Let's Knit -UK (2021-03)

58

that last

For a toy to last a lifetime, with an occasional spin around the washing machine, opt for

an easy-care yet hard-wearing acrylic blend or a superwash yarn. While DK is a go-to for

many toys, 4ply and chunky have their place, and tufty, eyelash, glittery or self-striping

yarns add snuggly or tactile sensory elements. Fine or fluffy yarns do need a little more

care, but make any gift a real keeper, so a pattern need never be the same twice!

Baby Doll pattern by Amy Gaines,

approx £3 from ravelry.com

Tinsel Chunky & DK (9051) dragons

by King Cole, £2.99 from sconch.com

Stylecraft Special DK, £1.95

per 100g (295m) ball

from woolwarehouse.co.uk

PURSE FRIENDLY

Marriner Yarns Essentials Double Knit yarns are bright,

easy-to-use and affordable – a true toy yarn-stash staple.

Being 100% acrylic, this DK is practical, adaptable and

washable at 40°C, making it one to have to hand for everything

from mythical creatures to a menagerie of animals. It costs £1

per 100g (300m) ball from marrineryarns.com

Holland Lop pattern

by dotpebblesknits,

£3.60 from etsy.com

We know toys have
their fiddly bits, and
while the knitting is
relatively easy, it is
often in the making
up where we worry –
but no more! We have
asked your favourite
toy designers for their
top tips, so you can
now look forward
to adding your final
flourishes without
fear of your latest
labour of love
being thrown out
of the pram.

How can

I shape

a face better?

“Sometimes it’s

hard to get a face right by stuffing

alone. To help form a muzzle or

other raised area, I ‘pull’ on these

from the right side. Sticking a

needle into a toy to move stuffing

around or tug it into shape with

the tip can look a bit gruesome (so

don’t let the kids see!), but use a

skinny needle and avoid splitting

the yarn to keep a neat finish, and

you’ll see this makes quite a

difference.” Lynne Rowe

Do you have

any tips for

adding limbs?

“After you have

knitted your toy pieces, you need

to take time over making up your

creation. A toy with several parts,

such as my Thor the Shark, do

need patience. Start by pinning

the various pieces in place before

sewing them on. Look carefully,

ensure they are all level and in the

right places, and reposition as

needed. Then, sew on with

discreet stitches in the same

colour.” Val Pierce

How do I get

the features

just right?

“Faces are unique

• there is no right or wrong way!
  The eyes are important and I
  always add these first, so try
  different positions. Make sure
  both are symmetrical, and if
  embroidering, exactly the same
  size. I like mushroom-shaped eye
  beads that as I add them after
  stuffing and can create an indent
  by pulling on the thread, but
  safety eyes are of course safer for
  young children.” Sachiyo Ishii

Designer Tips

If you’re finding there’s just too

much choice, make it easy on

yourself with an all-in-one kit.

From indie sellers to mainstream

retailers, there’s a good range

from traditional to quirky, and

for every budget and skill level.

Read the write up carefully, so

you know exactly what you’re

ordering, as some offer knit and

crochet options, a range of shades,

plus needles or other extras.

Fun

Kits

Ozzy Owl kit, knit

or crochet, £25 from

knittycritters.co.uk

Mini

me

make

Tinsel

yarn

Anti-

pilling

Heirloom

knit