What you'll need
| One size only: | 96cm/38” long x 27cm/11” circumference |
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10188749
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10188752
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10188751
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Product Description
Go wild for our new animal-themed patterns! For Endangered Species Day, we’re bringing you three exclusive patterns that celebrate beautiful endangered animals all over the world. We’ve worked with designers to create this extra special collection in support of World Land Trust’s Keepers of the Wild programme, dedicated to putting passionate people on the ground in conservation areas to protect endangered species. It couldn’t be easier (or more fun!) to show your support – we’re donating all proceeds from the patterns to World Land Trust until the end of June. Find out more about the collection: www.lovecrafts.com/c/article/endangered-species-collection
WLT Merendon Palm Pit Viper Draft Excluder Knitting Pattern
What is Being Made
This is a knitted draft excluder designed to resemble a Merendon Palm Pit Viper snake. The finished piece measures 96cm (38 inches) in length with a 27cm (11 inch) circumference, making it a functional home accessory that blocks drafts while serving as a decorative serpent-themed textile sculpture. The pattern is created by designer Claire Sounes for the World Land Trust.
Construction and Techniques
The draft excluder is knitted flat, beginning at the tail and progressing toward the head. The main body is constructed using 8mm (US 11) straight needles with super chunky weight yarn, which creates a quick-knitting project despite its advanced difficulty level. The underside seam is joined using the mattress stitch, a technique that creates an invisible seam ideal for closing knitted pieces. The pattern includes a small i-cord element for the tongue, which is worked on 4mm (US 6) double pointed needles to create a knitted tube with finer gauge than the main body.
Stitches and Pattern Details
The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches, along with kfb (knit front and back), which is an increase technique used to shape the piece. The pattern is provided in both fully written instructions and charted format, offering flexibility for knitters who prefer either written or visual pattern guidance. Tension is critical to the finished dimensions: 12 stitches and 13 rows to 10cm (4 inches) should be achieved using the 8mm needles with the pattern stitch.
Materials and Yarn
The primary construction uses Paintbox Yarns Recycled Ribbon yarn in three coordinating colors:
- Colour A: Bright Green (007) – 1 ball of 120m (131 yards)
- Colour B: Blue (010) – 1 ball of 120m (131 yards)
- Colour C: Mint Green (009) – 1 ball of 120m (131 yards)
Additional materials include a small amount of pink DK weight yarn for the tongue detail, black yarn or thread for the eyes, and 2 green buttons measuring 15mm (1.5 inches) which serve as the eyes. The piece is finished with stuffing to give it dimension and structure.
Needle Requirements
Two needle sizes are required for this project. 8mm (US 11) straight needles are used for the main body knitting, while 4mm (US 6) double pointed needles are needed for the i-cord tongue. The long tail cast on method is specified for beginning the piece.
Skill Level and Pattern Format
This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters. The downloadable PDF format includes comprehensive instructions with both written directions and charts, allowing knitters to work from their preferred format. The combination of color work, shaping techniques, and finishing details requires solid foundational knitting skills and familiarity with intermediate techniques like mattress stitch seaming and i-cord construction.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Super Chunky |
| Pages: | 7 |
| Designer: | World Land Trust |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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