Rya Animal Cushions

1   Cut a piece of latch fabric ensuring there are a minimum of 30 complete rya holes along the width and 29 along the length: 26 holes for 13 rya knots are needed for the width of this cushion. Add a seam equivalent to min. two holes all the way round (30 holes). Cover the edges with masking tape so they do not fray. N.B.: One roll of latch fabric (1 meter x 0.5 meter) is enough for eight animal cushions.

2   First half rya knot: Use a cross stitch needle with a piece of doubled-over maxi Fantasia yarn. Push the needle into the latch fabric as illustrated.

3   Second half rya knot: Hold onto the end of the yarn with your thumb and sew as illustrated.

4   Pull. The first rya knot is completed.

5   Place a spacer (a 2-2.5 cm wide lolly stick) on top of the latch fabric. Feed the yarn under and up at the front of the spacer and start making another half rya knot.

6   Finish the rya knot, feed the yarn behind the spacer and continue until you have made 13 rya knots across the widthand 25 rows in length. (Follow the template).

7   Cut open the loops with a pair of sharp scissors.

8   Fold the edges inwards. (Teddy bear eyes should be fitted at this stage).

9   Cut a piece of felt for the back and for the ears using the template (cut two pieces for each ear). Sew the cushion together with buttonhole stitches and mercerised cotton yarn using the small trend holes of the latch fabric to ensure the buttonhole stitches are evenly distributed.

10   Sew on the ears with back stitches, i.e. through the back (one layer), two ears (two layers) and the small trend holes of the latch fabric edge – up and down. Fill the cushion before sewing it together, closing the hole at the bottom with buttonhole stitches.

Another variant   -

Another variant   -

Template   -