Knitting Beginner Pillow cover YR-K10

Loch Pillow Cover

Rows 1 and 3 (RS): K4, *p4, k4; rep from * to end.
Rows 2 and 4 (WS): P4, *k4, p4; rep from * to end.
Rows 5 and 7: P4, *k4, p4; rep from * to end.
Rows 6 and 8: K4, *p4, k4; rep from * to end.

Two squares in your choice of stitch, sewn together around the pillow. Knitted 1 in smaller than the form so it looks plump.

Finished size: 15 × 15 in (38 × 38 cm) per panel, for a 16 in / 41 cm pillow form
Yarn: About 450 yd / 410 m of worsted weight (category 4) cotton, wool or acrylic yarn. Buy 3 skeins of 200 yd (this includes 10% extra).
Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight needles
Notions: Square pillow form; Tapestry needle; Pins or clips
Gauge: 18 sts and 26 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in basket texture. Swatch first and change needle size if needed: more stitches than this means go up a size, fewer means go down.

Notes

Each panel is 1 in / 2.5 cm smaller than the pillow form so the cover fits snugly.
Blocks of knit and purl that swap every 4 rows, like a woven basket.

Worked over a multiple of 8 sts plus 4.

Cast on 68 sts.
Work in basket texture (see “Stitch pattern” above), repeating its rows.
Continue until the panel measures 15 in / 38 cm from the cast-on edge.
Bind off loosely in pattern, knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches as they face you.

Place the panels together with the right sides facing out and hold them with pins or clips. Sew three sides with mattress stitch.
Push the pillow form in, then sew the fourth side closed. Weave in the ends and tuck them inside.