Basic equipment

Of course, you will need a selection of knitting needles. Most of the patterns use double-ended needles, but some use single-ended ones and circular needles. If you wish to make a collar for Biscuit the Cat, you will require a crochet hook. You will also need a selection of safety pins and stitch holders for holding stitches, and markers to indicate the start of rounds. A large-eyed darning or tapestry needle will be handy for making up your pets. Use a good quality toy stuffing and, if you wish, a pair of tweezers for stuffing the narrower shapes.

Gauge

On the band or sleeve of every ball of yarn there is information on the gauge (what European knitters call ‘tension’) of the yarn. This tells you how many stitches and rows you should aim to achieve over 4in (10cm) square. The gauge will differ depending on the size of the needles you use and the thickness of the yarn. However, we all knit differently. Some people are naturally loose knitters and others knit more tightly. The beauty about toys is that the gauge doesn't really matter in most cases. If your pet is a little bit bigger or smaller than mine, who's to know! Knitting is fun and should be for everyone.