Basketweave Knit Pillow in Bernat Maker Outdoor - Downloadable PDF

Basketweave Knit Pillow in Bernat Maker Outdoor – Pattern Summary

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Bernat, presented by Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, guides knitters through creating a beautiful basketweave knit pillow measuring approximately 20" [51 cm] square. Designed with beginner knitters in mind, this project is an excellent introduction to textured knitting, producing a finished cushion that looks impressively intricate while relying on only the most fundamental knitting techniques.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a 20-inch square decorative pillow cover worked in two identical pieces — one for the front and one for the back — which are then joined together around a standard 20" [51 cm] square pillow form. The classic basketweave texture gives the pillow a woven, dimensional appearance that adds visual interest and tactile richness to any indoor or outdoor seating area. Because Bernat Maker Outdoor yarn is specifically formulated for outdoor use, this pillow is a practical as well as decorative accessory, suitable for patio furniture, garden seating, or any space that needs a touch of handmade charm.

Techniques Used

• Casting on – The pattern begins with a cast-on of 64 stitches, the foundational skill for starting any knitted piece.
• Basketweave stitch pattern – The defining technique of this project, the basketweave is created by alternating blocks of knit and purl stitches in a structured, offset sequence. This mimics the over-under appearance of woven fabric and creates a satisfying three-dimensional texture.
• Reading right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows – The pattern distinguishes between RS and WS rows, an important skill for beginner knitters learning how fabric construction works from both sides of the needle.
• Working in pattern repeats – Stitches are worked in repeating sequences (for example, *K4. P2. Rep from * to last 4 sts.), teaching beginners how to follow and maintain a stitch pattern across a row.
• Making two identical pieces – Both the front and back of the pillow are worked the same way, reinforcing pattern-reading consistency.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – The most basic knitting stitch, used throughout the pattern both in plain knit rows and as part of the basketweave texture blocks.
• Purl stitch (P) – The companion stitch to the knit, used in alternating blocks to create the raised and recessed sections of the basketweave pattern.
• Stocking stitch – Referenced in the gauge section, stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) forms the basis for gauge measurement, ensuring the finished pillow reaches the correct dimensions.
• Basketweave pattern rows – The textured pattern is built across a six-row sequence. Rows 2 and 3 establish the first block orientation (*K4. P2. on the RS, *P4. K2. on the WS), rows 4 through 6 continue and close the first block, row 7 is a plain knit transition row, and rows 8 and 9 shift the block alignment (*K1. P2. K3.) to create the offset basketweave effect.

Materials

• Yarn: Bernat Maker Outdoor in colorway Sandy Beach (99002) — a chunky weight yarn sold in 8.8 oz / 250 g skeins with approximately 249 yds / 228 m per skein. The pattern calls for 3 balls. Bernat Maker Outdoor is engineered to withstand outdoor conditions, making it an ideal choice for cushions and accessories used in exterior settings.
• Needles: U.S. size 11 (8 mm) straight knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the stated gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows = 4" [10 cm] in stocking stitch.
• Pillow form: A standard 20" [51 cm] square pillow insert