Toys in King Cole Tinsel - 9153pdf - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Tinsel Chunky Knitted Toys – Red Panda and Raccoon (Leaflet 9153)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole guides knitters through creating two charming stuffed animal toys: a Red Panda and a Raccoon, both knitted in King Cole Tinsel Chunky yarn. The finished toys measure between 16 and 25 cm tall (approximately 12 to 17 inches long), making them a delightful size for display or play. Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and simple colourwork.

About the Toys

Red Panda

The Large Red Panda is constructed in separate sections that are knitted and then assembled. The pattern begins at the tip of the tail and works through the body using careful increases and decreases to build the characteristic rounded, plush shape. A gusset section is also included, adding dimension and structure to the finished toy. The shaping throughout relies on a sequence of make 1 (M1) increases and K2tog/P2tog decreases, creating smooth, sculpted curves that give the red panda its recognisable form.

Raccoon

The Raccoon is similarly constructed using the same fundamental techniques, with the pattern guiding knitters through body shaping, limb construction, and facial detailing. Both animals benefit from the sparkly, textured quality of King Cole Tinsel Chunky yarn, which lends the toys a soft, tactile finish with a subtle shimmer — ideal for capturing the fluffy appearance of both creatures.

Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (St-st): The primary fabric stitch used throughout, formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows. This creates a smooth, classic knitted surface that works beautifully with the tinsel yarn's texture.
• Intarsia colourwork: Used when changing colour mid-row to create the distinctive markings of both animals — such as the raccoon's facial mask and the red panda's contrasting colouring. In intarsia, yarns are wrapped around each other at colour change points to prevent holes forming in the fabric.
• Make 1 (M1) increases: Worked by picking up and knitting into the loop between stitches, these increases are used extensively to shape the body, tail, and limbs smoothly.
• K2tog and P2tog decreases: Standard decrease methods used to taper and shape sections of the toys, including the head, body, and tail, by knitting or purling two stitches together.
• Casting on and casting off: Used at key structural points, including the beginning of the tail and at cast-off rows to close and shape limb sections.
• Seaming and assembly: The toys are knitted in separate pieces and joined together, a common construction method for knitted stuffed animals that allows for precise shaping of each individual element.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K)
• Purl (P)
• Make 1 (M1) — increase stitch
• K2tog — knit two together decrease
• P2tog — purl two together decrease
• Stocking stitch (St-st)

Materials

Both toys are knitted using King Cole Tinsel Chunky yarn, a chunky weight yarn known for its eye-catching sparkle and soft handle. The tinsel construction of this yarn gives the finished toys a wonderfully fluffy, glittery appearance that is particularly effective for animal characters. The pattern calls for 5mm knitting needles, which are the standard recommended needle size for chunky weight yarns and help achieve the correct tension and fabric density for a well-stuffed, structured toy.

Who Is This Pattern For?

This pattern is classified as intermediate level, making it most suitable for knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable working with shaping techniques such as increases, decreases, and simple intarsia colourwork. Knitters who enjoy making