Categories: Parenting

Free Online Patterns for an Easy Knit Toy

These free online patterns for an easy knit toy make it snap to whip up a special little buddy on the spur of the moment. Kids will love these critters as gifts for a special occasion, or just to brighten up an average day. Plus, new parents will be happy to welcome an adorable knit toy from one of these free online patterns into the nursery. Of course, these easy knit toys aren’t just for the young, they’re for the young at heart, so why not cast on an easy knit toy for yourself? Read on to discover free online patterns for classic, traditional knit toys, and some quirkier, sophisticated modern options. These four easy knit toys work up fast, and the products are sure to bring a smile.

Simple Kitten
online at http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/toys/catty.htm

For first-time toymakers, this easy and adorable kitten is a great place to start. This easy knit toy has very simple shaping that’s beginner-friendly, and makes a great project for a knitter who is just learning to master stockinette. The easy stripes that adorn this knit toy are an ideal introduction to color knitting, and give the finished toy an appealing, dynamic look. The example kitten has plastic eyes, but you could easily embroider the face instead for a more old-fashioned feeling. This easy knit toy is a versatile project perfect for stashbusting; the simple kitten can be knit with any yarn you have on hand! Because this easy knit toy works with any fiber, the project is a chance for even novice knitters to express their creativity and taste by choosing harmonious or bold yarn colors and textures.

Nautie The Prehistoric Sea Creature
online at http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTnautie.html

This free online pattern is based on the prehistoric sea creatures called “nautiloids.” These charming critters roamed the oceans eons ago, but you can bring them into the modern age as easy knit toys. This online pattern is designed for circular knitting, so you’ll have very little finishing to do. The pattern’s creator claims that she can whip out a Nautie in a single evening’s worth of crafting, which makes this an easy knit toy to make for a last minute gift. The fact that Nautie is meant to be knit in affordable Red Heart and Caron yarns is an added bonus! Gender-neutral Nautie makes a great easy knit toy for a little boy, or for a little girl, so it’s a smart choice as a baby shower gift if you don’t know the gender of the infant on the way.

Friendly Stuffed Robot
online at http://www.johnnysstew.com/pattern/gir.html

This easy knit toy is hardly your run of the mill teddy bear or doll: it’s a sleek modern robot! The design is loosely based on a cartoon character named “Gir,” but with a few alterations to the color scheme or the facial expression, your friendly stuffed robot can have its own distinct look and appeal. Although the knitting doesn’t require techniques more advanced than a bit of increasing and decreasing, i-cord, and some simple color knitting, this easy knit toy requires a bit of detailed finishing. However, the unique look and the novelty of a knit robot is well worth the time spent to make this very special knit toy!

Dapper Rabbit
http://www.joyfultoys.bravepages.com/prabbit.html

A treat for toy traditionalists, this dapper rabbit is an easy knit toy with a charming vintage look. This small bunny requires comfort with following line-by-line shaping directions, overcast and mattress stitch finish, and simple instarsia, but the knitting on the whole is easy and approachable, with no complex stitch patterns. The finished rabbit is an adorable knit toy featuring a delicate embroidered face, a sweater with charming stripe detail, and a classic fluffy cottontail. This easy knit toy looks great peeking out of an Easter basket, but is sure to bring delight year round.