Berroco Lo Homeware Knitting Pattern

Berroco Lo Knitted Pillow Cover

What is Being Made

The Berroco Lo is a knitted pillow cover designed by Emily Nora O'Neil, featured in Berroco Booklet #367. This homeware project creates an approximately 18-inch square pillow cover with a decorative front panel and a functional closing flap secured with buttons. The finished piece is designed to fit a standard pillow form and combines both decorative charted colorwork with functional construction elements.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques to create visual interest and structural integrity:

• Worked in the Round: The pillow cover begins by casting on 208 stitches and joining to work in the round for the first 18 inches, creating a seamless tubular construction for the main body
• Cables: Cable stitches are incorporated into the design to add texture and dimension to the finished piece
• Flat Knitting: After the initial circular knitting, the pattern transitions to working flat for the closing flap section, allowing for a structured button band
• Seamed Construction: The pattern utilizes seaming techniques to join sections and create clean, finished edges
• Charted Colorwork: A chart guides the placement of pattern stitches on the front panel, requiring knitters to follow visual instructions for stitch placement and color changes

Stitches Used

The Berroco Lo incorporates fundamental and intermediate stitches to achieve its finished appearance. Reverse stockinette stitch forms the foundation fabric, with a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds equaling 4 inches in Reverse Stockinette Stitch. The pattern includes charted sections that guide knitters through the decorative front panel design, while purl stitches are used strategically throughout the construction. Stitch markers are essential tools for this project, with the pattern calling for two stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and section boundaries.

Materials and Tools

This pillow cover is crafted using Berroco Andean Mist yarn in colorway #6326 Lagoon, requiring 3 balls of yarn at 25 grams each. The project calls for a 29-inch length circular knitting needle in size 6 (4.00 mm), or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional materials include two stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, six 5/8-inch buttons for the closing flap closure, and a pillow form sized to fit the 18-inch square cover. Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions and fit.