There is a depth of craftsmanship to handknit plush toys that you don’t find in store-bought versions. The love, care, and effort it takes to craft these handmade animal toys make a huge difference. With the skills you learned in the last chapter, I’m sure you’ll be able to make these sweet animal friends. All of them will bring a smile to a child’s face, and each one is an undeniable treasure. A bunny and a pig make perfect friends, and an itty-bitty lamb and a large-size giraffe finish off the chapter with lovable style. The fun has just begun, so let’s get busy and knit.
“I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!” Actually, you won’t fret like the White Rabbit if you create this lovable toy for a child’s special day. It’s quite simple, and will work up just in time to be given as a cherished gift.
Plush toy bunnies fascinate me in every way because the options are endless. This lovable version of the basic bunny has fantastic features, including long legs and arms, big funny paws, a little potbelly, and a sweet, minimal face.
finished measurements
• 8 inches tall when seated, 4½ inches wide
yarn
• Blue Sky Dyed Cotton (100% organically grown cotton; 150 yards/100 grams), 2 skeins in Tulip #615, 1 skein in Shell #606
tools
• U.S. size 5 set of four double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle
• Polyester fiberfill, 1 small bag
• Poly pellets (optional), 32-ounce bag
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler
• Black embroidery floss
gauge
• 5½ stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
With Tulip, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: kfb in each stitch (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Round 3: knit
Round 4: kfb in each stitch (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total)
Rounds 5–7: knit
Round 8: (k2, kfb), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total)
Round 9: knit
Round 10: (k3, kfb), repeat to end of round (20 sts per needle, 60 sts total)
Rounds 11 and 12: knit
Round 13: purl
Continue to knit every round until the body measures 3 inches from the purl round.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain)
Rounds 2–6: knit
Round 7: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total remain)
Rounds 8–12: knit
Round 13: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Rounds 14–18: knit
Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast-on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole in the bottom, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim. Fill one-third full with poly pellets and stuff the rest with fiberfill or fill with fiberfill only.
Round 19: (k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Round 20: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Leave the tail free to use later to attach the head.
Starting at the back of the head, with Tulip, work the same as for the body through round 8 (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain).
Knit every round for 14 rounds.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total remain)
Rounds 2 and 3: knit
Round 4: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Rounds 5 and 6: knit
Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast-on stitches and gather to close the hole on the back of the head. Stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
Stuff the head with fiberfill.
Round 7: (k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Round 8: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts remain)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With the tail from the body threaded on a yarn needle, whipstitch the head to the body. Weave the tail to the inside and trim.
ears
outer ear (make 2)
With Tulip and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 11 stitches.
Work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until the ear measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
Decrease rows
Row 1: k1, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1 (9 sts remain)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1 (7 sts remain)
Row 4: purl
Row 5: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1 (5 sts remain)
Row 6: p2tog, p1, p2tog (3 sts remain)
Bind off. Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail, and pull through the remaining stitch.
inner ear (make 2)
With Shell and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 9 stitches.
Work in stockinette stitch until the inner ear measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
Decrease rows
Row 1: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1 (7 sts remain)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1 (5 sts remain)
Row 4: p2tog, p1, p2tog (3 sts remain)
Bind off. Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
finishing
Place each inner ear piece on an outer ear piece, purl sides together. Whipstitch the pieces together using the tails from the outer ears threaded on a yarn needle.
Attach the ears to the head with the inner ear facing downward, using the photograph as a guide.
face
With a yarn needle and black embroidery floss, take two tiny straight stitches (see p. 14) to create each eye and use longer straight stitches for the nose, using the photograph as a guide.
With Tulip, cast on 15 stitches, placing 5 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the arm measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge.
Next round: (k2, m1, k3) on each needle (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Continue to knit every round until the arm measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge. Next round: k1, m1, k7, m1, k1, m1, k8, m1, k1 (22 sts total)
Needles 1 and 3: 7 sts
Needle 2: 8 sts
Knit every round until the arm measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge.
