Cable Knitted Banana

Cable Knitted Banana by Ruth Haydock

What is Being Made

This is a knitted toy banana designed by Ruth Haydock, suitable for crafters seeking an intermediate-level knitting project. The finished piece is a three-dimensional stuffed toy banana constructed from two separately knitted pieces that are sewn together to form the complete toy.

Project Structure and Construction

The Cable Knitted Banana is worked as a two-piece construction method. Each piece is knitted separately before being joined together through seaming. This modular approach allows for easier knitting and shaping of the final toy form. The dark yellow section of the banana features decorative simple cabling on the outside, adding visual interest and texture to the finished toy.

Knitting Techniques Used

The primary technique featured in this pattern is cable knitting, which creates raised, twisted rope-like textures across the fabric. The cabling is worked on the dark yellow portion of the banana, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural interest. The pattern employs stockinette stitch as the base stitch throughout the project, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric. Cable work requires the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while crossing them over other stitches to create the distinctive twisted effect.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, creating a smooth V-patterned fabric
• Cable Stitches – Simple cable techniques worked on the dark yellow section for decorative texture

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern uses DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works well for creating defined stitch definition and detailed cable work. The project requires 3 mm (US 2.5) knitting needles or the size needed to achieve the stated gauge. A cable needle is essential for manipulating stitches during cable sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches by 18 rows equals 5 by 5 centimeters (2 by 2 inches) when working stockinette stitch using 3 mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is important for obtaining the proper finished size and ensuring the toy maintains its intended proportions and structure.

Finishing Supplies

• Fibrefill toy stuffing – Used to fill the completed banana pieces, creating a soft, three-dimensional toy form
• Sewing needle – Required for seaming the two knitted pieces together and securing the toy
• Scissors – For trimming yarn ends after completion

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to tackle cable work. The combination of stockinette stitch foundation with cable techniques provides a good learning opportunity for developing cable knitting skills while creating a charming finished toy.