Click the image to download the free pattern
I enjoy knitting toys, and while looking for an elephant knitting pattern, I came across this one, which is a creation by Cilla Webb and it is free to use.
This design is constructed by knitting the body parts flat on straight single-pointed needles- no circular knitting required. Except for the head, all the other body parts are made in duplicate and then sewn together and filled with toy stuffing. What I especially appreciate about this design is that you get clothing for the toy, too. Instructions are given to make a pair of trousers, a hoodie and boots.
As you can see in the image, this one is done with stripes, but you can customise and personalise it with the colours of your choice.
Where to Download the Knitted Elephant Pattern?
Just click the image of the elephant toy at the top of this post to visit the website where you’ll be able to download the instructions – all at no cost.
What Yarn is Needed?
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The example in the picture was done with double knitting yarn. The entire project takes about 340g of the DK yarn. You may be able to use up the yarn you have in your stash. If not, then something like the Stylecraft Special DK range would be perfect.
Why do I like this yarn?
- lower price for larger ball – 100g
- softness
- big range of colours from which to choose – 91 shades
- value pack deals – the more you buy, the more you save
- 100 per cent acrylic, so machine washable
Needle size?
If you’re using double knitting weight of yarn, then you will need to use 3,5mm needles. This is a size or two down from what is stated on the yarn band because you don’t want the stuffing to be visible through the fabric of the knitting, so knit it slightly tighter with smaller diameter needles.
What Else is Needed?
Stitch Skills Needed?
This knitted elephant pattern is set at the intermediate level but having looked at the pattern, I can see that as long as you know how to do these basic stitches – listed below – you will easily manage to make this toy.
- knit and purl
- cast on and off
- increase by knitting front and back of a stitch – kfb and purling front and back – pfb
- decrease by knitting 2 stitches together – k2tog which is a right-leaning decrease
- decrease with skpo – slip one, knit one then pass slipped stitch over – left-leaning decrease
- stockinette stitch – knit one row and then purl the next
- garter stitch – knitting every row
- rib stitch which is alternate knit and purl stitches – in this pattern it’s knit 2 purl 2 for the row
Someone who has mastered all the stitches covered in the list above can easily make this delightful toy. Also, if you are a determined beginner who is willing to learn the stitches as you go along, then you, too, can cope with this project. I think it is a good project to put those knitting skills into making practice and make a toy any child will be thrilled to own.
Look through my Learn to Knit category – click HERE for helpful posts on these basic knitting skills.
Use up leftover yarn to make the clothing, or make a personalised version of Elefred to match a favourite colour scheme or room.
The best thing about this design is that not only has it been made freely available but it also enables new knitters to practice all the basic knitting skills in one project. This will build confidence in their ability to make things from their knitting knowledge.