Finish the paw:
Round 1:
Needle 1: k to last 2 sts, k2tog (6 sts remain)
Needle 2: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog (6 sts remain)
Needle 3: same as needle 1 (6 sts remain) (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total remain)
Round 2: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Round 3: knit
Round 4: (k2tog), repeat to end of round (2 sts per needle, 6 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
Fill the paw with poly pellets and stuff the rest of the arm with fiberfill, or stuff with fiberfill only. Whipstitch the top of the arm closed with a yarn needle. Attach the arms to the sides of the body, using the photograph as a guide.
With black embroidery floss and a yarn needle, take three stitches through the paw, using the photograph as a guide. Secure, weave the end to the inside, and trim.
With Tulip, cast on 15 stitches, placing 5 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the leg measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and pull the end through the remaining stitch.
With Tulip, cast on 6 stitches, placing 2 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: (k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total)
Round 3: knit
Round 4: (k1, m1, k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (5 sts per needle, 15 sts total)
Round 5: knit
Round 6: (k1, m1, k3, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (7 sts per needle, 21 sts total)
Knit every round for 15 rounds.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k1, k2tog, k4), repeat on each needle (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Round 2: ssk, k8, k2tog, k6 (16 sts total remain)
Divide the stitches, placing 8 stitches on each of two double-pointed needles. Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Fill the foot with poly pellets or fiberfill. Use kitchener stitch (see p. 9) to graft the toe. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
Whipstitch the feet to the bound-off edges of the legs with the tails from the legs and a yarn needle. Stuff the legs with fiberfill. Whipstitch to the bottom front of the body with a yarn needle, using the photograph as a guide
With a yarn needle and black embroidery floss take three stitches through each foot, as shown in the photograph. Secure, weave to the inside, and trim.
With Tulip, make a 2-inch pom-pom with 40 wraps. Use the ends from the tie and a yarn needle to attach it to the rear lower center of the body.
“This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home …” I am so glad this piggy stayed at my home because he is too cute for words, simultaneously sweet and funny.
You shape the pig’s curly tail by placing a pipe cleaner inside I-cord and then giving it a swirl—a simple trick that’s a fun addition to your toy-knitting repertoire. Add easy construction and minimal seams, and it’s a cinch to knit your own little piggy to take to market, or anywhere else.
finished measurements
• 8 inches tall when seated, 4½ inches wide
yarn
• Blue Sky Dyed Cotton (100% organically dyed cotton; 150 yards/100 grams), 2 skeins in Shell #606 and a small amount of Sand #81
tools
• U.S. size 5 set of four double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Polyester fiberfill, 1 small bag
• Poly pellets (optional), 32-ounce bag
• Black embroidery floss
• Tape measure or ruler
• Stitch holder
• Pink pipe cleaner
gauge
• 5½ stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
With Shell, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: kfb in each stitch (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Round 3: knit
Round 4: kfb in each stitch (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total)
Rounds 5–7: knit
Round 8: (k2, kfb), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total)
Round 9: knit
Round 10: (k3, kfb), repeat to end of round (20 sts per needle, 60 sts total)
Rounds 11 and 12: knit
Place a stitch marker on round 12 and leave it there. Knit every round until the body measures 3 inches from the stitch marker.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain)
Rounds 2–6: knit
Round 7: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total remain)
Rounds 8–12: knit
Round 13: k1, k2tog, repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Rounds 14–18: knit
Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast-on stitches, pull tight to close the hole on the bottom, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
Fill the body one-third full with poly pellets and stuff the rest with fiberfill, or fill with fiberfill only.
Round 19: (k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Round 20: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Finish stuffing the body. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Leave the tail free to use later for attaching the head.
Starting at the back of the head, with Shell, work the same as for the body through round 8 (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain).
Knit every round for 14 rounds.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: k2, k2tog, repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total)
Round 2: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total)
Rounds 3–12: knit
Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Sew through all of the cast-on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole in the back of the head, and stitch to secure. Stuff the head with fiberfill. Continue to fill the head as you work.
