Jace Pillow Blanket Knitting Pattern

Jace Pillow in Berroco Pima

What Is Being Made

The Jace Pillow is a custom-fitted nursing support pillow cover designed by Margaux Hufnagel. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a protective cover with approximately 19 inches (48.5 cm) circumference when stretched, specifically engineered to fit a pre-made Original Boppy® nursing support pillow. The cover provides both functional protection and decorative appeal for this essential parenting accessory.

Construction Technique

This pillow cover employs a sophisticated sock-construction method adapted for a larger, specialized application. The project is worked toe-up using short rows to create the characteristic U-shaped form of a nursing pillow. An overlapped "toe" closure is then created to seal the cover around the pillow. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finish without requiring seaming.

The short-row technique used in seed stitch does not require picking up wraps during the initial construction phase, simplifying the process for intermediate knitters. However, when transitioning to working in the round after joining the "toe," wraps that fall within the ribbing sections must be picked up and knit together with their wrapped stitches for a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout this project is Seed Stitch, a fundamental textured stitch that creates visual interest and dimensional fabric. Seed Stitch is worked differently depending on construction phase:

• Seed Stitch in the round: Alternates knit and purl stitches on odd rounds (K1, P1 repeat), then reverses to purl and knit on even rounds (P1, K1 repeat), creating a balanced, bumpy texture
• Seed Stitch worked flat: Uses the same knit-purl alternation on the right side, maintaining consistency across construction methods

Additionally, ribbing is incorporated at the beginning and end of each round (first 3 and last 3 stitches) once the cover transitions to circular construction, providing structural stability and a refined edge.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Berroco Pima 100, a premium yarn choice, in the colorway #8431 Chrysanthemum. Three 100-gram hanks are required to complete this project, providing approximately 300 grams of yarn for the full cover.

Needles and Notions: A 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) is used, or sized as needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a crochet hook and waste yarn for provisional cast-on, and a tapestry needle for finishing. A pre-made Original Boppy® nursing support pillow is required as the base form.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in Seed Stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit around the nursing pillow, making a gauge swatch a recommended preliminary step before beginning the main project.