Pyxis Throw in Berroco North Star - 381-2 - Downloadable PDF

Pyxis Throw in Berroco North Star – Pattern Summary

The Pyxis Throw is a stunning large-scale circular knitted blanket designed by Emily Nora O'Neil and published by Berroco as part of Booklet #381. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level and produces a single finished size measuring approximately 66 inches across after blocking. The circular format and generous dimensions make this throw an impressive statement piece for any home, equally suited to draping over a sofa, layering on a bed, or displaying as a decorative textile.

What Is Being Made

The Pyxis Throw is a large, round knitted blanket worked in the round from the center outward. The circular construction is a defining characteristic of this design, giving it a medallion-style appearance that radiates outward from a central point. Once completed and blocked, the throw reaches a substantial 66 inches in diameter, making it a truly generous wrap or home accent. The name Pyxis evokes a sense of celestial geometry, which is reflected in the structured, expanding circular shape of the finished piece.

Techniques Used

Because the throw is worked in the round from the center out, knitters will need to be comfortable with circular knitting techniques, including the use of double pointed needles (DPNs) for the initial center rounds where the stitch count is too small for a circular needle. As the work grows outward and the stitch count increases, knitters transition to progressively longer circular needles. Notably, the outermost rounds require three 40-inch circular needles joined together — a technique sometimes called the magic loop variation or multi-needle circular knitting — to accommodate the very large circumference of the finished throw.

This progression from DPNs through multiple circular needle lengths is a hallmark of top-down or center-out circular construction and is one of the key intermediate-level skills this pattern develops. Knitters unfamiliar with transitioning between needle types mid-project will find this a valuable learning experience. Blocking is also an important finishing technique for this throw, as the finished measurements of approximately 66 inches across are achieved after blocking.

A crochet hook (size 6.50 mm / K) is also called for, suggesting its use in a finishing or cast-on technique such as a provisional cast-on or a crocheted edge detail.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – The primary stitch pattern used throughout the throw. In flat knitting, Garter Stitch is achieved by knitting every row, but when worked in the round, it requires alternating knit and purl rounds to produce the same characteristic ridged texture. Garter Stitch creates a dense, squishy fabric with excellent drape and body — ideal for a cozy throw.
• Stitch marker usage – One stitch marker is listed in the materials, indicating its use to mark the beginning of rounds as the work progresses outward.

Gauge

The gauge for the Pyxis Throw is 11 stitches and 16 rounds = 4 inches in Garter Stitch using size 15 (10.00 mm) needles. Because this is a large project worked in chunky yarn, even small gauge variations can result in significant differences in the finished diameter. The pattern strongly emphasizes checking gauge before beginning.

Materials

• Yarn: Berroco North Star, a chunky weight yarn, in colorway #3016 Orca. A total of 22 balls (each 50 grams) are required. Berroco North Star is a substantial, cozy yarn well suited to large-scale home accessories like throws.
• Needles: One set of 4 double pointed knitting needles, size 15 (10.00 mm); circular needles in 16-inch, 29-inch, and 40-inch lengths, all size 15 (10.00 mm); and three 40-inch circular needles for the outermost rounds.
• Crochet Hook: Size 6.50