Babies in Pea Pod

Babies in Pea Pod Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

This is a charming knitted doll project designed by Sachiyo Ishii that creates a decorative pea pod with three babies nestled inside. The finished pea pod measures 14cm in length, while each individual baby doll measures 4.5cm. This whimsical design combines multiple small knitted components into a single cohesive piece, making it an ideal project for creating handmade toys or decorative accessories.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to construct this multi-component project. The pea pod itself is constructed using a three-panel approach, with right, center, and left panels that are worked from the base outward. I-cord construction is a key technique, worked on 2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) using 4-ply fingering weight yarn. The pattern also incorporates standard shaping techniques including increases and decreases to form the dimensional pod shape and baby doll bodies. Mattress stitch seaming is used to join components together, with instructions to work seams from the right side for neat, invisible finishing.

Stitches Used

This pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters. The primary stitch throughout is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. Shaping is achieved through several decrease and increase techniques: knit two together (K2tog) for right-leaning decreases, slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (Skpo) for left-leaning decreases, and knit through front and back (Kfb) for increases. Basic knit and purl stitches form the foundation of all stitch work.

Materials and Tools

The project requires a combination of yarn weights and needle sizes to achieve proper proportions for both the larger pea pod and smaller baby dolls. DK weight (8-ply) yarn in green and light green forms the main pea pod structure, requiring 20g of green and 10g of light green yarn. 4-ply fingering weight yarn in multiple colors creates the babies and fine details: peach, pastel pink, pastel yellow, white, light brown, brown, and dark brown. Knitting needles in 2.75mm and 3mm sizes are required, along with 2.75mm double-pointed needles for i-cord work. Additional supplies include a chenille needle for finishing, toy stuffing to add dimension and weight to the dolls, and pink pastel for adding facial details. The recommended tension is 26 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm square in stocking stitch, though this is noted as not essential for the project's success.