We recommend Rowan Yarns, but as each animal takes only a small amount of yarn, any yarn can be used, either different colours or thicknesses. If using thicker yarns, refer to the ball band for needle size, but use needles that are at least two sizes smaller than recommended as the tension (gauge) needs to be tight so the stuffing doesn’t show. If using thicker yarn and larger needles, your animal will be considerably bigger. We feel that finer yarns create a more refined animal.
When holding stitches to use later on in the pattern, eg on the final row of the legs, work the last row on a spare double-pointed needle. This means you can pick up and knit or purl the stitches from either end of the needle.
After you have sewn up the back of the animal, there may be a hole at the nape of the neck. Work a couple of Swiss darning stitches to fill the hole.
Carefully follow the instructions when picking up and knitting the first row of Neck and Head. The right side of the body is knitted first, then the left side. The backbone of the animal is in the middle of this row. If picked up incorrectly the head will be facing towards the tail.
Holes can develop around the short-row shaping at the top of the head. When sewing on the ears, use the sewing-up end to patch up any holes. Swiss darning can also be used to cover up any untidy stitches.
Stuffing the animal is as important as the actual knitting.
Use a knitting needle point to push the stuffing into the feet, and into the nose of the animal. Even after the animal is sewn up you can manipulate the stuffing with a knitting needle. If the stitches are distorted you have overstuffed your animal.
We recommend using 100% polyester or kapok stuffing, which is available from craft shops and online retailers. An animal takes 20–60g (¾–2¼oz) of stuffing depending on size.
The animals aren’t toys, but if you intend to give them to small children do not use pipecleaners in the construction. Instead, you will need to densely stuff the legs to make the animal stand up.
Unfortunately, for some animals the pipecleaners are essential to sculpt some of their unique features – for instance, the horns of the ram.