Aurora Bloom Pillow Edging: A Free Knitted Scalloped Lace Trim Pattern

Transform an ordinary throw pillow into a stunning, handcrafted statement piece with the Aurora Bloom Pillow Edging. This delicate, scalloped lace trim mimics the soft, ethereal glow of the northern lights, adding a romantic and modern touch to any bedroom or reading nook. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern is designed to be both accessible and deeply satisfying. The finished trim features a series of airy, lacy scallops that cascade along the edge of your pillow, creating a dreamy, textured border that is sure to be a conversation starter.

This pattern is worked flat in a repeating motif, making it easy to customize the length to perfectly fit any pillow size. The use of a soft pastel gradient yarn—think lilac, blush, and cream—enhances the aurora-inspired aesthetic, but you can easily adapt it to match your existing decor. Let’s dive into this beautiful project and create a cozy, handcrafted accent for your home.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. This project is portable and requires minimal supplies, making it perfect for crafting on the go.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a soft pastel gradient (e.g., lilac, blush, and cream). Approximately 100-150 yards for a 16-inch pillow.
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing the trim to the pillow.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. While gauge is not critical for this edging, it helps ensure the trim has the correct drape and density.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• KFB: Knit front and back (increase)
• BO: Bind off

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The pattern is broken down into manageable steps, starting with the base and moving into the repeating scallop motif. Take your time, and you'll have a beautiful edging in no time.

Step 1: Cast On and Base Rows

Begin by casting on 12 stitches. This forms the foundation for your first scallop.

• Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: Knit all stitches.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.

These four rows create a solid, stable base that will later be sewn to the pillow.

Step 2: The Scallop Motif (Rows 5-36)

This is the heart of the pattern. Each scallop is created over 32 rows, using a combination of yarn overs (YO) and decreases (K2tog) to shape the lace. The stitch count changes as you work, so pay close attention to the instructions for each row.

Row 5 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K6, YO, K2tog. (12 stitches)
Explanation: This row begins the lace pattern. The YO creates an eyelet, and the K2tog decreases the stitch count back to 12, maintaining the width.

Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 7 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K4, YO, K2tog, K2. (12 stitches)
Explanation: Notice how the lace pattern shifts slightly. The first YO/K2tog pair is followed by 4 knit stitches, then another YO/K2tog, and finally 2 knit stitches.

Row 8 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 9 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K2, YO, K2tog, K4. (12 stitches)
Explanation: The pattern continues to shift, creating a diagonal line of eyelets.

Row 10 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 11 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K6. (12 stitches)
Explanation: Here, you have two consecutive YO/K2tog pairs, which creates a slightly larger eyelet hole.

Row 12 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 13 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K8. (12 stitches)
Explanation: The lace pattern is now complete on this side, and the row is mostly knit stitches.

Row 14 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 15 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K6, K2tog. (11 stitches)
Explanation: This is where the shaping begins. The final K2tog decreases the stitch count, starting the curve of the scallop.

Row 16 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 17 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K4, K2tog. (10 stitches)
Explanation: The decreases continue, narrowing the fabric and forming the scallop's curve.

Row 18 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 19 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K2, K2tog. (9 stitches)

Row 20 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 21 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K2tog. (8 stitches)
Explanation: The decreases are now happening more frequently, creating a sharper curve.

Row 22 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 23 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K2. (7 stitches)

Row 24 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 25 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K1. (6 stitches)

Row 26 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 27 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog. (4 stitches)
Explanation: The pattern is now very condensed, with only the essential lace elements remaining.

Row 28 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 29 (RS): K1, K2tog, YO, K1. (4 stitches)
Explanation: This row introduces a new decrease (K2tog) at the beginning, followed by a YO, which maintains the eyelet pattern.

Row 30 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 31 (RS): K2tog, YO, K2tog. (3 stitches)
Explanation: The decreases are now shaping the very tip of the scallop.

Row 32 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 33 (RS): K2tog, YO, K1. (3 stitches)

Row 34 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 35 (RS): K2tog, YO. (2 stitches)
Explanation: The final YO creates a small loop at the tip of the scallop.

Row 36 (WS): P2tog. (1 stitch)
Explanation: This purl two together decrease closes the scallop, leaving you with a single stitch on your needle.

Step 3: Begin the Next Scallop

After completing the last stitch of your scallop (Row 36), you will have 1 stitch on your needle. To start the next scallop, you need to cast on 11 new stitches onto the same needle. This brings your total back to 12 stitches (1 existing + 11 new).

Pro Tip: Use the knitted cast-on method for a neat, flexible edge. Once you have 12 stitches, simply repeat Rows 5-36 for each additional scallop. Continue this process until your edging reaches the desired length. For a standard 16-inch pillow, you will likely need 8-10 scallops.

Step 4: Finishing the Trim

Once you have completed your final scallop and are happy with the length, it's time to bind off.

• Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. A loose bind-off is crucial to prevent the edge from puckering. You can use a larger needle to bind off or use a standard bind-off but ensure the stitches are not too tight.
• Weave in Ends: Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. This will give your trim a clean, professional finish.

Step 5: Attaching to Your Pillow

Now for the exciting part—attaching your beautiful trim to your pillow!

• Positioning: Lay your knitted trim along the edge of your pillow cover. The straight, cast-on edge is the side that will be sewn to the pillow. The scalloped edge will hang over the pillow's edge.
• Sewing: Using a tapestry needle and matching thread or yarn, sew the straight edge of the trim to the pillow cover. Use a whip stitch or a running stitch, ensuring your stitches are secure but not too tight. If the trim is slightly longer than the pillow edge, gently gather the trim as you sew to distribute the fabric evenly.
• Seamless Look (Optional): For a truly seamless look, sew the trim onto the pillow cover before stuffing it. This allows you to hide the seam inside the pillow, leaving only the beautiful scalloped edge visible.

And there you have it—a stunning, handcrafted Aurora Bloom Pillow Edging that adds a touch of ethereal beauty to your home. This project is a wonderful way to practice lace techniques like yarn overs and decreases while creating a functional piece of decor. Enjoy your cozy, modern, and utterly romantic new pillow!