Round 13: (k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total)
Round 14: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Stuff the remainder of the head, pull the tail through the remaining stitches, and pull up tight to close the hole, stitching to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With Sand and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 3 stitches.
Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb (5 sts)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: knit
Row 4: purl
Row 5: ssk, k1, k2tog
Bind off. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and pull through the remaining stitch. Thread the end on a yarn needle and whipstitch the tip to the end of the snout. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With a yarn needle and the tail from the top of the body, whipstitch the head to the body. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With Shell and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 11 stitches. Work in stockinette stitchknit 1 row, purl 1 row until the ear measures 1½ inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
Decrease rows
Row 1: k1, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1 (9 sts remain)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1 (7 sts remain)
Row 4: purl
Row 5: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1 (5 sts remain)
Row 6: purl
Row 7: k1, ssk, k2tog (3 sts remain)
Row 8: purl
Row 9: k1, k2tog, pass the first stitch over the second and off the needle (1 st remains)
Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
finishing
Place 2 ear pieces together, purl sides facing and edges aligned. With a yarn needle and the tail, whipstitch the edges of the ear pieces together. Repeat for second ear. Whipstitch the ears to the head, folding in the bottom corners and using the photograph as a guide.
With the black embroidery floss and the yarn needle, take two small straight stitches (see p. 14) for each eye, using the photograph as a guide. Take two small straight stitches for the nostrils. Weave the ends to the inside and trim.
With Shell, cast on 15 stitches, placing 5 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the arm measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge.
Next round: (k2, m1, k3) on each needle (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Continue to knit every round until the arm measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge.
Next round: k1, m1, k7, m1, k1, m1, k8, m1, k1 (22 sts total)
Needles 1 and 3: 7 sts
Needle 2: 8 sts
Knit every round until the arm measures 4½ inches from the cast-on edge.
Next round: k across 11 sts. Place the other 11 stitches on a stitch holder. Arrange the first 11 stitches on three double-pointed needles as follows:
Needles 1 and 2: 4 sts
Needle 3: 3 sts
Rounds 1–3: knit
Round 4: (k2tog), repeat to last stitch, k1 (6 sts remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure.
Arrange the stitches from the yarn holder back on the three double-pointed needles as set out in the last step. Reattach the yarn to the last stitch you knit, and complete the second side the same way as the first. Sew the gap in the middle of the two groups of stitches closed with a few whipstitches. Fill the hand with poly pellets and the arm with fiberfill, or with fiberfill only.
With the yarn from the cast-on edge threaded on a yarn needle, whipstitch the top of the arm closed. Whipstitch the arms to the sides of the body, using the photograph as a guide.
With Shell, cast on 18 stitches, placing 6 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the leg measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off. Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
With Shell, cast on 6 stitches, placing 2 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: (k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total)
Round 3: knit
Round 4: (k1, m1, k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (5 sts per needle, 15 sts total)
Round 5: knit
Round 6:
Needles 1 and 2: (k1, m1, k3, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (7 sts per needle)
Needle 3: k1, m1, k3, m1, k1 (8 sts) 22 total stitches
Rounds 7–15: knit
Thread the tail from the cast-on edge stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the stitches in the cast-on row, gather, and stitch to secure. Fill the foot with poly pellets or stuff with fiberfill.
Next round: k across 11 sts. Place the other 11 stitches on a stitch holder. Arrange the first 11 stitches on three double-pointed needles as follows:
Needles 1 and 2: 4 sts
Needle 3: 3 sts
Rounds 1–3: knit
Finish filling or stuffing.
Round 4: (k2tog), repeat to last stitch, k1 (6 sts remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather tightly, and take a few stitches to close the hole.
Arrange the stitches from the yarn holder back on the three double-pointed needles as set out in the last step. Reattach the yarn to the last stitch you knit, and complete the second side the same way as the first. Sew the gap in the middle of the two groups of stitches closed with a few whipstitches.
