Round Hen

Round Hen by Natty Knits

What is Being Made

The Round Hen is a small knitted toy designed by Clare Doornbos for Natty Knits. This adorable stuffed bird measures approximately 4 inches tall and is perfect for collectors of handmade amigurumi-style toys. The finished piece features a rounded body shape characteristic of a sitting hen, with distinct color blocking in cream, red, and orange yarns that create the body, comb, and beak details.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs short row shaping as its primary construction technique. Short rows create the three-dimensional rounded form of the hen's body without requiring complex decreases or increases. The pattern uses a methodical approach where each "yarn forward, turn work" instruction creates a loop of yarn that is then knitted together with the stitch above it on the return row. This shaping method allows knitters to build sculptural depth and dimension into the toy, creating the characteristic plump silhouette of a sitting hen.

The pattern also incorporates embroidery for finishing details. Black yarn is embroidered to create the hen's eyes, adding personality and character to the completed toy.

Stitches Used

The Round Hen pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout the body, created by knitting every row on both straight needles and double pointed needles, providing a dense, textured fabric ideal for toy construction
• Short row shaping – the signature technique that creates the rounded form
• Embroidery stitch – used to secure black yarn for the eyes

Materials and Tools

The Round Hen requires worsted weight yarn in three colors. Approximately 40 yards of cream worsted weight yarn forms the main body, while 5 yards each of red and orange worsted weight yarn create the comb and beak. A small scrap of black yarn is needed for embroidering the eyes.

Construction requires US size 4 (3.5mm) straight needles for the body sections and US size 4 (3.5mm) double pointed needles for any circular or small circumference sections. The gauge is 5 stitches and 10 rows per 1 inch in garter stitch, which is important for achieving the correct finished size of approximately 4 inches tall.

Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and embroidering details, and fiberfill for stuffing the toy to create a soft, three-dimensional form.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore shaping techniques. The short row method requires careful attention to instructions and understanding of how yarn overs interact with subsequent stitches, making it an excellent project for developing advanced shaping skills.