Piggy Bank Toy & Pillow

Knitted Piggy Bank Toy & Pillow by knitvana

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted piggy bank toy and pillow designed by knitvana and originally copyrighted by MELENAR, LLC in 2009. The project creates a three-dimensional stuffed pig figure that functions as both a decorative toy and a functional coin bank. The finished piece is soft enough to serve as a small pillow while maintaining a structured shape suitable for holding coins.

Primary Craft & Technique

This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines basic knit and purl stitching with shaping techniques. The construction method involves knitting the main body as a single piece, beginning from the nose and working outward. The pattern uses increases to expand the fabric width during the body formation, followed by decreases to shape and taper the piece. This approach creates a three-dimensional form that is then stuffed to achieve the pig's rounded shape.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): Used throughout odd rows and in specific sections of even rows to create texture variation
• Purl stitch (P): Used throughout even rows and in specific sections to create the reverse stockinette texture
• Make one / yarn over increases: Added after every 3 stitches in Row 8, 10, and 12, then after every 4 stitches in Row 16 to expand the body width from 26 stitches to 78 stitches
• Purl two together (P2tog): Used in Rows 33 and onward to decrease stitches symmetrically and shape the pig's body

Materials & Tools

The pattern specifies cotton yarn in pink, originally sourced from AC Moore and purchased by weight. The designer notes that any similar cotton yarn, such as Sugar n Cream brand, can be substituted. Cotton yarn is chosen for its durability, washability, and ability to hold shape when stuffed.

Knitting needles used: Bamboo needles in two sizes—size #4 needles for knitting the nose and body, and size #6 needles for knitting the ears. The use of different needle sizes allows the designer to control fabric density and drape in different sections of the toy.

Stuffing: Poly-fil fiberfill is used to maintain the pig's shape and create the three-dimensional form. This synthetic stuffing is standard for handmade toys and pillows, providing consistent loft and washability.

Construction Overview

The body is constructed as a single knitted piece using a garter stitch and stockinette combination. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 26 stitches at the nose end. The first seven rows establish the nose with alternating knit and purl rows. Strategic increases in Rows 8, 10, 12, and 16 expand the fabric to 78 stitches, creating the widest part of the pig's body. Rows 18 through 32 maintain this width with continuous purl stitching. From Row 33 onward, symmetrical decreases using purl two together reduce the stitch count, shaping the body toward the tail end. This graduated increase-and-decrease method creates an organic, rounded form characteristic of a pig when the piece is stuffed with poly-fil.