day at work. It also helps calm and relax the body after a vigorous yoga practice.
This eye pillow has a knitted cable on the front fashioned into the “om” symbol, and contains a removable inner fabric pillow filled with flax seeds and dried lavender. The flax seeds provide a gentle, soothing pressure on the eyes, blocking out light, while the subtle hint of lavender helps quiet anxious minds. It uses less than one ball of eco-friendly soya/cotton yarn which feels like silk but is made from soy. This fun project makes a great gift for anyone in need of the ultimate in pampering.
Note: Do not microwave your eye pillow.
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Sizes
Approx 8” x 3.75” , blocked and unfilled.
Yarn
Sublime Soya Cotton DK (50% soya, 50% cotton; 120 yards [110 meters] / 50 grams): Color 081 Nettle, 1 ball
Needles
US#3 (3.25 mm): 32” or 40” circular for magic loop method OR 2 circular needles OR set of double pointed needles
Gauge
23 sts and 32 rows = 4” in St st after wet blocking.
Notions & Additional Materials
Stitch marker; cable needle; tapestry needle; 2 small snaps; matching thread; sewing needle.
Piece of 9” x 8” light cotton fabric in a color to match the yarn; flax seeds or rice; 2-3 Tbsp. dried lavender (or amount desired).
Chart
Pattern Notes
Please see our standard abbreviations.
This pattern is worked in the round and written for the magic loop method. You may also use 2 circular needles if you are not familiar with the magic loop method.
Pattern
CO 44 sts. Using magic loop method, divide sts in half, 22 sts on front needle, 22 sts on cable. Place marker and join, being careful not to twist.
Work reverse St st (purl every st) until piece measures approx 2” from cast on edge. At the beginning of the next rnd, work Rnd 1 of the cable chart over 22 sts. Purl the rem 22 sts to end of rnd. Cont in est cable chart (working chart rnds on the front and purling the rem 22 sts on the back) until all 32 rnds of the chart have been worked.
Please note: the number of sts in the cable chart changes from row to row, but ultimately returns to 22 sts by the final row. When you come to a “no stitch” symbol, simply ignore that space and work the following st in that row. Once the cable chart is completed, purl around on these 44 sts for approx 2” more.
Finishing
Cut yarn, leaving a long enough tail to work Kitchener st to close bottom of pillow. You may find it easier to turn the pillow inside out to work Kitchener st. Block to finished measures. After the pillow is blocked, use the sewing needle and matching thread to secure the 2 snaps to the inside edge at the open end.
Inner Fabric Pillow
With RS together, fold fabric in half lengthwise. Fabric will now measure 9” x 4”, folded. Sewing by machine or by hand, stitch along one short raw edge and one long raw edge, leaving about a 1/2” seam allowance. The second short end should be left open. Turn fabric right side out and fill with flax seeds and dried lavender until it is about a third to half full. Do not overfill the pillow. The filling should mold comfortably to the contours of the eyes. After the pillow is filled, fold the raw edges under on the short edge and stitch closed, backstitching at both ends.
About the Designer: Susan Dittrich
Susan lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband. She does most of her knitting in coffee shops or on her bus commute to work. She is the founder of the Shadyside Stitch ‘N Bitch, now in its 2nd year. Visit her blog handknitsbysusan.wordpress.com.
Pattern and images © 2008 Susan Dittrich.
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