Hisssss

Hisssss Snake Toy

What is Being Made

Hisssss is a charming knitted snake toy designed by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren. This is a flexible, customizable plush toy that can be made to any desired length, making it an ideal stash-busting project for knitters with leftover sock yarn. The snake's length is entirely up to the maker, allowing crafters to use up accumulated yarn scraps until supplies are depleted.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses 25g of 4 ply sock yarn scraps as the primary material, though the exact yardage can vary depending on how long you choose to make your snake. The 4 ply weight creates a fine, delicate fabric suitable for toy construction. Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for finishing, stitch markers to track your position during circular knitting, and toy stuffing to fill the completed snake body.

Needles and Tools

This pattern calls for 2.25mm needles, with the flexibility to use either double-pointed needles or circular needles for working in the round. The smaller needle size is intentional—it creates a tighter fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through the finished knit, which is essential for a professional-looking toy.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Hisssss is an intermediate-level knitting project that builds on fundamental skills while introducing several important techniques:

• Judy's Magic Cast On: A specialized cast-on method that creates a seamless, flexible foundation—particularly useful for circular knitting and toy construction
• Knitting in the Round: The entire snake is worked circularly using either double-pointed or circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Increasing Stitches: The pattern uses both M1L (make one left-leaning) and M1R (make one right-leaning) increases to shape the toy
• Decreasing Stitches: Techniques include k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for tapering and shaping
• Knit Through Back Loop (ktbl): A stitch variation that creates a twisted effect, often used for texture or structural purposes
• I-Cord: A tubular knitting technique that creates rope-like cord, likely used for the snake's body or decorative elements
• Stitch Markers: Essential tools for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings when working in the round
• Weaving in Ends: The finishing technique used to secure yarn tails and create a polished final product

Gauge and Customization

One of the appealing aspects of this pattern is its flexibility regarding gauge. Exact gauge is not critical for this toy project. The designer specifically recommends using a needle size smaller than you would typically choose for sock knitting. This intentional gauge adjustment creates a denser, tighter fabric that serves a functional purpose: preventing toy stuffing from migrating through the knit stitches, which would compromise the toy's appearance and structural integrity.

Project Suitability

Hisssss is an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to practice circular knitting techniques, shaping methods, and toy construction. It is particularly valuable as a stash-busting project, allowing knitters to transform small quantities of leftover sock yarn into a finished, functional toy rather than letting scraps accumulate unused.