Whipstitch the feet to the leg using the tail from the bound-off edge and a yarn needle. Stuff the legs with fiberfill. Whipstitch the legs to the body with the tail from the cast-on edge, using the photograph as a guide.
With Shell and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 4 stitches. Work in I-cord (see p. 7) until the tail measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off. Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
Cut the pipe cleaner to measure 4¾ inches. Fold over both ends of the pipe cleaner and push it into the center of the I-cord. Sew both ends of the I-cord closed with a couple of stitches. Attach one end of the tail to the lower center back of the body. Spiral the tail around a knitting needle to create a corkscrew curl.
Every knitter loves a knitted lamb. The boucle yarn used for the body and the curly topknot are perfect for creating that wooly look. The legs are cleverly constructed of I-cords stuffed with straws, which allow the lamb to stand on its own. Make one for your favorite child and another for your favorite knitter—they’ll both love it.
finished measurements
• 6½ inches tall when standing, 5 inches long, front to back
yarn
• Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Astrakhan (60% wool, 30% microfiber, 10% cashmere; 77 yards/50 grams), 1 skein in Off-White #3
• Blue Sky Organic Cotton (100% organic cotton; 150 yards/100 grams), 1 skein in Sand #81
tools
• U.S. size 4 set of four double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Tape measure or ruler
• Stitch marker
• Black embroidery floss
• Polyester fiberfill, 1 small bag
• Poly pellets (optional), 32-ounce bag
• 1 drinking straw
gauge
• 6 sts per inch in stockinette stitch for the body
With Off-White and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 4 stitches.
Row 1: kfb, k to last stitch, kfb (6 sts)
Row 2: pfb, p to last stitch, pfb (8 sts)
Rows 3 and 4: repeat rows 1 and 2 (12 sts)
Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) until the back end measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
Decrease rows
Row 1: ssk, k to last 2 stitches, k2tog (10 sts remain)
Row 2: p2tog, p to last 2 stitches, p2tog (8 sts remain)
Rows 3 and 4: repeat rows 1 and 2 (4 sts remain)
Continue on from the back end:
Knit the 4 stitches on the needle, then on the same needle pick up 10 stitches (see p. 8), on a second double-pointed needle pick up 14 stitches, and on a third double-pointed needle pick up 14 stitches. (14 sts per needle, 42 sts total)
Place a stitch marker on the first stitch, and begin working in the round.
Increase round: (kfb, k to the last stitch, kfb), repeat on each needle (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total)
Next round: repeat the increase round (18 sts per needle, 54 sts total)
Knit every round until the body measures 2 inches above the pickup round.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k7, k2tog), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain)
Rounds 2–5: knit
Round 6: (k6, k2tog), repeat to end of round (14 sts per needle, 42 sts total remain)
Round 7: (k5, k2tog), repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total remain)
Rounds 8 and 9: knit
Round 10: (k4, k2tog), repeat to end of round (10 sts per needle, 30 sts total remain)
Round 11: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Round 12: knit
Round 13: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total remain)
Holding the body horizontally, pour a layer of poly pellets into the bottom, fill the top with fiber-fill, or stuff with fiberfill only.
Round 14: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Round 15: k2tog, repeat to end of round (2 sts per needle, 6 sts total remain)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread the tail on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With Off-White, cast on 12 stitches, placing 4 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the tail measures ½ inch from the cast-on edge.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k2, k2tog), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Round 2: (k1, k2tog), repeat on each needle (2 sts per needle, 6 sts total remain)
Round 3: (k2tog), repeat on each needle (1 st per needle, 3 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim. Thread the tail from the cast-on edge on a yarn needle. Whipstitch the tail to the top of the back end. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With Sand and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 4 stitches. Work in I-cord (see p. 7) until the leg measures 1 inch from the cast-on edge. Bind off. Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
Cut the drinking straw to fit inside of the I-cord. Push the straw inside of the I-cord and set aside.
