Panda

The brand new Panda pattern and kits have just been released and I know I say this often, but this truly is one of my favorite designs. I’ve only designed one other panda and it was a hand puppet found in my book Itty-Bitty Toys. I was excited to revisit this character after over 10 years. I feel like this new friend has a sense of humor for some reason, maybe it’s the sweet expression or the size. This toy is a larger size than most of my recent designs, measuring in at close to 12-inches in length including the legs. And of course, the hooded cardigan makes everything cozy and charming.  The toy is worked completely seamlessly and in the round, and really, it is quite simple as far as toy-knitting goes. Panda is worked from the bottom-up. There are purl bump markers added along the way for the placement of the arms, legs, ears and tail. I tell you the exact stitches to place the safety eyes and where to place the face embroidery. The hooded cardigan is worked separately, and seamlessly from the top-down. I’ve included many photo tutorials in the pattern to help you along the way.  It is a joy to knit this one! I think you’re going to fall in love with this project.  Yarn  Barrett Wool Co. Wisconsin Woolen Spun Fingering Weight, 100% American Wool; (450 yards/100 grams), 1 skein each in Birch, Jam and Inkwell. The sample used 50 grams of Birch (white), 50 grams of Jam (red), and 25 grams of Inkwell (black). Needles  Panda: US size 3 double-pointed needles  Sweater: US size 7, 24-inch circular needles and a set of double-pointed needles  Adjust needle size to obtain the correct gauge. Gauge  Panda: 7 sts per inch in stockinette stitch  Sweater: 5 sts per inch in stockinette stitch Materials  Stitch locking stitch markers  Fiberfill  Poly pellets - Please note that poly pellets are considered a choking hazard for infants and young children. If this is a concern, please use fiberfill only.  Two 6mm safety eyes – Please note that safety eyes are considered a choking hazard for infants and young children. If this is a concern, please embroidery eyes.  Yarn needle  Waste yarn  Three ¾-inch buttons  Sewing needle and thread to attach buttons