Criss Cross Pillow in Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ - Downloadable PDF

Criss Cross Pillow in Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

This free downloadable PDF pattern guides you through creating a striking 20-inch square Criss Cross Pillow using the innovative Bernat® Alize® Blanket-EZ™ yarn system. Rated as an easy skill level, this project is an excellent introduction to finger-loop knitting techniques and produces a bold, textured cushion cover with a distinctive woven, criss-cross surface pattern. The finished pillow is approximately 20" [51 cm] square and is worked over 30 stitches per row.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a decorative knitted pillow cover designed to fit a 20" [51 cm] square pillow form. The surface of the cushion features a repeating diagonal criss-cross motif created by systematically crossing loops over one another during each row of construction. The result is a richly textured, almost woven-looking fabric that gives the pillow a contemporary, cozy aesthetic perfectly suited to living room or bedroom décor.

Techniques Used

This pattern uses the unique Bernat® Alize® Blanket-EZ™ construction method, which is a form of finger-loop or arm knitting that does not require traditional knitting needles in the conventional sense. Key techniques include:

• Foundation row setup: Counting and arranging 30 loops along the working yarn, with the yarn end positioned at the far left and all loops facing upward.
• Loop crossing: The defining technique of this pattern — loops are systematically crossed in front of adjacent loops to create the criss-cross texture. For example, the 30th loop is crossed in front of the 29th loop, and this crossing action is repeated across each row.
• Working yarn pull-through: The working yarn is held behind the stitches throughout, and new loops are always pulled up from behind to the front of the work — a consistent rule that maintains the fabric's structure and right-side appearance.
• Right-side facing construction: The right side of the work faces the knitter at all times, meaning the fabric is never turned between rows.
• Alternating row direction: Odd-numbered rows are worked from right to left, while even-numbered rows are worked from left to right, creating the symmetrical criss-cross pattern across the full width of the fabric.
• Bind off: A bind-off row is worked to secure the final stitches and complete the panel.
• Seaming: A tapestry needle is used to join the panels and enclose the pillow form.

Stitches Used

• Loop crossing stitch: The primary stitch of this pattern, in which one loop is brought in front of its neighbor before the working yarn is pulled through — this is what generates the criss-cross surface texture.
• Foundation loop cast-on: The initial 30-loop setup that forms the base of the fabric.
• Bind off: Used to finish the final row and secure all loops.

Because the right side always faces the knitter and loops are never turned, this method shares similarities with Tunisian crochet and arm knitting in its forward-pass-only construction, making it intuitive for beginners to follow once the rhythm of crossing and pulling is established.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Bernat® Alize® Blanket-EZ™ in colorway Denim Blues (37020) — 3 balls (each ball is 6.4 oz / 180 g; 18 yds / 16 m). This is a super chunky (weight 6) specialty yarn that comes pre-looped along its length, making it specifically designed for this style of loop knitting without traditional needles.
• Hook: A crochet hook may be referenced as an optional tool to assist with loop manipulation and seaming, sized as needed to work with this super chunky yarn.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for finishing and seaming, and a 20" [51 cm] square pillow form to stuff the completed cover.