With Sand, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: (k1, m1, k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (5 sts per needle, 15 sts total)
Rounds 3–7: knit
Round 8: (k3, k2tog), repeat on each needle (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the stitches in the cast-on row and gather up, pulling tight to close the hole. Stitch to secure. Fill the foot with poly pellets or stuff with fiberfill. The foot is supposed to be flat, not rounded.
Round 9: (k2, k2tog), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Round 10: (k1, k2tog), repeat on each needle (2 sts per needle, 6 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
Whipstitch the feet to the back top of the legs with the cast-on tail from the legs threaded on a yarn needle, using the photograph as a guide. Whipstitch the leg to the bottom of the body, using the bound-off tail threaded on a yarn needle.
With Sand, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: (k1, m1, k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (5 sts per needle, 15 sts total)
Rounds 3 and 4: knit
Round 5: (k1, [k1, m1] four times), repeat on each needle (9 sts per needle, 27 sts total)
Rounds 6–15: knit
Round 16: (ssk, k5, k2tog), repeat on each needle (7 sts per needle, 21 sts total remain)
Rounds 17 and 18: knit
Round 19: (ssk, k3, k2tog), repeat on each needle (5 sts per needle, 15 sts total remain)
Round 20: knit
Round 21: (k3, k2tog), repeat on each needle (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast-on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the head with fiberfill.
Round 22: (k2, k2tog), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. This is the nose end of the head. Pull the tail through to the bottom side of the head and whipstitch to the front top of the body, using the photo as a guide.
With Sand, cast on 6 stitches, placing 2 stitches on each of three double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Rounds 1–4: knit
Round 5: (k1, m1, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total)
Rounds 6–9: knit
Round 10: (k1, k2tog), repeat on each needle (2 sts per needle, 6 sts total remain)
Round 11: knit
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim. Thread the tail from the cast-on stitches on a yarn needle. Whipstitch the ears to the head, using the photograph as a guide.
With Off-White and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 4 stitches and begin to work in twisted loop stitch.
Row 1: complete the twisted loop stitch in every stitch, as follows:
Knit the stitch and leave it on the left needle. Pull the loop that is on the right needle out about 2 inches. Transfer the loop onto your right index finger. Twist the loop in one direction until it folds back on itself.
Place the loop back on the left needle.
Knit the two stitches together.
Row 2: purl
Row 3: repeat row 1
Row 4: p2tog twice (2 sts remain)
Bind off. Cut the yarn and pull through the last stitch, leaving a 6-inch-long tail. Thread the tail on a yarn needle and whipstitch the hair to the top of the head between the ears. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
With black embroidery floss and a yarn needle, create the eyes with 2 small straight stitches each (see p. 14). Create the nose with straight stitches. On each foot, take a stitch at the center front of the foot, stitching over and under the foot, using the photograph as a guide.
“I can put them on a cat and I can put them on a hat.” That’s what Robert Lopshire wrote about spots in Put Me in the Zoo. I can and have put spots on just about everything I knit, and here I’ve used them on a friendly giraffe. It’s big—more than 20 inches tall! That size gives it a substantial, snuggly feel.
There are many fun details in the design, including appliqué spots and a pom-pom mane. With this project, you can do it all or pick and choose what you want to add. I suggest taking the time to do every last spot; it will be well worth your while.
finished measurements
• 14 inches tall when seated, 7½ inches wide
yarn
• Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash (100% superwash wool; 220 yards/100 grams), 2 skeins in Daffodil #821, 1 skein in Orange #825
tools
• U.S. size 5 set of four double-pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• U.S. size 5 12-inch circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge (optional)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Polyester fiberfill, 1 small bag
• Poly pellets (optional), 32-ounce bag
• Tape measure or ruler
• Pins
• Stitch markers
• Small amount of worsted-weight brown yarn for embroidering the face
• 1 drinking straw
gauge
• 6 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
With Daffodil and double-pointed needles, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: kfb in each stitch (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Round 3: knit
Round 4: kfb in each stitch (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total)
Rounds 5–7: knit
Round 8: (k2, kfb), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total)
Round 9: knit
Round 10: (k3, kfb), repeat to end of round (20 sts per needle, 60 sts total)
Rounds 11–13: knit
Round 14: (k4, kfb), repeat to end of round (24 sts per needle, 72 sts total)
Rounds 15–17: knit
Round 18: (k5, kfb), repeat to end of round (28 sts per needle, 84 sts total)
Rounds 19–21: knit
Round 22: (k6, kfb), repeat to end of round (32 sts per needle, 96 sts total)
Place a stitch marker on round 22 and leave it there.
