Bouncy Ghost Toy

Bouncy Ghost Toy by Jane Burns

What is Being Made

The Bouncy Ghost Toy is a charming knitted plush toy designed by Jane Burns. This whimsical ghost measures 24cm in diameter and 8cm in height, making it a delightful small companion piece. The pattern creates a rounded, three-dimensional ghost shape that is perfect for display or play. The designer suggests a creative variation: filling the completed ghost with catnip to create an engaging toy for cats, adding versatility to this knitting project.

Knitting Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs fundamental techniques suitable for crafters with basic to intermediate skills. The project utilizes increases and decreases to shape the ghost's rounded form. The increase technique used is kfb (knit into front and back), which adds one stitch by working into both the front and back loops of a single stitch. For shaping and decreasing, the pattern uses k2tog (knit two together), a standard decrease method that combines two stitches into one. These shaping techniques work together to create the ghost's characteristic rounded silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Bouncy Ghost pattern is constructed using basic knit stitches combined with the shaping decreases and increases mentioned above. The pattern works in the round using double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction of the three-dimensional form. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish on the completed toy.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: DK weight yarn in white is used for this project. The pattern specifies approximately 25g of yarn. The designer worked the sample in Stylecraft Special Double Knit, Shade 1001 White, providing a clear reference for yarn selection and color.

Needles: A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) measuring 15cm in length is required. The use of four needles in the set allows for working in the round without seams.

Additional Materials: Beyond yarn and needles, this project requires a darning needle for weaving in ends and assembling the toy. Small amounts of toy stuffing are needed to fill the ghost and create its three-dimensional shape. Black felt is used to create the ghost's facial features, and fabric glue secures these felt pieces to the knitted body. Shirring elastic is included for hanging, allowing the finished ghost to be suspended as decoration.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square when worked on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for creating a ghost of the intended finished dimensions: 24cm round by 8cm tall.

Safety Considerations

The pattern includes an important safety note: this toy is not suitable for children under 36 months due to the felt facial features. To prevent choking hazards, the designer recommends securely sewing the felt pieces onto the knitted ghost rather than relying solely on fabric glue. This ensures the embellishments remain firmly attached during play.