Ballerina Hippo Soft Toy Project

Difficulty

Intermediate
Yarn Type

DK / 8 ply
Designer

Val Pierce
Needle Size

US 6 / 4.0mm
Needle Type

Straight, Crochet Hook
Techniques

Stocking Stitch, Basic Shaping, Garter

What you need to know

Val Pierce's knitted hippo toy pattern is the dream gift for little ballerinas.

Our hippo toy dreams of being a prima ballerina and who are we to stop her! She's knitted in stocking stitch using simple shaping, so is well suited to beginner knitters. The dress is worked separately from the body and in two pieces. The skirt features a fake picot edge, which is really easy to do. You work in stocking stitch, followed by a row of basic eyelets. When you're done, just fold it in half and you have a decorative edge - we love it when it's this easy!

What do I need?

Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK, shades 1203 Silver, 1019 Cloud Blue, one 100g ball of each, silver metallic, black DK, oddment of each
Needles: 4mm
Crochet hook: 3.75mm
Organza flowers: pink
Ribbon: silver-edged, white, narrow, 2m
Safety toy stuffing
Tapestry needle

Sizing

Height: 35cm

Top knit tips

If you’re not a big fan of crochet, there are a couple of different sewn edgings that would also work well to finish the dress off in style. One option is to simply oversew the knitted edge in the metallic yarn. Alternatively, you could use blanket stitch.

If giving the toy to a small child, remember to omit the organza flowers for safety reasons.

Meet the designer

Designer Val Pierce is best known for her utterly adorable toy patterns. If you loved making this pattern, then why not make Val's knitted sheep next? You can find even more toy designs from Val Pierce here.

How to access this pattern

This pattern is available to Let’s Knit Together Members. Memberships start from as little as £4.99 a month (when paid annually) and you will gain access not only to this pattern, but 3,000+ more knitting and crochet patterns to keep you inspired and casting on all year round. Join our friendly community of knitters and crochet enthusiasts today.

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