Turtle Family

Turtle Family Knit Toys by Sachiyo Ishii

What is Being Made

The Turtle Family is a collection of knitted toy turtles designed by Sachiyo Ishii. These are small, three-dimensional stuffed creatures, with the largest finished size measuring 6cm. The pattern allows for creating multiple turtles in varying sizes, making it suitable for building a complete family of toys.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The toys are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques combined with specialized methods to create their distinctive three-dimensional form. The pattern is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stst): The primary stitch used throughout the toy construction, creating a smooth, flat fabric base
• Knit (K): Basic knit stitch
• Purl (P): Basic purl stitch
• Kfb (Knit through front and back): An increase technique that creates additional stitches in the same stitch
• K2tog (Knit two together): A decrease technique combining two stitches into one
• P2tog (Purl two together): A purl-based decrease technique
• Skpo (Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over): A left-leaning decrease technique
• I-cord: A special technique for creating small, tubular cords used for details like limbs and tails

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Turtle Family pattern calls for DK weight yarn (8-ply), which is a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating detailed toys with good stitch definition. The pattern specifies Anchor tapestry wool in seven color options (8014, 8132, 8412, 8938, 9096, 9212, 9536), with one skein of each color required. However, the pattern notes that any DK (8-ply) yarn color of your choice can be substituted, allowing for creative customization. Small amounts of dark brown DK yarn are also needed for details such as eyes or facial features.

The yarn specification indicates 10 meters per 5 gram skein of 100% wool fiber content, providing a durable, elastic material suitable for toys that will maintain their shape through play and handling.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires a pair of 2.75mm (US 2) double-pointed needles (DPN). Double-pointed needles are essential for this project because they enable the i-cord technique and allow for knitting small, seamless tubular sections without turning the work. The pattern also calls for a chenille needle or tapestry needle with a fairly sharp point and large eye for assembling the toy pieces and weaving in yarn ends.

Tension and Gauge

The recommended tension is 28 stitches by 34 rows over 5 centimeters, measured in stocking stitch. However, the pattern notes that achieving exact tension is not essential for this toy project, making it more forgiving for knitters whose gauge may vary slightly.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The pattern uses a color-coding system where yarn is identified as either "body colour" or "shell colour," allowing knitters to choose complementary shades for each turtle. The use of double-pointed needles and the i-cord technique means that stitches are cast on and then worked in the round without turning, with stitches slid to the opposite end of the needle to continue knitting. This construction method creates seamless, three-dimensional forms ideal for stuffed toys.