Spring Onion

Spring Onion Knitting Pattern by Amanda Berry

What is Being Made

The Spring Onion is a beginner-friendly knitted toy design that recreates the appearance of a spring onion (also known as a scallion). This small stuffed toy stands approximately 20cm tall, not including the roots, and features the characteristic bulbous white base of the vegetable with green leafy tops. The finished piece is a soft, decorative toy suitable for play or display.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction involves basic shaping methods including increases (knit into the front and back, abbreviated as kfb) and decreases (knit two stitches together, abbreviated as k2tog) to create the bulbous white base and tapered green sections. The toy is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles, with pieces that are subsequently seamed together using a tapestry needle. The pattern requires understanding of right-side and wrong-side rows, and uses a stitch holder to manage stitches during construction.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) - the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch (p) - used to create texture variation
• Knit front and back (kfb) - an increase technique for shaping the bulbous sections
• Knit two together (k2tog) - a decrease technique for tapering the green sections

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn (double knitting or light worsted weight), specifically Sirdar or Hayfield Bonus DK in 100% acrylic. Less than 25g of each colour is required: "Grass" green for the main leafy sections, "Lime" light green for accent areas, and "White" for the bulbous base. Approximately 50cm of beige DK yarn is needed for the roots. A pair of straight 2.75mm (US 2) knitting needles with a minimum length of 20cm is required for construction. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming, toy filling for stuffing, and a stitch holder. The recommended tension is 6 stitches by 8 rows per 2.5cm square.