This little knitted rainbow is quick and easy. It is made as a circle from the outside in and then folded in half when finished.
Made with oddments of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet double knitting yarn. 3mm single pointed needles were used. It is about 8cm at the widest when finished. You will also need a little toy stuffing.
Clucky the Hen is waddling around the place. She has room in her wings for lots of chocolate surprises. Knit one with this leaflet or PDF knitting pattern.
Here is Danny, he is an original, novelty knitting pattern. He will hold a chocolate egg in his belly and looks sweet too. A brilliant idea for an Easter gift.
Made with oddments of green, brown, yellow and white double knitting yarn. 3mm single pointed needles were used. It is about 7cm tall when finished.
Abbreviations : k – knit. p – purl. st – stitch. tog-together. st-st – Stocking Stitch (k1row, p1row).
Main Body – Make 1
With brown, cast on 10 sts Purl 1 row Next: increase into every stitch (20 sts) Purl 1 row Next: (k1, inc1) to end (30 sts) Starting with a purl row, st-st 11 rows Next: k2tog to end (15 sts) Change to white Purl 1 row Knit 1 row Change to green Purl 1 row Next: (inc1, inc1, k1) to end (25 sts) Starting with a purl row, st-st 9 rows Next: k2tog to last stitch, k1 (13 sts) Purl 1 row Draw thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
Sew down the row ends, add stuffing and seal up.
Beak – Make 2
Make one for upper beak and one for lower beak With yellow, cast on 10 sts Knit 1 row Draw thread through the stitches and pull tight
Tie in the row ends. Place two pieces together so the ridged knit rows are together, it will make the beak part slightly when placed on the duck.
Attach the beak to the centre of the head at the front. Sew two eyes in black immediately above the beak.
Clucky the Hen is waddling around the place. She has room in her wings for lots of chocolate surprises. Knit one with this leaflet or PDF knitting pattern.
Here is Danny, he is an original, novelty knitting pattern. He will hold a chocolate egg in his belly and looks sweet too. A brilliant idea for an Easter gift.
On 8th May 2020, it will be 75 years exactly since Victory in Europe was declared. It was a time of celebration but also a time to reflect on the sacrifice and courage that millions of people had shown during World War 2.
As the anniversary approaches, we reflect again on the great sacrifice everyone made during our darkest days. On the 8th May 1945,millions of people took to the streets to show their relief at the end of many years of war.
This is an opportunity for knitters to come together and mark the 75th anniversary with this series of knitted toys that can be displayed and gifted during the commemorations.
With that in mind, Knitting by Post are publishing new designs so that knitters can express their gratitude for those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here is our take on a World War 2 Pilot soft toy knitting pattern. He was seen on duty in the skies above our cities to keep us safe during World War 2. Created to commemorate 75 years since VE Day in 1945.
Here is a Nurse soft toy knitting pattern. She was seen on duty in hospitals all over the world during World War 2. Created with love to commemorate 75 years since VE Day in 1945.
Here is an Air Raid Warden soft toy knitting pattern. He was seen on duty on the streets of our cities to keep us safe during World War 2. Created to commemorate 75 years since VE Day in 1945.
Here is our take on a Land Girl soft toy knitting pattern. She was seen in the fields of Britain during World War 2 making sure we were fed. Created to commemorate 75 years since VE Day in 1945.
Cute, hanging and easy to make. You can make this easy peasy knitted rabbit head in an hour or so. Made with a square, toy stuffing isn’t required. Make lots of these for easy Easter knitted gifts. Great for family and friends or you can knit for your good cause too.
This head was made with white double knitting yarn an 3mm single pointed needles. Tension is not important so use any needles and yarn that you have in your stash and it will still work out ok. It is about 5cm tall when finished.
Abbreviations : k – knit. p – purl. st – stitch. st-st – Stocking Stitch (k1row, p1row).
Head – Make 1
With white, cast on 24 sts Starting with a purl row, st-st 29 rows Cast off
Both this knitted chick and hen are quick and easy knits to add to your knitting collection. The pieces will fit over a chicken’s egg. The same basic template is needed for both designs, just change the colours and add plumage for the hen.
Both are made with oddments of yellow and white double knitting yarn. A length of black, orange and red are needed. 3mm single pointed needles were used. It is about 7cm wide when finished.
Abbreviations : k – knit. p – purl. st – stitch. tog-together. st-st – Stocking Stitch (k1row, p1row).
Main Body – Make 1
With white for the hen or yellow for the chick, cast on 40 sts Starting with a purl row, st-st 21 rows Next : cast off 10 sts, knit 20 sts, cast off 10 sts (20 sts) Reconnect the yarn to the remaining stitches Starting with a purl row, st-st 9 rows Next: k2tog to end (10 sts) Draw thread through the remaininig stitches and pull tight
Fold the piece flat, in half and sew down the head, along the back and down the row ends of the bottom to the cast on row.
