Toys in Sirdar Alpine - 2495 - Downloadable PDF

Knitted Panda and Teddy Bear Toys in Sirdar Alpine DK – Pattern 2495

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 2495) provides instructions for creating two charming knitted soft toys: a classic Panda and a Teddy Bear. Each finished toy measures approximately 34 cm (13½ inches) in height, making them a generous, huggable size suitable as gifts or keepsakes. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, so you can get started right away.

The Panda

The Panda is worked in two shades of Sirdar Alpine DK yarn, capturing the iconic two-tone colouring of a real panda. The design uses a main shade (shade F227 Alpine 400) and a contrast shade (shade F227 Alpine 401), with two 50g balls of each shade required. The contrast colour is used to create the distinctive dark patches around the eyes, ears, and limbs, giving the finished toy its immediately recognisable appearance. Additional detail is added through embroidery using oddments of DK yarn, allowing the knitter to add facial features and fine finishing touches.

The Teddy Bear

The Teddy Bear is worked in a single shade of Sirdar Alpine DK yarn (shade F227 Alpine 404), requiring three 50g balls in total. The warm, unified colourway gives the bear a traditional, classic look. As with the Panda, embroidery with oddments of DK yarn is used to define the face and other details, bringing the toy to life with minimal additional materials.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both toys are constructed using flat knitting techniques, with the individual pieces knitted separately and then sewn together and stuffed to create the three-dimensional form. The primary stitch used throughout is stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows), which produces a smooth, even fabric well suited to toy making. Shaping is achieved through increasing and decreasing techniques, including slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (psso), which creates neat, directional decreases along edges and seams.

• Stocking stitch – the foundation stitch used throughout both toys
• Increasing – used to shape the body, head, and limb sections
• Decreasing (psso method) – used to taper and shape pieces neatly
• Embroidery – worked in DK yarn oddments to add facial features and surface detail
• Seaming and stuffing – pieces are joined and filled with washable toy filling to create the finished three-dimensional toy

Materials Required

Both toys are knitted using Sirdar Alpine DK weight yarn, worked on 6.5mm (UK3 / USA 10.5) knitting needles. The use of larger needles with a DK yarn creates a slightly looser, loftier fabric that is ideal for soft toys, giving them a pleasingly soft and squishy texture once stuffed.

• Yarn (Panda): Sirdar Alpine F227 shade 400 – 2 x 50g balls (main); Sirdar Alpine F227 shade 401 – 2 x 50g balls (contrast)
• Yarn (Teddy Bear): Sirdar Alpine F227 shade 404 – 3 x 50g balls
• Needles: 1 pair of 6.5mm (UK3 / USA 10.5) knitting needles
• Additional materials: Oddments of DK yarn for embroidery, washable toy filling, and 1 pair of safety eyes

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 11 stitches and 15 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 6.5mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important for toy making, as it directly affects the