This post is brought to you by Knit Picks, which also provided yarn support. Post contains affiliate links. See site policies.
In a world where visiting newborn babies is ill-advised, a handmade gift can be a comfort to both make and give. If you’re looking for a baby knitting idea that isn’t your standard blanket or sweater, this quick-to-make set of stuffed knit toys is just the ticket!
On a personal note, I have a niece that was born this month, and this set of toys is definitely for her. It’s a small way to send her parents a show of support, and for me to send small objects of (choke hazard-free) love to my niece. Even if she doesn’t have them forever because she teethes them to death (or whatever babies do), working on this project felt really good and was a welcome anxiety distraction this week. <3
MOON SOFTIE – FREE Knitting PATTERN
Please note: One skein of Knit Picks Billow yields both a moon and a star when knit at the listed gauge.
Skill level: easy
Supplies
1 skein Knit Picks Billow in Turmeric
US size 10.5 (6.5 mm) knitting needles, double pointed or circular
scissors
tapestry needle
poly-fil
stitch holder or scrap yarn
Abbreviations & Terms
CO – cast on
sts – stitches
WS – wrong side
p – purl
RS – right side
k – knit
M1R – make 1 right-leaning stitch. Here’s a tutorial.
(X sts) – X indicates the number of sts that will now be on your needle
M1L – make 1 left-leaning stitch. Here’s a tutorial.
rep – repeat
ssk – slip one st knitwise, slip one st purlwise, k2tog through the back loop
k2tog – knit 2 sts together as one
mattress stitch – A seaming technique for joining knit pieces. Here’s a tutorial.
Gauge & Dimensions: 12 sts & 16 rows over 4″ (10 cm), knit in stockinette stitch. Finished Moon measures approx. 8.5″ tall and 6″ wide after seaming and stuffing.
THE PATTERN
Moon Front
First Crescent
CO 16 sts
odd rows 1-27. (WS) p all sts.
row 2. (RS) k1, M1R, k to last st, MIL, k1. (18 sts)
even rows 4-10. rep row 2. (26 sts)
row 12. k1, M1R, k9, k2tog, k1. (13 sts) Leave remaining 13 sts on stitch holder.
row 13. (WS) p13.
row 14. (RS) rep row 12.
rows 16, 18 & 20. k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (7 sts)
row 22. k1, ssk, k4. (6 sts)
row 24. k1, ssk, k3. (5 sts)
row 26. k1, ssk, k2. (4 sts)
row 28. ssk, k2tog. (2 sts)
row 29. p2tog.
Break yarn and draw tail through to secure.Second Crescent
Transfer the 13 live sts on your holder to a knitting needle.
Setup: (RS) k1, ssk, k9, M1L, k1. (13 sts)
odd rows 1-15. (WS) p all sts.
row 2. (RS) rep setup row.
even rows 4-8. k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (7 sts)
even rows 10-14. k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (4 sts)
row 16. ssk, k2tog. (2 sts)
row 17. p2tog.
Break yarn and draw tail through to secure.—
Moon Back
First Crescent
CO 16 sts and rep rows 1-11 from Moon Front: First Crescent.
row 12. (RS) k1, m1R, k9, k2tog, k2, ssk, k9, M1L, k1. (26 sts)
row 13. (WS) p13, turn.
rows 14-23. rep rows 2-17 from Moon Front: Second Crescent.
Break yarn and draw tail through to secure.Second Crescent
row 1. (WS) p 13.
rows 2-16. rep rows 16-29 from Moon Front: First Crescent.
Break yarn and draw tail through to secure.—
Finishing
If you wish, you may block the Moon Front and Moon Back pieces now. When completely dry, join front and back pieces with wrong sides facing using mattress stitch, stuffing with poly-fil as you go. Weave in all ends.
Star SOFTIE – FREE Knitting PATTERN
Guess what? The Star Softie is knit with my Knit Star Ornament pattern on US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles and Knit Picks Billow in Turmeric.
Supplies
See moon pattern above.
Gauge & Dimensions: 12 sts & 16 rows over 4″ (10 cm), knit in stockinette stitch. Made with the materials listed in this blog post, finished Star Softie measures approx. 11″ x 11″ after seaming and stuffing.
Get the free star knitting pattern here.
This post is brought to you by Knit Picks, which also provided yarn support. Post contains affiliate links. See site policies.
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