Round Pillow in Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ - Downloadable PDF

Round Pillow Pattern in Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ – Finger Knitting a Chunky Circular Cushion

This free downloadable PDF pattern guides crafters through creating a round pillow approximately 18 inches (45.5 cm) in diameter using the innovative Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ yarn. Designed as an introduction to loop yarn finger knitting, this project produces a cozy, textured cushion cover worked entirely in the round from the center outward, making it an approachable and satisfying make for those new to this style of construction.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a circular knitted pillow cover sized to fit an 18-inch round pillow form. The pattern includes instructions for both a back and a front panel, each worked in the round from a small foundation ring of loops outward. The result is a plush, chunky cushion with a handcrafted aesthetic that suits modern home décor styles.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically designed for Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ yarn, a super chunky (weight category 6) loop yarn that comes in 6.4 oz / 180 g skeins containing 18 yards / 16 meters each. This specialty yarn features pre-formed loops along its length, which eliminates the need for traditional knitting needles or a crochet hook. Instead, the loops are worked entirely with the fingers, making it uniquely beginner-accessible despite the intermediate skill label on the pattern. Additional materials required include a safety pin to mark the end of each round and an 18-inch round pillow form to stuff the finished cover.

Techniques Used

• Finger knitting in the round: The entire pillow is constructed without needles or hooks. The working yarn's loops are pulled through existing loops using the fingers, mimicking a knit stitch action.
• Working from a foundation ring: The back panel begins by counting a small number of loops to form a foundation round, tying a tail to create a ring, and placing it flat before beginning to work outward in a spiral.
• Increasing rounds: Each round incorporates regular increases by pulling two loops from the working yarn through a single stitch, adding stitches evenly to expand the circle. For example, the first round increases by 4 stitches to reach 8 total, the second round adds another 8 to reach 16, and subsequent rounds continue this outward expansion.
• Working counter-clockwise: The first round is specifically noted as being worked counter-clockwise, an important directional detail for maintaining the correct right-side-facing orientation throughout.
• Joining new yarn: When a new ball is needed, the last loop of the current ball is cut close to its base to create a tail, the first loop of the new ball is cut in the same way, and the two tails are tied together securely.
• Round marker use: A safety pin is moved at the end of every round to track progress through the spiral construction.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (loop yarn version): The fundamental stitch throughout, achieved by pulling loops of the working yarn up through existing loops from back to front. The working yarn is always held behind the stitches during this process.
• Increase stitch: Worked by pulling two loops from the working yarn through a single stitch rather than one, creating an additional stitch and widening the circular panel with each round.

Construction and Structure

The pillow is constructed in two separate circular panels — a front and a back — each begun from a central foundation ring and expanded outward through consistent increase rounds. Because the right side of the work faces the crafter at all times, there is no need to turn the work, keeping the construction intuitive and straightforward. Once both panels are complete, they are joined around the edge with the pillow form inserted to finish the cushion.

Skill Level and Accessibility

While the pattern notes an intermediate skill level, the use of Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ loop yarn means no knitting needles, crochet hooks, or prior tool-based craft experience is required. The finger-knitting technique is self-contained and easy to pick up, making this pattern an excellent entry point for crafters curious about loop yarn projects. The super chunky weight of the yarn means the