Animal Fun Face Brooches

Animal Fun Face Brooches Knitting Pattern by Sachiyo Ishii

What is Being Made

Animal Fun Face Brooches are small decorative knitted pins designed by Sachiyo Ishii, ranging from 1.75 inches (4.5cm) to 2.75 inches (7.5cm) in finished size. These jewellery pieces feature animal faces and are intended to be worn as brooches. The pattern includes at least one complete design: a Reindeer brooch with detailed facial features and dimensional construction.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques suitable for knitters with intermediate skill levels. The construction method works from the top of the head downward toward the chin, creating a shaped three-dimensional form. Increases are incorporated using the kfb (knit through front and back) technique to expand stitch counts where needed for shaping. Decreases are worked using k2tog (knit two together) and p2tog (purl two together) methods to taper and finish edges. Mattress stitch seaming is used to join pieces with the right side facing, creating neat, invisible seams. Embroidery work adds facial details including eyes and hair texture using a sharp chenille needle.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St st): The primary fabric structure, alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, flat surface suitable for the brooch faces
• Knit Stitch (K): Foundation stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl Stitch (P): Used in alternating rows to create stocking stitch fabric
• Kfb (Knit Front and Back): Increase technique used to expand stitches for shaping the head and facial features
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): Decrease technique for tapering sections
• P2tog (Purl Two Together): Decrease technique worked on wrong-side rows
• Mattress Stitch: Seaming method for joining pieces invisibly

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern uses DK weight yarn (8-ply), with oddments (small quantities) in multiple colors. The Reindeer design requires Light Brown, Dark Brown, Red Brown, and Red DK yarn. The pattern also incorporates 4-ply (fingering) yarn for finer details and embroidery work.

Needles and Tools: 3.5mm straight knitting needles are used as the primary needles for constructing the brooches. A chenille needle with a sharp point is essential for seaming pieces together, embroidering eyes, and creating hair texture details. A 35mm steel brooch back is recommended (though noted as not essential) to convert the finished knitted piece into a functional pin.

Additional Materials: Toy stuffing provides padding and dimension to the brooch faces. Pink pastel or makeup blush adds color and shading to enhance facial features and create depth. The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches by 30 rows over 10 centimeters to ensure proper sizing of the finished brooches.

Pattern Notes

The pattern emphasizes leaving long yarn ends on pieces that require assembly, facilitating easier seaming during construction. Assembly is worked with right sides facing using the mattress stitch method for professional-looking seams. The use of a sharp chenille needle is highlighted as important for both structural seaming and decorative embroidery work that brings the animal faces to life with embroidered eyes and hair details.