Haley Hen Doorstop

Haley Hen Doorstop by Adel Kay Knit Designer

What is Being Made

The Haley Hen Doorstop is a decorative knitted doorstop designed to add a charming, functional accent to any room. This three-dimensional hen-shaped project measures 10 cm in width, 21 cm in length, and 18 cm in height, making it a substantial decorative piece. The doorstop is filled with plastic pellets to provide weight and stability, though the pattern offers flexibility for crafters who prefer to create a baby-safe toy version by substituting hollow fibre filling instead.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft with double knitting yarn weight (DK). The pattern is designed for intermediate

Stitches and Construction Methods

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches to construct the hen doorstop. The main body begins with a cast-on of 51 stitches using yarn in Lime Green, with subsequent rows worked in knit stitch to build the structure. The three-dimensional form is achieved through shaping techniques that create the hen's body, head, and distinctive features. For facial details, the pattern includes the option to either attach 8 mm round black beads for eyes or embroider them, providing customization based on the maker's preference and intended use.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Haley Hen Doorstop pattern calls for DK weight yarn in six coordinating colors:

• Cygnet Essentially Cotton DK – Shade 3783 Lime Green (1 x 50 g/114 m ball)
• Cygnet Essentially Cotton DK – Shade 115 Shrimp (1 x 50 g/114 m ball)
• King Cole Smooth DK – Shade 803 Lemon Yellow (1 x 100 g/216 m ball)
• King Cole Smooth DK – Shade 856 Cornflower Blue (1 x 100 g/216 m ball)
• King Cole Smooth DK – Shade 800 Pale Pink (1 x 100 g/216 m ball)
• King Cole Smooth DK – Shade 805 Lobster Red (1 x 100 g/216 m ball)

Tools and Notions

To complete this project, you will need 2.75 mm knitting needles for working with the DK weight yarn. Additional supplies include a small round-end tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together, 2 x 8 mm round black beads for the eyes, and hollow fibre filling for stuffing. The pattern also specifies plastic pellet filling as the primary filling material to create the weighted doorstop effect, though this can be substituted with hollow fibre filling if making a toy version.

Pattern Flexibility and Variations

This pattern demonstrates thoughtful design by offering makers the option to adapt the project based on its intended purpose. The standard doorstop version uses plastic pellets for weight, while crafters making this as a baby toy can substitute hollow fibre filling for safety. Additionally, embroidered eyes can replace the bead eyes, allowing for personalization and accessibility based on individual preferences and skill levels.