Paul the Pigeon

Paul the Pigeon: A Knitted Toy by Trish Roberts

What is Being Made

Paul the Pigeon is a charming knitted toy designed by Trish Roberts, perfect for craft enthusiasts looking to create a whimsical decorative piece or gift. This adorable pigeon measures approximately 18cm (7 inches) from chest to posterior and stands about 22cm (8¼ inches when seated, making it an ideal size for displaying on a windowsill or shelf. The finished toy features characteristic pigeon details including a rounded body, distinctive posture, and expressive googly eyes that give Paul his endearing personality.

Craft and Techniques

Paul the Pigeon is created using knitting as the primary craft method. This intermediate-level project is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with basic shaping techniques and assembling multiple knitted pieces. The project employs fundamental knitting construction methods, combining separately knitted components that are then sewn together to form the complete toy.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for toy construction:

• Knit (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl (P) – used to create texture and pattern variation
• Stocking stitch (St st) – the primary fabric structure, worked over unstuffed sections to achieve the correct tension and drape
• M1L (Make 1 Left) – an increase technique used for shaping the toy's body and features

These fundamental techniques combine to create the three-dimensional form of Paul's body, allowing knitters to shape the pigeon's distinctive silhouette through strategic increases and the natural properties of stocking stitch.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Paul the Pigeon is designed to be economical with yarn, requiring only small amounts of multiple colors. The yarn weight used throughout is DK (Double Knit), a versatile medium weight ideal for toy making:

• 50g (1¾oz / 125m / 137yds) of light grey DK yarn for the main body
• 15g (½oz / 42m / 46yds) each of dark grey, purple, dark green, and lilac DK yarn for accents and details
• Oddments of cream DK yarn for additional features

Equipment and Notions

To complete Paul the Pigeon, knitters will need the following equipment:

• A pair of 2¾mm straight needles – appropriately sized for DK yarn to achieve proper tension
• A pair of 12mm sew-on googly eyes to create Paul's characteristic wobbly-eyed expression
• Scrap yarn to use as stitch markers for tracking pattern progress
• Toy stuffing for filling the completed knitted pieces
• A tapestry needle and large-headed pins for sewing the knitted components together
• A sewing needle and strong thread specifically for securely attaching the googly eyes
• A tape measure for checking finished dimensions

Tension and Pattern Specifications

Achieving the correct tension is essential for Paul the Pigeon to reach the intended finished size. The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 35 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4 inches) over unstuffed stocking stitch. This tension measurement is taken before stuffing, allowing knitters to assess their gauge accurately and make any necessary needle size adjustments before committing to the full project.

Design Appeal

Paul the Pigeon is described as a wobbly-eyed waddler, capturing the charming personality of real pigeons while maintaining a playful, whimsical aesthetic. The combination of multiple yarn colors – light grey, dark grey, purple, dark green, and lilac – allows for creative color blocking and detailed feather work, making each handmade Paul unique. This toy project is perfect for knitters seeking an intermediate challenge that produces a delightful finished object suitable for decoration or as a thoughtful handmade gift.