Pinocchio

Pinocchio Knitting Pattern by Sachiyo Ishii

What is Being Made

This is an advanced knitting pattern for creating a Pinocchio doll in two sizes: 12cm and 15cm. The pattern includes instructions for constructing the doll's legs, body, head, and other components using the knitting technique. This is a complete doll project suitable for experienced knitters looking to create a detailed amigurumi-style character.

Knitting Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with shaping methods typical of doll construction. Key techniques include:

• Stocking stitch (St st) – the primary fabric construction method, creating a smooth, flat surface ideal for doll bodies
• Increases – using kfb (knit through front and back of the same stitch) to add stitches for shaping body sections
• Decreases – including k2tog (knit two together) and skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) for tapering limbs and shaping the head
• Purl stitches (P) – used selectively within the pattern for texture variation
• Casting on and binding off – foundational techniques for starting and finishing individual pieces

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and stitches:

• K – knit
• P – purl
• Kfb – knit one through the front then through the back (increase stitch)
• K2tog – knit two together (decrease stitch)
• P2tog – purl two together (decrease stitch)
• Skpo – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (decrease stitch)
• St st – stocking stitch
• St(s) – stitch or stitches
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• RH – right hand
• LH – left hand

Yarn Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn in multiple colors, with approximately 10g used for each color. The designer specifies three different yarn brands to achieve the desired color palette and characteristics:

Sirdar Snuggly 4-ply – A durable blend yarn available in multiple colors for this project:

• Color A (Honey): 55% Nylon, 45% Acrylic; 50g skein yields 226 meters
• Color B (Red brown): Acrylic content

Sheepjes Metropolis 4-ply – A wool-blend yarn providing warmth and elasticity:

• Color D (Cherry pink): 75% Wool, 25% Nylon; 50g skein yields 200 meters
• Color E (Blue): Used for the right leg cast-on

Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift – A pure wool yarn in fingering weight:

• Colors F (Ochre), G (Dark brown), H (Light brown), I (Coral pink), and J (Light grey): 100% wool; 25g skein yields 105 meters

The pattern also includes Fleecy DK yarn as an additional material option for certain components.

Tools and Supplies Required

Beyond yarn, the pattern requires specific knitting tools and finishing supplies:

• 2.75mm knitting needles – sized appropriately for 4-ply yarn to achieve proper gauge
• Chenille needle – for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together
• All-purpose sewing needle – for attaching embellishments and closing seams