Josefina and Jeffery Knit Elephant Pillow

Josefina and Jeffery Knit Elephant Pillow

What is Being Made

This is a knitted elephant pillow pattern designed by Ira Rott. The pattern offers two size options for the finished cushion: a Medium pillow measuring 25 inches (63.5 cm) in width, and a Bulky pillow measuring 30 inches (76.2 cm) in width. Both versions feature the same pattern construction but are worked at different gauges to achieve the size variations. The elephant pillow is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational knitting skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and construction techniques.

Techniques Used

This knit elephant pillow employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its three-dimensional form. The pattern utilizes short rows, a shaping method that allows knitters to add depth and dimension to specific sections of the pillow without increasing stitch count across the entire row. This technique is essential for creating the elephant's distinctive head and body structure. The pattern also incorporates increases, specifically the kfb (knit in front and back of the same stitch) method, which adds stitches strategically to shape the pillow's contours. Additionally, the pattern uses double-pointed needles for working in the round, a technique that enables seamless circular knitting and is particularly useful for creating three-dimensional stuffed forms.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this pattern is the garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row (or every round when working circularly). Garter stitch produces a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that are visible on both sides of the work. This stitch choice is ideal for a pillow project because it creates a sturdy, durable fabric that holds its shape well and provides excellent structure for a stuffed cushion. The gauge for garter stitch varies depending on yarn weight: the Medium pillow worked in Medium weight yarn achieves 19 stitches by 36 rounds over a 4-inch by 4-inch (10 by 10 centimeter) swatch, while the Bulky pillow worked in Bulky weight yarn achieves 16 stitches by 30 rounds over the same measurement.

Materials and Yarn

The Josefina and Jeffery pattern calls for Red Heart Super Saver yarn in a chunky weight classification. For the Medium pillow size, crafters will need 550 yards (503 meters) of Grey as the main color (MC), plus small amounts of Black (CC1), White (CC2), and any contrasting color for the bow detail (CC3). For the Bulky pillow size, the yardage increases to 690 yards (631 meters) of Grey (MC), again supplemented with small quantities of Black (CC1), White (CC2), and a bow color (CC3). The pattern requires double-pointed needles (DPNs) sized appropriately to the yarn weight: 4 mm (US 6) needles for the Medium pillow and 5 mm (US 8) needles for the Bulky pillow. The use of multiple colors allows knitters to create facial features and decorative elements on the finished elephant pillow.