Either continue on the double-pointed needles or knit onto a 12-inch circular needle. Knit every round until the body measures 4 inches from the stitch marker.
Round 1: (k6, k2tog), repeat to end of round (28 sts per needle if working on double-pointed needles, 84 sts total remain)
Round 2: (k5, k2tog), repeat to end of round (24 sts per needle if working on double-pointed needles, 72 sts total remain)
Rounds 3–14: knit (If working on a 12-inch circular needle, knit round 14 back onto the double-pointed needles; 24 sts per needle, 72 sts total remain)
Round 15: (k4, k2tog), repeat to end of round (20 sts per needle, 60 sts total remain)
Rounds 16 and 17: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain)
Rounds 18–37: knit
Round 38: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total remain)
Thread the tail from the cast-on end on a yarn needle, stitch through all the cast-on stitches, and gather to close the hole at the bottom. Stitch to secure. Fill the body one-third full with poly pellets and the rest with fiberfill, or stuff only with fiberfill.
Round 39: knit
Round 40: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Round 41: knit
Round 42: (k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Finish stuffing firmly.
Round 43: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Leave the end free to use later.
Starting at the back of the head with Daffodil and double-pointed needles, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Round 1: knit
Round 2: kfb in each stitch (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total)
Rounds 3 and 4: knit
Round 5: kfb in each stitch (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total)
Rounds 6–8: knit
Round 9: (k2, kfb), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total)
Round 10: knit
Round 11: (k3, kfb), repeat to end of round (20 sts per needle, 60 sts total)
Place a stitch marker on round 11 and leave it there. Knit every round until the head measures 2 inches from the stitch marker.
Decrease rounds
Round 1: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (16 sts per needle, 48 sts total remain)
Round 2: knit
Round 3: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (12 sts per needle, 36 sts total remain)
Rounds 4 and 5: knit
Place a stitch marker on round 5 and leave it there.
Round 6: (k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (10 sts per needle, 30 sts total remain)
Knit every round until the nose measures 1 inch from the marker.
Decrease rounds for nose
Round 1: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Stuff with fiberfill.
Round 2: knit
Round 3: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total remain)
Round 4: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Finish stuffing.
Round 5: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat to end of round (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the tail to the inside and trim. Whipstitch the head to the body using a yarn needle and the tail from the neck.
With Daffodil and double-pointed needles, cast on 24 stitches, placing 8 stitches on each of three needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the leg measures 6½ inches from the cast-on edge.
Switch to Orange and begin to work the hoof:
Round 1: (k1, m1, k6, m1, k1) on each needle (10 sts per needle, 30 sts total)
Rounds 2–10: knit
Round 11: purl
Round 12: knit
Round 13: (k3, k2tog), repeat to end of round (8 sts per needle, 24 sts total remain)
Round 14: (k2, k2tog), repeat to end of round (6 sts per needle, 18 sts total remain)
Rounds 15 and 16: knit
Round 17: (k1, k2tog), repeat to end of round (4 sts per needle, 12 sts total remain)
Round 18: (k1, k2tog, k1), repeat on each needle (3 sts per needle, 9 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the remaining stitches, gather up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Weave the end to the inside and trim.
Fill the hooves with poly pellets and lightly stuff the legs with fiberfill, or stuff with fiberfill only. Whipstitch the top of the legs closed. Whipstitch two legs to the first decrease round on the body. Whipstitch two legs to the sides at the bottom of the body, using the photograph as a guide.
outer ear (make 2)
With Daffodil and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 10 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) for 1 inch, ending with a purl row.
