Tickles the Tiger

Tickles the Tiger Knitted Toy

What Is Being Made

Tickles the Tiger is an adorable knitted stuffed toy designed by Amanda Berry. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a three-dimensional tiger figure perfect for children or as a decorative handmade gift. The finished toy is constructed using basic knitting techniques combined with simple shaping and assembly methods to bring the tiger character to life.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters with some experience. The construction involves working with both single-pointed needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) to create different components of the toy. Shaping is achieved through increases and decreases to form the tiger's body, head, and limbs. The pattern requires basic seaming skills to join pieces together, and simple embroidery work to add facial features and details.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The pattern utilizes standard knit and purl stitches as the foundation for all pieces. Increases and decreases are incorporated to shape the toy's various components into three-dimensional forms. Once individual pieces are knitted, they are seamed together using a tapestry needle to create the complete tiger figure. Embroidery stitches are used to add the nose detail, while beads are attached for the eyes, creating an expressive face.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Weight: DK weight (double knitting, light worsted weight, 8 ply) acrylic yarn is used throughout this project. The pattern calls for less than 30g each in three yarn shades: Orange, Brown, and White. The designer's sample was knitted using Hayfield Bonus DK, a 100% acrylic yarn in the shades Burnt Orange, Chocolate, and White. Up to one metre of black DK acrylic yarn is needed for embroidering the nose.

Needles and Notions: A pair of 3mm (US 2.5) single-pointed needles with a minimum length of 20cm is required for the main knitting. Two 3mm (US 2.5) double-pointed needles, minimum length 10cm, are needed for smaller components. A darning or tapestry needle is essential for seaming pieces together. The toy is stuffed with toy filling (several large handfuls), and finished with two 6mm black beads for eyes. An optional 30cm of ribbon can be added to tie around the tiger's neck as a decorative finishing touch.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle simple toy construction. The combination of shaping, seaming, and embellishment provides a satisfying project that builds skills in three-dimensional knitting.