Knitted Baby Seal
The knitted baby seal is an adorable and cuddly creation that brings warmth and comfort to children and adults alike. Its soft, plush texture and sweet expression make it the perfect companion for snuggling and soothing moments. With its cute floppy flippers and big black eyes, this knitted baby seal is sure to melt hearts and become a beloved member of the family. Whether as a gift for a little one or as a charming decor piece, this knitted baby seal brings joy and smiles wherever it goes. Its handmade quality adds a special touch, making it a unique and thoughtful choice for anyone in need of a little extra coziness and cuteness in their life.
Materials:
Baby Seal: 15 g of worsted weight yarn in white or grey, black yarn to embroider face, pair of 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, pair of 6 mm safety eyes, stuffing, length of ribbon or cord for hanging, tapestry needle
Gauge: 5.5 sts per 2.5 cm (1 inch) in stockinette
Size: 7.5 cm (3 inches) long
Seal Body
Start at tail. CO 6 sts with regular knitting needles.
Row 1: Purl.
Row 2: k2, [m1, k1] x 4. (10 sts)
Row 3-5: work 3 rows in st st.
Row 6: k2, [m1, k2] x 4. (14 sts)
Row 7: Purl.
Row 8: k2, [m1, k2] x 6. (20 sts)
Row 9-13: work 5 rows in st st.
Row 14: k9, m1, k2, m1, k9. (22 sts)
Row 15: Purl.
Row 16: k1, k2tog, k7, m1, k2, m1, k7, ssk, k1.
Row 17: Purl.
Row 18: [k1, k2tog] x 3, k4, [ssk, k1] x 3. (16 sts)
Row 19-21: work 3 rows in st st.
Row 22: k5, p1, k4, p1, k5. (purled sts mark eye locations)
Row 23: Purl.
Row 24: k1, [k2tog] x 3, k2, [ssk] x 3, k1. (10 sts)
Row 25: Purl.
Cut yarn leaving a long end, thread end through remaining stitches and pull tight to gather. This is the nose end. Attach the safety eyes at the purled stitch on Row 22. Sew up the seam along the underside of the body, leaving an opening. Stuff the body: most of the head shaping is done with the stuffing, adding extra bits to the cheeks and nose. Sew the seam closed. If you are hanging the toy, thread the ribbon or cord through the back of the neck, and tie a knot.
Flippers (make 4)
CO 8 sts with regular knitting needles.
Row 1: k6, k2tog. (7 sts)
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: k5, k2tog. (6 sts)
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: k4, k2tog. (5 sts)
Bind off. Fold in half lengthwise and sew together the short straight edge (not the edge with decreases). Sew 2 flippers to the tail end of the toy body, with decreased edges facing out, and cast-on edges facing forwards. Sew the other 2 flippers to the sides of the body near the neck, in the same orientation as the tail. Weave in all yarn ends.
Abbreviations
[ ] x N = repeat sequence in brackets N times ("to end" means to repeat until the end of the row)
CO = cast on
K = knit
k2tog = decrease 1 by knitting 2 together
kfbf = increase 2 by knitting into front, then back, then front of next stitch
m1 = increase 1 to the left by picking up loop between stitch just worked and next stitch, with your left needle, from front to back, and knit into the back of this loop
mb = make bobble: kfbf, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p3, turn, s2kp. You should start and end with 1 st. (there are many ways to make bobbles. If you need help, search for a tutorial that makes sense to you)
P or p = purl
p2tog = decrease 1 by purling 2 stitches together
RS = right side
s2kp = decrease 2 by slipping 2 stitches as if to k2tog, knit the next stitch, then pass both slipped stitches over the knit stitch
ssk = decrease 1 by slipping 2 stitches as if to purl, transfer slipped stitches back to left needle, then knit slipped sts together
st or sts = stitch or stitches
st st = stockinette stitch
WS = wrong side