Berroco Pyxis Blanket Knitting Pattern

Berroco Pyxis Knitted Throw Blanket

What is Being Made

The Pyxis is a large knitted throw blanket designed by Emily Nora O'Neil. This intermediate-level project creates an approximately 66-inch circular blanket after blocking, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or using as a decorative throw. The design features a sophisticated construction that combines multiple stitch patterns and techniques to create visual interest and texture throughout the finished piece.

Construction and Design Approach

The Pyxis blanket is constructed using a circular knitting method, beginning from the center and working outward in expanding rounds. This top-down approach allows the knitter to adjust the final size by continuing to work additional rounds until reaching the desired dimensions. The pattern is worked in three distinct sections: a center garter stitch section that establishes the foundation, a middle lace section that introduces openwork patterning, and a knitted edging that is worked during the finishing phase. This multi-section approach creates a balanced, visually layered design.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: The center section is worked entirely in garter stitch, created by knitting every round. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and provides excellent drape and stability for a large blanket.
• Yarn Overs: Yarn overs (yo) are used strategically throughout the pattern to create increases and decorative openwork elements, particularly in the lace section.
• Purl Stitches and Through-the-Back-Loop Stitches: The pattern incorporates purl stitches and purl through the back loop (p1TBL) to create textural variation and help establish the transition between sections.
• Lace Charting: The middle section is worked from a lace chart, indicating a more advanced technique where the knitter follows a visual diagram to execute complex stitch combinations and openwork patterns.
• Crochet Cast-On: The blanket begins with a crochet cast-on method, where a crochet hook is used to create the initial loop and foundation stitches, allowing for a seamless circular beginning.
• Circular Knitting: The entire project is worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, seamless fabric.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 22 balls of Berroco North Star yarn in colorway #3016 Orca, with each ball weighing 50 grams. Berroco North Star is the specifically recommended yarn for this design, and using the called-for yarn is advised to achieve proper gauge and the intended appearance.

Needles and Hooks: The project requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate the expanding stitch counts as the blanket grows. Knitters will need one set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 15 (10.00 mm) for the initial center rounds, along with three circular knitting needles in size 15 (10.00 mm) in varying lengths: 16 inches, 29 inches, and 40 inches. As the blanket expands, three 40-inch circular needles must be joined together to accommodate the outermost rounds. Additionally, a size 6.50 mm (K) crochet hook is needed for the cast-on method and finishing edging work.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches and 16 rounds equal 4 inches when worked in garter stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished blanket reaches the intended 66-inch diameter after blocking. The pattern provides one finished size, though the circular construction method allows for flexibility in final dimensions based on the knitter's preference to continue working additional rounds.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and techniques but are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The combination of circular knitting, lace charting, and multiple needle transitions requires attention to detail and comfort with expanding stitch counts, though the foundational garter stitch sections provide accessible portions of the work.