Teddy Bears' Picnic in King Cole Chunky & DK - 9008 - Downloadable PDF

Teddy Bears' Picnic Knitting Pattern by King Cole – Pattern 9008

This charming knitting pattern from King Cole, reference number 9008, invites knitters to create a delightful collection of knitted teddy bear toys and accessories inspired by the classic Teddy Bears' Picnic theme. Rated as an advanced difficulty project, this pattern is ideal for experienced knitters looking for a rewarding and detailed make. The finished pieces are designed as toys and accessories, making them wonderful handmade gifts, keepsakes, or decorative items for children and collectors alike.

Yarns and Materials Used

The pattern is worked using two different weights of King Cole yarn, giving the finished toys both structure and detail:

• King Cole DK (Double Knit) yarn – used for finer details and smaller elements of the project
• King Cole Chunky yarn – used for the main body sections, giving the bears a satisfyingly plump and tactile finish

The use of two yarn weights within a single pattern is a notable feature of this design. The chunky weight yarn creates a soft, substantial fabric ideal for toy bodies, while the DK weight allows for more precise shaping in smaller or more detailed sections.

Needles Required

• 3¼mm knitting needles – recommended for use with the King Cole DK yarn
• 6mm knitting needles – recommended for use with the King Cole Chunky yarn

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described in the pattern as very important before commencing the toys. The stated tensions are:

• DK: 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 3¼mm needles
• Chunky: 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 6mm needles

Knitters are advised to work a tension square before beginning. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10cm, finer needles should be used to correct the tension. Getting tension right is especially critical in toy knitting, as incorrect tension can affect the size and shape of the finished pieces significantly.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This is an advanced knitting pattern that draws on a broad range of knitting techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with both shaping methods and more intricate stitch manoeuvres before attempting this project. The following techniques and stitches are referenced within the pattern:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric stitch used throughout, creating a smooth knitted surface on the right side and a purl texture on the reverse
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the foundational stitches used across all sections
• Increasing: M1 (Make 1) – picking up the loop lying between the last stitch worked and the next stitch, then knitting into the back of that loop to create a new stitch without a hole
• Increasing: M1P (Make 1 Purl ways) – the same technique as M1 but worked purlwise, used to add stitches on purl rows or in purl sections
• Decreasing: Skpo (Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over) – a left-leaning decrease used to reduce stitch counts neatly, particularly useful in shaping toy limbs and bodies
• Decreasing: tog (together) – working two stitches together, typically as K2tog or P2tog, for right-leaning decreases
• Yarn Round Needle (yrn) – used to create a new stitch or eyelet, often employed in decorative detailing
• Alternate rows – shaping is worked on alternate rows to create gradual, smooth curves essential in toy construction

About Knitted Toy Construction

Knitted toys such as ted