Two Hippos

Two Hippos Knitting Pattern by knitvana

Project Overview

The Two Hippos pattern from independent designer knitvana includes instructions for creating two charming knitted hippo projects: a functional Hippo Tea Cozy and a stuffed toy Knitkinz Hippo. This intermediate-level knitting pattern offers versatility, allowing crafters to make either a practical kitchen accessory or a decorative plush animal, or both designs from a single downloadable PDF.

Hippo Tea Cozy

Purpose and Dimensions: The Hippo Tea Cozy is designed to insulate and keep teapots warm during tea service. The interior body cavity measures 7 inches at the top opening and 7 inches in diameter, making it suitable for large teapots.

Construction Technique: The tea cozy body is worked flat using fundamental knitting techniques. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 110 stitches and employs alternating knit and purl rows to create textured fabric. The first five rows are worked entirely in knit stitch to establish a stable foundation. Subsequent rows alternate between purl rows (even rows 6-40) and knit rows (odd rows 7-59), creating a garter stitch-like texture. Strategic decreases are incorporated throughout the pattern to shape the cozy; for example, row 42 uses a purl two together decrease combined with purl stitches to reduce the stitch count from 110 to 88 stitches. Additional decrease rows at row 46 further reduce the piece to 70 stitches, allowing the fabric to taper and conform to the teapot shape.

Materials: The Hippo Tea Cozy is constructed using green cotton yarn and white cotton yarn worked on size #3 needles. Cotton yarn provides a practical, washable, and heat-resistant fiber ideal for kitchen textiles.

Knitkinz Hippo Stuffed Toy

Purpose and Dimensions: The Knitkinz Hippo is a cute stuffed knitted animal standing 14 inches tall. These Knitkinz designs are part of a broader collection of animal toys available through knitvana's online presence.

Materials: The stuffed toy is constructed using knitted fabric and finished with poly-fil stuffing to create a soft, huggable plush toy.

Stitches and Techniques

• Cast-on: Foundation method for establishing initial stitches on needles
• Knit stitch: Basic stitch used throughout the pattern for fabric structure
• Purl stitch: Reverse knit stitch used to create textured surfaces and shaping
• Purl two together (P2tog): Decrease technique used to reduce stitch counts and shape the cozy body
• Garter stitch: Texture created by alternating knit and purl rows, providing dimensional interest

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable reading pattern instructions with decreases and stitch count changes.

Designer Information

Two Hippos is designed by knitvana, an independent designer. Additional Knitkinz animal patterns and designs are available through knitvana.com and the knitvana Ravelry community.