Jelly, the dachshund

Jelly, the Dachshund Dog Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

Jelly is a charming knitted toy dachshund designed by Stana D. Sortor. This finished stuffed animal measures approximately 15 inches (38 centimeters) in length, including the tail. The pattern creates a three-dimensional plush toy suitable for children or as a decorative handmade gift.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project worked primarily in the round using double-pointed needles. Knitting in the round creates seamless cylindrical sections that form the toy's body, head, and limbs. The pattern employs standard shaping techniques including increases and decreases to sculpt the dachshund's distinctive long body and proportioned features.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for beginners:

• Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric stitch, created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing a smooth finished surface
• KFB (Knit in Front and Back) – an increase stitch that creates two stitches from one, used to expand sections during shaping
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) – a left-leaning decrease that reduces two stitches to one
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) – a right-leaning decrease combining two stitches into one
• P2tog (Purl Two Together) – a purl-based decrease used in specific sections

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Dream in Color Classy Worsted, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn in worsted weight. One skein in the colorway Tea Party #04 is recommended, though the project uses approximately 160 to 170 yards of the 250-yard skein. An additional 15 yards of yarn in the same or contrasting color creates the collar detail. Small amounts of black yarn are needed for embroidered facial features including eyes, nose, and mouth.

Needles and Notions

The pattern recommends double-pointed needles (DPN) in US size 5 (3.75mm), available as a set of 5 needles for seamless knitting in the round. Alternatively, knitters may use their preferred needles suitable for circular knitting. Additional supplies include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and embroidering features, scissors, a stitch marker to track round beginnings, and polyester fiberfill stuffing (one small bag) to give the toy its three-dimensional shape and weight.

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This beginner-level project is accessible to knitters new to toy construction, requiring only basic increases, decreases, and the ability to work in the round. The worsted weight yarn and larger needle size work up quickly, making this an ideal first stuffed animal project.