UFO (Flying Saucer)

UFO (Flying Saucer) Knitting Pattern by ButterflyLove1

What Is Being Made

The UFO (Flying Saucer) is a beginner-friendly knitted toy project that creates a three-dimensional flying saucer approximately five inches wide. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a stuffed decorative piece suitable for display or play, featuring a distinctive saucer base with a rounded dome top section.

Construction Technique

The flying saucer is constructed using a two-part knitting method. The saucer base is knitted as a single section on two needles, after which stitches are picked up to create the rounded top section (dome). This pickup method allows the crafter to build the three-dimensional form efficiently without requiring complex shaping throughout the entire project. The finished knitted piece is then stuffed and supported with internal structure before final assembly.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

• Knit (K) - the fundamental knit stitch
• Purl (P) - the reverse knit stitch
• Increase (Inc) - created by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch to add stitches
• Together (Tog) - used for decreasing stitches
• Stocking Stitch (St st) - the primary fabric structure created by alternating knit rows and purl rows

Yarn and Needle Specifications

This pattern uses DK weight yarn, with the project requiring approximately 30g of grey yarn. The pattern employs an unconventional tension technique: knitters should use needles two to three sizes smaller than the yarn manufacturer's recommended size. For example, if the yarn recommends US6 needles, use US3 (3.25mm) needles instead. This tight gauge produces a densely knit weave with a tension of 28 stitches and 37 rows per 4-inch (10cm) square, ensuring the stuffing does not show through the finished fabric.

Materials Required

• Two knitting needles in US3 (3.25mm) size
• 30g grey DK weight yarn
• Buttons or beads for decoration
• Polyfil stuffing
• 5-6 inch square of stiff cardboard for structure
• 9 inch square of quilt wad for padding

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft. The straightforward stitch vocabulary and simple construction method require only basic knitting skills, though the tension adjustment technique introduces crafters to the concept of gauge manipulation for specific results.