This pillow pattern draws on classic Nordic patterning in the round lending to easier fair isle knitting. This pattern draws the eye to the middle Nordic stars and symmetrical patterning along either side.
Time: Weekend Project
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: 6’’ diameter, 16’’ long
Gauge: 16 sts and 18 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after steam blocking
Materials
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky (100% Superwash wool; 145 yards [133 meters]/100 grams): 4301 Cream (MC, 1 ball), 4350 Chili (CC1, 1 ball), 43138 Delphinium (CC2, 1 ball)
Needles: US size 10.5 (6.5 mm) 16” circular needles, DPNs
Notions: 4 stitch markers, Tapestry needle, Bolster Pillow Insert 6’’ in diameter, 16’’ in length
Pattern Notes
Pillow is knit as a tube in the round. Stitches along either edge are picked up and end caps are knitted on after pillow insert is added.
Knit fabric should have approximately 2’’ of negative ease for circumference to fit pillow insert well.
Pattern
Tube
With MC, CO 64 sts, join to work in the rnd.
Work stranded colorwork in St st.
Rnd 1: Work Row 1 of 16-st chart 4 times around, placing a marker after each chart repeat.
Rnds 2-77: Work Rows 2-77 of chart.
Bind off. Weave in all ends. Slip tube onto pillow insert before continuing.
End Cap (make 1 on each end)
With MC, pick up 64 sts along one of the open tubular edges, join to work in the rnd.
Rnd 1: [K16, pm] 4 times around.
Rnds 2-8: [Ssk, k to 2 sts before next m, k2tog] 4 times. (8 sts.rem)
Cut yarn, leaving a 4” tail. Draw the tail through rem sts, pull tight to close, and fasten off.
Finishing
Weave in all ends, steam block.
Sneaky not to give the whole pattern. Where’s the chart.
Hello Helen! Charts are always on the far right side of the pattern page underneath the photos. Here is a direct link to the chart as well: https://www.ilikeknitting.com/wp-content/uploads/Nordic-Bolster-Pillow-Chart-scaled.jpg
Thanks! – Nicola, Editor