Allow the bottom of the piece to curl and leave the bottom open.
Beak – Make 2
Make one for upper beak and one for lower beak With orange, cast on 10 sts Knit 1 row Draw thread through the stitches and pull tight
Tie in the row ends. Place two pieces together so the ridged knit row are together, it will make the beak part slightly when placed on the chick/hen.
Optionally add a little toy stuffing to the head of the piece and then attach the beak to the centre of the head at the front. Sew two eyes in black immediately above the beak.
Insert an egg into the body.
Hen Plumage – Make 1
With red, cast on 20 sts Next: (k1, p1) to end Next: k2tog to end (10 sts) Cast off
Clucky the Hen is waddling around the place. She has room in her wings for lots of chocolate surprises. Knit one with this leaflet or PDF knitting pattern.
Here is Danny, he is an original, novelty knitting pattern. He will hold a chocolate egg in his belly and looks sweet too. A brilliant idea for an Easter gift.
One of the most asked questions is how to attach eyes to a knitted toy. This little visual guide is here to help. Finishing a knitted toy off is probably the most important part of making toys as the face is what gives your creation a personality.
We start where the head has been made and stuffed. A small button nose has been added. We are going to sew eyes just above the nose. If you are not sure where to place your eyes, adding eyes close to the nose will make the face look complete.
In 2015 a statue was unveiled to acknowledge the long history of fishing and knitting in this Yorkshire town. Still a fishing town today, the residents of Bridlington in Yorkshire have a long tradition of earning a living from the sea.
What is a Gansey?
A Gansey is a traditional sweater or jumper hand knitted from wool. It is denseley knitted to provide protection from the extreme elements when the men were at sea fishing.
A Gansey is warm and protective against the elements and traditionally made in dark blue. The families of fishermen would knit the garment on land for the men to wear at sea.
Patterns for these intricate jumpers were passed down and memorised by knitters instead of writing down. The sweater was made in one piece and had no seams so its construction method made sure there were no room for draughts at all.
Cables and other knitted decoration can be incorporated into a Gansey to provide extra density to the garment. There are some lovely examples of intricately designed patterns. You can see more information here from a Gansey maker just up the road at Flamborough
What is Gansey Girl?
Gansey Girl was designed by Steve Carvill. She is made of bronze and was unveiled in 2015 in the town of Bridlington and she currently sits at the head of the harbour looking out to sea. She was created with the consultation of local fishing families in Bridlington and is a statue of a young lady knitting a Gansey for her husband.
You can see her at any time by walking down to the harbour. Enjoy an ice cream and a waffle and a traditional seaside day out. If you have a love of knitting, she is worth a visit as she is acknowledgment, celebration and recognition of knitters from years gone by.
You can find the statue here North Pier Harbour, Bridlington YO15 2NS, England She is close to the mooring for the Yorkshire Belle in the harbour.
There is such a large selection of toy knitting patterns at Knitting by Post that an A to Z is in order. Pick from a large array of patterns, there is lots to choose from.
We have compiled a fun list of patterns for your to browse through and enjoy. Have you got enough to complete your own A to Z list?
You need something to do in your spare time but you are not sure what to do. Do you flit from one hobby to another thinking that you are broadening your horisons but don’t seem to find a good fit?
Lots of people feel like this and lots turn to knitting as a hobby and a pastime. So why knit? What is the appeal of knitting? Is it still an old ladies hobby?
It is true that knitting has been around for hundreds of years. You only have to visit your local charity shop to find a great big pile of knitting patterns that were created in the 1960s or 1970s. All out of date and made using yarn you have never heard of.
The truth is though that knitting has seen a resurgance in popularity over the past 10-15 years. There are huge numbers of designers making contemporary designs for everyone to enjoy. Yes, you might need the internet to get hold of these designs but they are out there and lots of them are fantastic.
When I started designing knitted toys in 2010 in a serious way, there were just two mainstream toy makers that had even scratched the surface of what is possible. They were Jean Greenhowe – who has since retired and Alan Dart
All other toy designs that I had come across were from people with a sewing background and made flat with lots of seams and lots of sewing. I soon realised that this was not how to design toys and make it fun.
Fast forward 10 years and the Knitting by Post designs are contemporary, modern and fun to make. I realise that some people like knitting with a physical pattern so I publish leaflets or you can download and use an electronic device to keep and read your patterns.
I publish new knitting patterns every week. Do you want to know what we are up to? Here is our most recent knitted design…
If you are putting some thought into taking up knitting as a hobby, there are lots of reasons to begin.
It is Easy to Get Knitting.
All you need is any old ball of wool, some knitting needles and either someone to give you an hour of their time to show you the basics or a fish about on Youtube for a good video. Everything you need to start will be for sale on your high street. No need for expensive equipment or huge amounts of training. Get the basics and make a start.
