If you want unique and imaginative toys that are as fun for adults as they are for kids, then pick up those needles and get knitting. The following patterns are suitable for beginners: you need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, decrease, increase, and bind off.
Printing Patterns
Below are two printable patterns. Choose the pattern, then click on the image to download and print the instructions. You can find additional help with downloading and printing the patterns by using this guide.
Hissy Fitz
When you have a day that sends you off the deep end, no matter if you are 4 years old or 60, holding Hissy Fitz can help sooth the sobs.
Customizing The Patterns
You can customize any toy pattern to match your style, and here are some hints to help you:
- When substituting yarns, try to match the gauge, which is usually printed on the label. For example, you don't want to change a worsted weight for a sportweight yarn, which will probably require different size knitting needles and will result in a toy with different measurements or proportions.
- Watch for original buttons like these, and use as decorative accents.
- Check out Etsy for one-of-a-kind handspun yarn with embellishments.
- Add ribbons or lace, which contrast well with wool.
- Use the best materials you can find and do as much handwork as possible: those touches will set your knitted toy apart from mass-produced items.
- Patterns are made to be adjusted and changed. Don't be afraid to add or subtract stitches, change stitch patterns, or turn an enchanted doll into a punk princess. Have fun: knitted toys don't take a long time to make, so you can play around with colors, textures, and attitude.
Why Knit Toys?
Knitted toys have become an art form, with patterns for making everything from dolls to dogs. They take time, effort, and some skill to make, but the results may be treasured by generations of toy lovers. Some reasons for knitting toys:
- Choose your yarn and colors: It's frustrating to find a toy in orange when you really need something in green. Likewise, if you prefer cotton to wool or acrylic, or you are crafting for someone with a fiber allergy, knitting a toy is the best way to go as a crafter.
- Make quick custom knits: Sure, you can use size 3 needles and fine yarn if you wish (and some knitters like to work in miniature), but if you prefer bulkier yarn for a quick project, you can choose a toy pattern that suits your needs.
- Create unique items: Crafters may follow patterns, but making a toy that is customized or embellished your way is particularly easy when you knit.
Finding Free Knitting Patterns for Toys
There are hundreds of free knitted toy patterns online that you can use without worrying about copyright infringement. Some sites to check for free knitted toy patterns follow.
- Knitting Pattern Central is a wonderful resource that contains patterns for anything a knitter might dream up. You'll find toy patterns for balls, bears, monsters, finger puppets, dolls, and more.
- Lion Brand Yarn has free knitting patterns for toys that will entertain all ages.
- AllFreeKnitting is chock full of patterns and suggestions for projects.
- Knitting on the Net features free patterns for everything from doll clothes to stuffed animal sweaters, perfect for keeping little bears and bunnies warm.
- If you join the popular crafting site and online community, Ravelry, you can use the pattern browser to find free patterns by making sure you choose "toys" and "only free" from the search function. Patterns are added frequently, so check back to see what's available.
- Pinterest has many boards with free knitting patterns and links to the original websites.
Gifts From the Heart
It doesn't take long before you realize creating your own designs is fun and practical. Better yet, handmade toys are truly gifts from the heart.
