Whale

Whale Knitted Toy by Natty Knits

Project Overview

The Whale is an intermediate-level knitted toy pattern designed by Clare Doornbos of Natty Knits. This downloadable PDF provides instructions for creating a finished stuffed whale toy measuring approximately 8 inches from nose to tail. The project combines fundamental knitting techniques with shaping methods to construct a three-dimensional plush companion suitable for experienced beginners and intermediate knitters.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a small knitted whale toy, a soft sculptural piece suitable for children or as a decorative item. The whale is constructed as a single knitted piece using in-the-round knitting on double-pointed needles, then finished with fiberfill stuffing and embroidered details.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Whale pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its three-dimensional shape:

• In-the-Round Knitting: The toy is worked circularly on US size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Provisional Cast On: The pattern uses a provisional cast-on method with scrap yarn, allowing for later grafting or joining of stitches
• Short Row Shaping: Two rows of short row shaping are used specifically in the whale's tail section to create dimensional curves and contours. This advanced shaping technique involves turning work mid-row and creating loops of yarn that are knitted together with stitches on subsequent rows
• Increases and Decreases: Strategic increases using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) methods, along with K2tog (knit two together) decreases, shape the whale's body and features
• Embroidery: Black yarn is used to embroider eyes onto the finished toy, adding character and detail
• Stuffing: Fiberfill is inserted into the knitted structure to create a plush, three-dimensional form

Stitches Used

The Whale pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for toy construction:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, creating a smooth, finished fabric surface with a gauge of 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch
• Knit Stitch (K): Basic knit stitches form the foundation of the pattern
• Purl Stitch (P): Used in conjunction with knit stitches as required by the pattern instructions
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to reduce stitch count and shape the toy
• Make One Left (M1L) and Make One Right (M1R): Increases that add stitches while maintaining fabric integrity and directional shaping

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Whale pattern calls for straightforward materials commonly found in knitting supplies:

• Yarn: Approximately 100 yards of worsted weight yarn in the color of choice for the whale body
• Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles for working in the round
• Notions: Stitch markers to denote round beginnings and pattern sections, a stitch holder for holding stitches temporarily, and scrap yarn for the provisional cast-on method
• Finishing: Fiberfill stuffing to fill the completed toy and a scrap of black yarn for embroidering the whale's eyes

Difficulty Level and Gauge

Rated as an intermediate pattern, the Whale requires familiarity with circular knitting on double-pointed needles and comfort with shaping techniques. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in Stockinette Stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished size of approximately 8 inches from nose to tail. Knitters should verify their gauge before beginning to ensure proper proportions and fit of the finished toy.