M87 Supermassive Black Hole

M87 Supermassive Black Hole Knitted Toy

What is Being Made

The M87 Supermassive Black Hole is a knitted stuffed toy designed by Dawn Finney, inspired by the famous astronomical object. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a three-dimensional representation of a black hole complete with an accretion disk, finished with decorative eyes. The completed toy measures approximately five inches (12.5cm) wide when worked to the specified tension.

Construction Method and Approach

This design uses a two-piece construction technique. The black hole component is knitted first as the primary piece, followed by the accretion disk which is created using stitches picked up directly from the black hole body. Once both pieces are complete, decorative eyes are attached to the black hole, and the toy is sewn closed to create a finished three-dimensional form.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for an intermediate crafter:

• Stocking Stitch (St st): The primary stitch pattern used for the black hole body, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Garter Stitch: Used for the accretion disk, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, ridged appearance
• Increases (Inc): Shaping increases worked by knitting into both the front and back of individual stitches to add stitches and create the dimensional form
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches: The foundational stitches that form the basis of all stitch patterns in this project

Tension and Needle Requirements

Achieving the correct tension is critical for this pattern's success. The design requires using knitting needles that are two to three sizes smaller than the yarn manufacturer's recommended needle size. For example, if your yarn recommends US6 (4mm) needles, you would use US3 (3.25mm) needles instead. This intentionally tight gauge of 28 stitches and 37 rows to 4 inches (10cm) when worked with US3 (3.25mm) needles ensures that the knitted fabric is dense enough to prevent stuffing from showing through the finished toy.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed to work with DK weight yarn or varied yarn weights, offering flexibility in yarn selection. The pattern accommodates different yarn weights by adjusting needle sizes accordingly—always maintaining the principle of using needles significantly smaller than the yarn's standard recommendation. You will need knitting needles in the appropriate smaller size (such as US3/3.25mm as referenced in the pattern), yarn for both the black hole and accretion disk components, stuffing material for the toy, and embellishments for the eyes.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as an intermediate project, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, working fundamental stitches, increasing stitches, and basic finishing techniques such as picking up stitches and seaming. The two-piece construction and the need to maintain consistent tension throughout adds moderate complexity, making it suitable for knitters who have completed several basic projects and are ready to tackle shaping and assembly.