Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn Suggestions:
- Knit Picks Brava Sport
- Paintbox Yarns Simply DK
- Yarn Weight: DK (11 wpi)
- Yardage: Approximately 27 – 33 yards (25 – 30 meters) per doll
- Gauge: 13 stitches and 19 rows = 5 cm
- Needle Size: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Stitching Round for Forest Friends Pattern:
Setting Up in the Round
- Round 1: Cast on the required number of stitches onto DPNs or circular needle (for magic loop).
Distribute stitches evenly across needles (e.g., 3 needles for DPNs, leaving the fourth needle free). Ensure the stitches aren’t twisted before joining in the round.
- Round 2: Knit all stitches around to establish the base round for a smooth start.
- Rounds 3–5: Continue knitting each round to build the foundation. Confirm gauge and adjust if necessary.
- Round 6 (Increase Round): Increase using kfb (knit front and back) or M1 (make one) as indicated in the pattern. Spread the increases evenly across this round. (Example: kfb every 5 stitches).
Body Shaping and Gauge Consistency
Maintaining consistent gauge is essential for a smooth and proportional finish.
- Rounds 7–10: Knit every stitch around, maintaining even tension.
- Round 11 (Increase Round): Perform another set of increases, adding volume to the body or head section. Example: [k1, kfb] repeat around.
- Rounds 12–15: Knit evenly, continuing to maintain gauge. This helps shape the body and avoid uneven tension.
Further Shaping and Tapering
- Round 16 (Decrease Round): Begin tapering by decreasing with k2tog (knit two together) or ssk (slip, slip, knit). Example: [k3, k2tog] repeat around.
- Rounds 17–19: Knit evenly to smooth the transition after decreasing.
- Round 20 (Decrease Round): Perform another decrease round to taper further. Example: [k2, k2tog] repeat around.
Defining the Limbs and Snout
- Rounds 21–23: If shaping limbs, work over only a section of stitches for a few rounds. You may use short rows here for extra contour.
- Round 24: Resume knitting around all stitches to rejoin any separated sections.
Using Stitch Markers and Counting
- Round 25: Place stitch markers at the beginning of each round and where any features or limbs begin to maintain symmetry.
- Rounds 26–28: Count your stitches at the end of each round to stay accurate, especially if frequent increases or decreases are involved.
- Round 29 (Shaping Round): Follow pattern instructions to shape the head, body, or limbs. This may include small, localized increases or decreases.
Finishing Touches
- Round 30 (Final Decrease Round): Decrease around to close the top of the head or any open end. Example: k2tog around.
- Closing: Thread remaining yarn through the last few stitches, pulling tight to close.
- Stuffing: Begin stuffing the doll as you go or after finishing rounds, using small amounts for an even fill.
- Embroidery: After knitting, add eyes, nose, and any additional details with embroidery to bring your Forest Friend to life.
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