Long - Knitted toys: 20 cute and colorful projects

This book is dedicated to: My Nan Josephine Stenning, Pauline Bond, and Linda OFarrell for teaching me to knit. I couldnt have done this without you three! Copyright Copyright 2016 by Jody Long All rights reserved. Bibliographical NoteKnitted Toys: 20 Cute and Colorful Projects is a new work, first published by Dover Publications, Inc., in 2016. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Long, Jody, 1984 author. Title: Knitted toys : 20 cute and colorful projects / Jody Long. Description: Mineola, New York : Dover Publications, 2016.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016017768 | ISBN 9780486802886 (paperback) | ISBN 0486802884 (paperback) Subjects: LCSH: KnittingPatterns. | Soft toys. | BISAC: CRAFTS & HOBBIES / Needlework / Knitting. | CRAFTS & HOBBIES / Stuffed Animals. Classification: LCC TT829 .L64 2016 | DDC 745.592/4dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016017768 Manufactured in the United States by RR Donnelley 80288401 2016 www.doverpublications.com CONTENTSINTRODUCTION Knitted toys are the nicest kind of all, ideal for young children as they are soft, comforting, and washable. They are easy to make and fun to give, and will provide hours of playtime fun.

Some parts of the toy can be knitted in the childs favorite colors. Each toy has its own personal character and by changing facial expressions or colors, new characters will develop, giving a never-ending list of things to make. All of the toys featured in this book are made from double knitting yarn and require 3.5oz/100g of any one color or less. Toy Safety All toys should be stuffed with nonflammable, washable stuffing. Always make sure that the toy is safe for the child who will receive it. Remember that very small toys are not suitable for babies and toddlers, because they could present a choking hazard.

Children under three years of age should not be given any toy that has small pieces which may be easily swallowed. When making toys, ensure that all pieces are securely sewn together and fastened firmly in place as instructed. Never use buttons for eyes or decorations as they can easily come loose. Always embroider the faces and details as described in the instructions. A few of the toys in this book also use plastic drinking straws for strengthening parts; never be tempted to use pipe cleaners as these have sharp wire inside of the chenille coating. Some of the toys use cardboard in order to shape or flatten the toy/accessory; therefore these toys are not washable.

If you prefer a toy that is fully washable, then make up the pattern as given and replace the cardboard with toy stuffing. Choosing Yarn Always use machine washable yarn as this generally keeps its shape and color well. Bear in mind that because toys are well loved and played with, they get dirty very quickly and may need frequent washings. Acrylic yarns are recommended because they are reasonably priced, machine washable, keep their color well, and come in a huge range of attractive shades. If you are going to make several toys, the larger balls of yarn generally work out cheaper. Yarn Information Stylecraft Special Double Knit 3.5oz/100g ball, 100% Premium Acrylic, 322y/295m. What if I cant find Stylecraft Yarns at my local yarn store? The great thing about using acrylic yarns is most major yarn manufacturers make their own lines of acrylic, so if Stylecraft cannot be found, many alternatives are available within the market. What if I cant find Stylecraft Yarns at my local yarn store? The great thing about using acrylic yarns is most major yarn manufacturers make their own lines of acrylic, so if Stylecraft cannot be found, many alternatives are available within the market.

You may wish to seek advice from your local yarn store, or read the How to Substitute a Yarn section below. Some alternative acrylic yarns are Lion Brand, Red Heart, or Plymouth Yarn. How to Substitute a Yarn Throughout this book, Stylecraft Special Double Knitting was used, which has a weight of 3.5oz/100g per ball, and a yardage of 322/295m. It is extremely simple to find a substitute yarn by using this simple equation. If the toy youre going to knit takes 3.5oz/100g of yarn in Stylecraft Special Double Knitting, which has the yardage of 322/295m, and your new substitute yarn has a yardage of 197/180m, you will need to divide the recommended yarn yardage 322 by the new yarn of 197 = 1.63 balls. As you cant buy part balls, you will need to buy two balls of the new substitute yarn to obtain the amount needed for your toy.

I recommend always substituting with the same or similar weight yarn to avoid problems. Amount of Yarn The main color of any toy can be made from 3.5oz/100g of yarn or less, and oddments can be used for the other parts in some cases. Yarn amounts specified in the patterns can never be absolutely correct. This is partly due to the fact that tensions vary according to the knitter, but mostly because the number of yards/meters per ounce/gram varies with every color of yarn. To ensure that you will not run out of yarn, the yarn amounts given in the patterns are generous. Sewing needle: Always use a wool (knitters) sewing needle for sewing up as these tend to be blunt and will not split the yarn fiber or stitches, resulting in a neater seam. Tweezers: Can be extremely helpful when it comes to turning tiny pieces the right way and placing toy stuffing in awkward, hard-to-reach places. Stitch holders: These prevent stitches from unraveling when not in use. Stitch holders: These prevent stitches from unraveling when not in use.

Alternately, a spare knitting needle of the same size or less (ideally double pointed) can be used as a stitch holder. For holding just a few stitches, a safety pin is always useful. Adhesive: Only use nontoxic, clear drying glue. Gauge It is important to check your tension before you start knitting. Knit a swatch using the specified yarn and knitting needles. If there are too many stitches to 4in/10cm, your tension is tight and you should change to a larger-sized needle.

If there are too few stitches, your tension is loose and you should change to a smaller-sized needle. Casting On (Cable Method) Although there are many different techniques for casting on stitches, the following method creates a firm and attractive edge: First make a slip knot in the yarn and place the loop on the left-hand needle. Insert the point of the right-hand needle into the loop on the left-hand needle, wind the yarn around the right-hand needle and draw the yarn through the loop. Pass the new loop onto the left-hand needle and pull the yarn to tighten the new loop. Next insert the right-hand needle between the two loops on the left-hand needle, wind the yarn round the right-hand needle and draw the yarn through. Slip the new loop onto the left-hand needle as before.

Continue in this way, inserting the needle between two loops on the left-hand needle, until you have the required number of stitches. Basic Stitches Here is how to work the simple stitches used for the toys: Stockinette Stitch: Alternate one row knit and one row purl. The knit side is the right side of the work unless otherwise stated in the instructions. Garter Stitch: Knit every row. Both sides are the same and look identical. K1, P1 Rib: Alternate one knit stitch with one purl stitch to the end of the row.