Stepping Stripes Pillow in Bernat Maker Home Dec - Downloadable PDF

Stepping Stripes Pillow in Bernat Maker Home Dec – Knit Pattern Summary

The Stepping Stripes Pillow is a beginner-level knitting pattern that produces a classic, textured throw pillow measuring approximately 16 inches [40.5 cm] square. The design features bold, repeating color stripes worked in a tactile seed stitch pattern, making it an ideal project for newer knitters looking to build confidence with color changes while creating a stylish home décor accent.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a decorative square pillow cover consisting of two identical knitted panels — a Front and a Back — that are seamed together on three sides, stuffed with a pillow form, and then closed on the final side. The finished cushion measures 16 inches [40.5 cm] square, making it a versatile size suitable for sofas, armchairs, or beds. The downloadable PDF is available free of charge, making it an accessible starting point for beginner knitters.

Design and Construction

Both the Front and Back panels are worked identically, which simplifies the construction process considerably — a thoughtful design choice for beginners. Each panel is cast on with 47 stitches and worked entirely in the Seed Stitch and Stripe Pattern until the piece reaches the required length. Once both panels are complete, they are seamed together along three sides using a simple finishing seam, the pillow form is inserted, and the remaining side is sewn closed.

Techniques Used

• Casting on – The project begins with a standard cast on of 47 stitches.
• Seed stitch – The entire fabric is worked in seed stitch, created by alternating knit and purl stitches across every row. Unlike ribbing, seed stitch offsets the knit and purl columns on each successive row, producing a bumpy, non-curling texture that lies flat naturally — ideal for pillow panels.
• Stripe pattern – Color is changed every 6 rows in a repeating three-color sequence, creating the signature stepping stripes effect. The 18-row stripe repeat (6 rows each of Color A, Color B, and Color C) is continued until the work measures approximately 16 inches.
• Casting off in pattern – The bind-off is worked in seed stitch pattern to maintain the textural consistency of the fabric edge.
• Seaming – Three sides of the Front and Back are sewn together, the pillow form is inserted, and the final side is closed with a seam.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K1)
• Purl stitch (P1)
• Seed stitch pattern – worked as: *K1, P1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1, repeated on every row to create the alternating texture.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 12 stitches and 25 rows = 4 inches [10 cm] in seed stitch pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the finished pillow reaches the intended 16-inch square dimensions and fits a standard pillow form properly.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

This pattern is designed specifically for Bernat® Maker Home Dec™ yarn, a chunky weight yarn that comes in 8.8 oz / 250 g skeins containing 317 yards / 290 m per ball. The pattern uses three contrast colors:

• Contrast A – Black (shade 11012): approximately 150 yards / 108 m required (1 ball)
• Contrast B – Cream (shade 11009): approximately 150 yards / 138 m required (1 ball)
• Contrast C: a third color as specified in the full pattern (1 ball)

Bernat Maker Home Dec is a popular chunky yarn known for its cotton-polyester blend construction, which gives knitted home décor projects a sturdy, structured drape and excellent stitch definition —