Fish and Boy

Fish and Boy Knitting Pattern by Sachiyo Ishii

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern creates charming toy figures featuring a boy and a carp, designed by Sachiyo Ishii. The project is suitable for knitters with intermediate skill levels and produces finished pieces approximately 13cm in size. Both components are worked using fundamental knitting techniques, making this an engaging pattern for crafters looking to expand their toy-making repertoire.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two distinct knitted toys: a boy figure and a carp fish. These small-scale projects are ideal for creating decorative pieces, gifts, or collectible toys. The pattern notes that a twig may be incorporated as an optional accessory, and fishing rod elements should be omitted if the finished toys are intended for young children.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Flat Knitting: All pattern pieces are knitted flat rather than in the round, simplifying construction for intermediate knitters
• Stripes: Color changes create visual interest and definition in the toy designs
• I-cord: Double-pointed needles are used to work i-cords, which add textural detail and structural elements
• Mattress Stitch Seaming: Pieces are sewn together using the mattress stitch worked on the right side, creating invisible, professional-looking seams
• Increases and Decreases: Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to form three-dimensional toy structures

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs standard knitting abbreviations and fundamental stitches:

• St st (Stocking Stitch): The primary stitch used throughout, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• K (Knit) and P (Purl): Basic stitches that form the foundation of the pattern
• Kfb (Knit through Front and Back): An increase technique that creates additional stitches for shaping
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• P2tog (Purl Two Together): A purl-based decrease for shaping on wrong-side rows
• Skpo (Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over): A left-leaning decrease technique for refined shaping

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern is designed for DK weight yarn (also known as 8-ply), a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for small toy projects. A comprehensive color palette is specified, including:

• [A] Light Blue
• [B] Aqua Blue
• [C] Chocolate Brown
• [D] White
• [E] Dark Brown
• [F] Green
• [G] Peach
• [H] Brown
• [I] Red
• [J] Light Brown
• [K] Yellow
• [L] Grey

Small quantities of each color are required, with the boy figure requiring up to 10g of yarn. Additional light brown 4-ply yarn is needed for seaming and finishing details.

Tools and Equipment

• 3mm Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): Used for working i-cords and striped sections
• Chenille Needle: Essential for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends
• Toy Stuffing: Required to fill and shape the completed figures
• Optional Twig: May be incorporated as an accessory element

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a working tension of 26 stitches and 36 rows over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for producing toys that match the intended 13cm finished size and ensuring proper proportions for the boy and carp figures.

Pattern Notes and Construction Tips

The pattern includes several helpful guidelines for successful completion.