Pretty Poodles - Pippi and Evie

Pretty Poodles - Pippi and Evie Knitted Toys

What is Being Made

Pretty Poodles - Pippi and Evie is a downloadable knitting pattern for creating two adorable poodle toy designs. Pippi is a pink poodle that comes dressed in a charming waistcoat, while Evie is a smaller cream-colored poodle without clothing. These are intermediate-level knitted toys designed by Vicki Stewart for Hillandbenz, perfect for crafters looking to create decorative or gift-worthy poodle companions.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several essential techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. Loop stitch is a primary technique used throughout the design, particularly for creating the characteristic textured appearance of poodle fur on the ears, legs, arms, tail, and chest areas. The pattern also incorporates stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) as a foundational stitch structure. Additional shaping techniques include increases (made by knitting into both the front and back loop of a stitch) and decreases using the skpo method (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over). The pattern includes turning techniques for directional work, allowing crafters to shape different sections of the poodles.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) - fundamental stitch for building fabric
• Purl (P) - used in combination with knit for stocking stitch
• Stocking Stitch (St-st) - alternating knit and purl rows creating smooth fabric
• Loop Stitch - creates the fluffy poodle texture on specific body parts
• Increases (Incr) - adds stitches for shaping
• Slip, Knit, Pass Over (skpo) - a decrease method for shaping

Materials and Tools

For Pippi (pink poodle with waistcoat): You will need 450 meters of 4ply yarn in your chosen color, worked using a double strand technique for added depth and texture. Additionally, 6 meters of 4ply black yarn (also worked double strand) is required for the nose detail. The pattern calls for 3.25mm knitting needles for the main body pieces and a 3.25mm crochet hook for finishing details. One crystal or shiny button completes Pippi's waistcoat, adding a decorative and functional element to the clothing piece.

For Evie (cream poodle without clothing): This smaller poodle requires 270 meters of 2ply yarn in your chosen color. The lighter yarn weight and reduced yardage reflect Evie's smaller finished size compared to dressed Pippi. Instructions for Evie are provided in blue italics throughout the pattern, making it easy to differentiate between the two designs while following a single set of directions.

Pattern Notes

The pattern uses clear abbreviations and standard knitting notation to guide intermediate crafters through the construction process. The dual-design format allows knitters to choose between creating the dressed Pippi or the simpler Evie version, or even both poodles as a pair. The use of loop stitch for the poodles' characteristic fluffy appearance adds visual interest and authentic texture to these charming toy designs.