Increase rows
k1, m1, k to last stitch, m1, k1 (12 sts)
Next row: purl
Next row: repeat increase row (14 sts)
Continue in stockinette stitch until the ear measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
Decrease rows
Row 1: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (12 sts remain)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: repeat row 1 (10 sts remain)
Row 4: p1, p2tog, p to the last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (8 sts remain)
Row 5: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1 (6 sts remain)
Row 6: p1, p2tog twice, p1 (4 sts remain)
Row 7: ssk, k2tog (2 sts remain)
Row 8: p2tog (1 st remains)
Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch-long tail and pull through the remaining stitch.
inner ear (make 2)
With Orange and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 8 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures ¾ inch from the cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
Increase rows
k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1 (10 sts)
Next row: purl
Next row: increase row 1 (12 sts)
Continue in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 1¾ inches from the cast-on edge.
Decrease rows
Row 1: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (10 sts remain)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: repeat row 1 (8 sts remain)
Row 4: p1, p2tog, p to the last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (6 sts remain)
Row 5: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1 (4 sts remain)
Row 6: p2tog twice (2 sts remain)
Row 7: k2tog (1 st remains)
Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitch.
Place each inner ear piece on an outer ear piece, with purl sides facing and edges aligned. Whipstitch the inner and outer ears together along the edges, using the outer-ear tail threaded on a yarn needle. Pinch the cast-on edge together and whipstitch together ½ inch from the cast-on edge.
Whipstitch the ears to the side of the head, using the photograph as a guide.
With Daffodil and double-pointed needles, cast on 9 stitches, placing 3 stitches on each of three needles. Join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch.
Knit every round until the tail measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail, and thread on a yarn needle. Pull through the stitches, gather up tight to close, and stitch to secure. Stuff the tail lightly with fiberfill. Whipstitch the tail to the center lower back using the bound-off tail threaded on a yarn needle.
With Orange, make a 1-inch pom-pom with 30 wraps. Attach to the end of the tail with a yarn needle and the ends from the tie of the pom-pom.
With Daffodil and double-pointed needles, cast on 6 stitches, placing 2 stitches on each of three needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch. Knit every round until the horn measures 1 inch from the cast-on edge.
Next round: k2tog on each needle (3 sts total remain)
Cut the yarn, pull through the remaining stitches, and gather up tight to close. Weave the tail to the inside and trim. With Orange, make two 1-inch pom-poms with 30 wraps each. Attach to the tips of the horns with a yarn needle and the ends of the pom-pom ties.
Cut 2 pieces of a drinking straw ¾ inches long. Place the cut straw pieces inside the horns. Whipstitch the horns to the top of the head using a yarn needle and the tails from the cast-on end.
With Orange, make eight 1-inch pom-poms with 30 wraps. Use the pom-pom tie ends and a yarn needle to attach the pom-poms, starting between the horns and continuing down the neck.
With Orange and two double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 3 stitches.
Row 1: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1 (5 sts)
Row 2: purl
Row 3: k1, m1, k3, m1, k1 (7 sts)
Row 4: purl
Row 5: k1, m1, k5, m1, k1 (9 sts)
Row 6: purl
Row 7: knit
Row 8: purl
Row 9: ssk, k5, k2tog (7 sts)
Row 10: p2tog, p3, p2tog (5 sts)
Row 11: ssk, k1, k2tog (3 sts)
Bind off purlwise. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch-long tail. Pull the tail through the remaining stitch.
When all of the spots are completed, pin them throughout the lower back and midback of the giraffe, using the photograph as a guide. Thread the tail from each dot on a yarn needle and whipstitch the dots in place.
With a yarn needle and a length of brown yarn, embroider the face using straight stitches (see p. 14) for the eyes and nose. Use the photograph on this book’s cover as a guide.
