Knitted Square Hound Dog

Knitted Square Hound Dog by Linda Morris Tomlin

What is Being Made

The Knitted Square Hound Dog is a charming stuffed toy project designed by Linda Morris Tomlin through Linnypin Designs UK. This beginner-friendly knitted toy is constructed by creating individual knitted squares that are then sewn together to form a three-dimensional hound dog figure. The modular square-based construction makes this an accessible project for knitters new to toy making, while the finished result is a cuddly, tactile companion.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Method

This project employs a distinctive modular construction technique where multiple knitted squares serve as the building blocks for the entire toy. Rather than knitting the dog as one continuous piece, crafters work on separate square components that are later assembled together. This approach offers several advantages: it breaks the project into manageable sections, allows for easier tension control, and makes the construction process more straightforward for beginners.

The squares are worked in garter stitch, a fundamental knitting stitch that creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. Garter stitch is ideal for toy making because it produces a dense, sturdy fabric that holds its shape well and provides good structure for stuffed projects. When assembling the Knitted Square Hound Dog, the garter stitch squares are positioned to face the same direction where possible, creating visual consistency across the finished toy.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this project is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch requires no complicated techniques, making it perfectly suited for beginners. The simplicity of garter stitch allows new knitters to focus on maintaining even tension and consistent stitching rather than managing complex stitch patterns.

Materials and Supplies Required

To complete the Knitted Square Hound Dog, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn: DK weight yarn in appropriate colors for your hound dog design
• Knitting needles: Needles sized appropriately for DK weight yarn
• Toy stuffing: Approximately 100g of polyester toy stuffing to fill the completed dog
• Safety eyes: Plastic safety eyes designed for toy making to create the dog's facial features
• Ribbon: Decorative ribbon for embellishing the finished toy
• Sewing supplies: A sewing needle and thread in colors matching your yarn for assembling the squares and attaching embellishments
• Felt: Felt fabric for additional details or features on the hound dog

Assembly and Construction Notes

The pattern includes specific guidance for assembly to ensure professional-looking results. When knitting each square component, crafters should leave approximately 25cm of yarn at each end. These generous yarn tails serve a practical purpose: they are used to sew the individual squares together, eliminating the need to weave in ends separately and creating secure seams throughout the toy.

When joining the squares, the pattern recommends stitching the right sides together using a firm back stitch. This traditional hand-sewing technique creates strong, durable seams that can withstand the stress of stuffing and play. The back stitch is worked by bringing the needle up through both layers of fabric, then inserting it back through the previous stitch point, creating overlapping stitches that lock the squares firmly in place.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as a beginner difficulty project, the Knitted Square Hound Dog is ideal for knitters who are new to toy making or those looking for a straightforward, confidence-building project. The use of basic garter stitch and the modular construction method eliminate the need for complex shaping, color changes, or advanced techniques. The detailed, easy-to-follow instructions provided with the pattern support beginners throughout the creation process.

For additional support, designer Linda Morris Tomlin from Linnypin Designs UK offers direct assistance to crafters who encounter questions or difficulties during the project.