Gnome and Frog

Gnome and Frog Knitting Pattern by Sachiyo Ishii

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern by designer Sachiyo Ishii features two charming toy projects: a frog measuring 9cm and a gnome measuring 7cm. Both pieces are designed as intermediate-level knitting projects suitable for crafters with foundational knitting skills. The gnome can be stitched to the frog to create a combined display piece, making this pattern versatile for different finished presentations.

What You Will Make

• Frog toy – A 9cm finished piece in green DK yarn with detailed features
• Gnome toy – A 7cm finished piece featuring a pumpkin orange hat and beige body

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques executed on straight needles or double-pointed needles. All pieces are knitted flat, meaning you work back and forth in rows rather than in the round, then seam the pieces together at completion. No circular knitting is required, making this accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat construction methods.

The frog design includes a technique where stitches are divided into three sections, with some stitches held unworked during certain rows. This shaping method creates the frog's distinctive form. While straight needles can technically be used throughout, the pattern recommends double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working the frog sections, as they provide better control when managing divided stitches and held stitches.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this pattern is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for toy construction and detailed colorwork.

Materials and Yarn

Both projects use DK weight yarn (8-ply) as the primary material, with small amounts required for each piece:

• Frog: 20g green DK yarn [A], 5g off-white DK yarn [B], plus oddments of 4-ply yarn in ochre, pastel yellow, orange, grey, pink, cherry pink, white, and dark brown for details
• Gnome: 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn in yellow [E], beige [F], pumpkin orange [G], red [H], and red brown [I]

The inclusion of both DK and 4-ply yarns allows for varied texture and detail work. Oddments and small quantities mean this pattern is economical, making it ideal for using yarn scraps from other projects.

Tools and Equipment Required

• 3 x 2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the frog
• 3mm crochet hook or similar for finishing details
• Chenille needle for seaming and embroidery work
• Toy stuffing for filling the finished pieces
• Twig for the gnome's fishing rod (optional – the pattern notes this should be omitted if the toy is intended for a young child)

Safety and Age Considerations

The pattern includes a helpful safety note: the fishing rod accessory should be omitted when making this toy for young children, ensuring the finished piece is safe for small hands and mouths.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with basic stitches and seaming techniques. The divided stitch sections on the frog and the color work required for details present a moderate challenge suitable for knitters progressing beyond beginner projects.