Health Benefits to Knitting
There are many health benefits, I find that I am more relaxed during and after an hour knitting. It lowers your blood pressure, the stress melts away and it keeps the mind active too.
Knitting Can be Done Anywhere
It is a portable hobby, so you can take your needles out if you have a day out, or you have a long journey. It is also a good hobby if you are recouperating or ill too, you don’t need to be active and up on your feet to knit.
Large or Small Project? It’s up to You
Do you have a short attention span? Or do you prefer your projects to take weeks to months? Either way, it doesn’t matter. Most toys that I design are short projects that you can make in a weekend or you could knit a larger toy that has lots of components and can take weeks. Pick the project that suits your attention span.
What are you going to make? Something for you or someone special? A lot of people get knitting for a reason. A baby on the way is a popular reason to take up knitting, Christmas and Easter are also popular times of the year. I try to plan all our new pattern releases so you will have lots of time to plan and make in time for your special occasion.
Family and friends love something knitted. It is a personalised gift and will be cherished for many years. You make it with love and it will be received the same.
Knitting isn’t the pasttime it was 50 years ago, yarns, patterns and knitting techniques have moved on. I would encourage you to start and you will not look back!
Theres a new baby on the way and you need to knit a hand crafted gift for someone special? You are in the right place as we have hundreds of baby knitting paterns from you to choose from.
All patterns here can be downloaded immediately. We also deliver printed leaflets to you too.
There are lots that will take you a weekend, some shorter and longer knits too, just browse to find your perfect pattern.
We have soft toys and plushies to home decorations and even doorstops. There is something for all ages and tastes. Come back every Friday and there will always be a new design for you to knit
Burly baby is everything you could want in a toy knitting pattern. He is a little cutie in his nappy, complete with pin. He has mittens, hat and bootees too.
Here is a mash up of two of our favourite patterns, gnome and chocolate egg holder. He has a white beard and snazzy moustache. Knit your own Chocolate Egg Gnome with these instructions.
This mother and child knitting pattern is a small easy and quick to knit character all ready for the coming festive season or as a new baby or Christening gift.
Christmas Pudding is another twist on a traditional Christmas idea. This lovely knitting pattern will create your own doll with an icing top and a puddin' belly.
This ballerina elephant is on her tip toes ready for her pirouettes. Her tu-tu is fixed to her waist and she is complete with ballet slippers. Make your own with this original knitting pattern.
Is there a new baby on the way? Fancy an easy knit that will look great in the nursery? Here is our easy knit baby. Simple shapes and cute lines will leave you loving this knitting pattern.
Squeekily cute. Biscuit the mouse has a casual look with trousers and waistcoat. Knit in double knitting and 3mm needles, another cutie for you from Knitting by Post.
Spring time and Easter season is on the way and you need to knit a hand crafted gift for someone special? You are in the right place as we have hundreds of Easter knitting paterns from you to choose from.
All patterns here can be downloaded immediately. We also deliver printed leaflets to you too.
There are lots that will take you a weekend, some shorter and longer knits too, just browse to find your perfect pattern.
We have soft toys and plushies to home decorations and even doorstops. There is something for all ages and tastes. Come back every Friday and there will always be a new design for you to knit
Beehold, a pattern for your knitting buzz-tivities. An Easter Honey Bee Gift Bag that's un-bee-lievably easy to make and perfect for all your spring gifting.
This cute Rabbit Organiser knitting pattern will make a great knitted gift for friends, family or even a special teacher. He has 10 pockets for all those little knick-knacks.
Gnomes are more popular than ever. Here is another unusual and quirky design for you to try. He will stand on a flat surface and has a pocket at the front to hide little gifts.
Here is a mash up of two of our favourite patterns, gnome and chocolate egg holder. He has a white beard and snazzy moustache. Knit your own Chocolate Egg Gnome with these instructions.
Clucky the Hen is waddling around the place. She has room in her wings for lots of chocolate surprises. Knit one with this leaflet or PDF knitting pattern.
This cute Handy Owl knitting pattern will make a great knitted gift for friends, family or even a special teacher. He has 10 pockets for all those little knick-knacks.
The festive season is on the way and you need to knit a hand crafted gift for someone special? You are in the right place as we have hundreds of Christmas knitting paterns from you to choose from.
All patterns here can be downloaded immediately. We also deliver printed leaflets to you too.
There are lots that will take you a weekend, some shorter and longer knits too, just browse to find your perfect pattern.
We have soft toys and plushies to home decorations and even doorstops. There is something for all ages and tastes. Come back every Friday and there will always be a new design for you to knit
I can hear pitter-patter, I think it might be rein-deer. A toy knitting pattern in a pink and brown theme, another modern take on a traditional reindeer toy.
Get winter all wrapped up with Snowman on Skates. He has a top hat, gloves and knitted skates too. Get knitting now with this Christmas themed knitting pattern.