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Abbreviations: EOR = end of row/round; K = knit; K2tog =
knit 2 stitches together as 1; P = purl; rd = 1 entire round of circular
knitting; rep = repeat; st(s) = stitch(es); st st
= stockinette stitch (all knit stitches in
circular knitting); yds = yards
Yarn: You'll need just a few yards of a
washable worsted weight yarn such as Dale of Norway Freestyle (available
through KidsKnits at the best price on the planet!):
4 yds. of a face color,
3 or 4 yds. of a hair
color and about 6 yds. total
of 2 or 3 clothing colors. Just the smallest scraps are necessary for
the faces.
Needles: 4 US size 4 or 5 (3.5 or 3.75 mm) double pointed
knitting needles, a crochet hook and a darning or tapestry
needle.
Using the "pants" color, cast
on 20 sts, distributed across 3 needles (7 on 1,
7 on another, 6 on the last. When you
decrease on the face section, you may have to redistribute a st or 2 to k2tog - that's fine!). Join sts in a circle, checking that they're not twisted, and
do 2 rds of K1, P1. Continuing with the
same color, do 8 rds in st
st. For the shirt, work 8 rds in st st
using one of the options below (or get creative and make up your own!):
1) Solid shirt,
just use a different color.
OR
2) Striped shirt
(shown): 2 rds of a light, contrasting color, 1
rd of the pants color, 2 rds of the light color,
1 rd of the pants color, 2 rds of the light
color.
OR
3) Polka dots
(shown): Using 2 colors, A & B: *K1 A, K2 B, rep from * to EOR.
K1 rd in B. K1 B, *K1 A, K2 B rep from * to EOR. K1 rd in B. K2
B, *K1 A, K2 B rep from * to EOR. K1 rd in B. *K1 A, K2 B, rep from * to EOR. K1 rd in B.
Using the face color, work 8 rds in st st.
Shape head as follows: *K2tog, K 3, rep from * to EOR. *K2tog,
knit 2, rep from * to EOR. *K2tog, knit 1, rep from * to EOR.
*K2tog, rep from * to EOR. Using a darning needle, pull the loose end
of the yarn through each of the 4 stitches left, thread it through the top
into the inside of the puppet and tie it off inside.
You can use either duplicate stitches
(sad) or french knots (happy) for the eyes.
Try eyebrows slanting up toward the center for a surprised face; slant them
down toward the center for an angry face. Mouths can be done in "lazy daisy"
or chain stitch. No doubt, you'll find other methods, too. For
braided hair, make a braid about 5 or 6 inches long, tie off each end with
a bow and secure the braid across the top of the head using straight
stitches through both the braid and the head with yarn in the same color as
the braid. For curly hair, make 2 rows of backstitched loops, then
turn the puppet inside-out and whipstitch the 2 rows of stitches together
to lock the loops in place. Above all, we suggest you make your dear
friend YOUR way!
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