Binky Buddies Up North Collection-Pacifier Clips

Binky Buddies Up North Collection Pacifier Clips by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

The Binky Buddies Up North Collection features small knitted animal pacifier clips designed specifically for infants and very young children. This collection includes a moose design that combines a soft knitted body with functional pacifier clip attachment. These handmade toys serve as both comfort objects and practical accessories, with the animal body worked in the round and finished with stuffing for a three-dimensional plush effect.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with I-cord for the neck section, establishing a sturdy foundation. The pattern uses double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round, a technique that allows for seamless, circular construction of the animal body. Increases are worked strategically throughout the piece using the KFB (knit front and back) stitch, which creates shaping and volume as the body expands from the neck downward. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, creating a smooth, finished fabric suitable for a toy intended for infants.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the body, creating a smooth, flat fabric with a polished appearance
• I-Cord: Used for the initial neck section, providing a structured starting point
• KFB (Knit Front and Back): The increase stitch used throughout to shape the animal body, worked in strategic intervals to create graduated increases
• Knit Stitch: Used in rounds between increase rounds to maintain gauge and structure

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The moose design requires worsted weight yarn in two colors: approximately 40 grams of main color (MC) for the body and 10 grams of contrasting color (CC) for details including antlers, nose, and eyes. Construction uses US size 6 double-pointed needles and a darning needle for finishing. The piece is stuffed with fiber fill or scrap yarn to create dimension and structure. An alligator clip or pacifier clip can be attached to the animal's foot to complete the functional pacifier clip accessory.

Safety and Design Considerations

This pattern specifically addresses safety for very small children and infants by explicitly recommending against beads or eyes that could detach and pose a choking hazard. Instead, the design incorporates embroidered or knitted details worked in contrasting yarn colors, ensuring all components remain securely attached to the finished toy.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch over stockinette stitch, which helps ensure proper sizing and proportions for an infant-appropriate toy. The body construction progresses from 6 cast-on stitches to 24 stitches by Round 5, establishing the basic proportions of the animal form.