Sleepy Dormouse

Dormice are tiny mammals that live in the south of England. Only 6 to 9 cm long, they can hibernate for upto 9 months of the year in a nest of leaves and grass on the ground. They often hibernate curled in to a ball with their tail wrapped around them. This pattern is to make a lifesize knitted dormouse to use a toy or decoration. If to be used as a decoration, a fillable 8 cm glass bauble from Hobbycraft makes a good substitute nest.

The dormouse is made using 2.75 mm straight and double pointed needles. A body and head is knitted in one piece and the limbs and tail are joined on and knitted in i-cord. There is very little sewing involved. The work is in stocking stitch. The knitting and sewing skills required are not extensive but the shaping of the animal requires attention to detail. This means the pattern is more suitable for intermediate knitters. If you wish to substitute yarns, the dormouse may be made of any golden brown and cream 4 ply yarn and the 2.75 mm needles.