Higgins the Hippo

Higgins the Hippo Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

Higgins the Hippo is a cuddly stuffed toy hippo designed by Amanda Berry. This knitted amigurumi-style toy is created predominantly using stockinette stitch and is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, including beginners. The finished hippo features button eyes and embroidered details, making it an engaging handmade toy project.

Knitting Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for toy construction. The body is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, finished appearance ideal for stuffed animals. Decreasing stitches using knit two together (k2tog) shaping techniques allows the crafter to form the hippo's three-dimensional body structure. The toy is constructed through seaming, where individual knitted pieces are joined together using a darning needle. A single crochet chain is used to create the hippo's tail, incorporating a complementary crochet technique into this primarily knitting project.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) ― the foundation stitch for the stockinette fabric
• Stockinette stitch ― the primary stitch pattern creating the smooth body texture
• Knit two together (k2tog) ― a decrease stitch for shaping the hippo's form
• Single crochet chain ― used for constructing the tail

Materials and Tools

This pattern uses DK weight yarn (also called double knitting or light worsted weight, 8 ply), specifically 100% acrylic yarn. The featured hippo was knitted in Stylecraft Special DK in the Cloud Blue shade. Crafters will need a minimum of 50g of blue DK yarn. Needles and hooks required include a pair of 3.5mm (US 4) single-pointed needles with a minimum length of 20cm to 50cm, and a 3.5mm (US E/4) crochet hook for the tail. Additional notions include toy filling for stuffing, two 6mm black buttons for eyes, a sewing needle and thread for attaching the eyes, a darning or tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together, and approximately one metre of lilac DK yarn for embroidering the hippo's nostrils.