Knitted Grass Toy
Imagine a delightful knitted grass toy, crafted with care and creativity to bring joy to pets and their owners alike. This unique toy not only adds a touch of whimsy to playtime but also provides a safe and eco-friendly option for our furry friends. With its soft texture and vibrant colors, this toy is sure to capture the curiosity of pets while blending seamlessly into any living space. Whether your pet is a playful pup or a curious cat, this knitted grass toy is a charming addition to their toy collection that promotes both fun and sustainability.
Finished size (after felting and stuffing): approx. 5″ tall
You’ll Need:
Felt-able wool yarn, such as Elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool (different-sized yarn will also work, with needle size adjustment)
Size 6 US (4.0 mm) straight needles
Tapestry needle
Embroidery thread and needle or beads for eyes
Polyfil for stuffing
Gauge: Doesn’t really matter, but your stitches shouldn’t be too tight or loose
Abbreviations
k = knit
st = stitch(es)
kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
k3tog = knit 3 stitches together
ssk = slip 2 stitches knitwise, insert left needle back into both slipped stitches and knit together
Pattern starts here!
Cast on 32 st
Row 1: knit
Row 2 and all even rows: purl
Row 3: k1, k2tog, k to last 3 st, ssk, k1 (30 st)
Row 5: knit
Row 7: same as row 3 (28 st)
Row 9: knit
Row 11: same as row 3 (26 st)
Row 13: knit
Row 15: k1, k2tog, k to end (25 st)
Row 17: knit
Row 19: same as row 15 (24 st)
Row 21: knit
Row 23: k1, kfb, k to last 3 st, ssk, k1
Row 25: k1, kfb, k8, k2tog, turn and work these 12 stitches separately, leaving remaining 12 stitches on the needle
Row 27: k1, kfb, k8, k2tog
Rows 29 and 31: same as row 27
Row 33: k1, kfb, k to last 4st, [k2tog] twice (11 st)
Row 35: same as row 33 (10 st)
Row 37: k1, [kfb] twice, k to last 5 st, k2tog, k3tog (9 st)
Rows 39 and 41: same as row 37 (7 st)
Row 43: [k2 tog] twice, k3tog (3 st)
End with a purl row, break yarn and pull through 3 st
Reattach yarn to 12 stitches on needle
Rows 45 and 47: knit
Row 49: k2tog, k8, kfb, k1
Row 51: knit
Row 53: same as row 49
Row 55: knit
Row 57: [k2tog] twice, k to last 2 st, kfb, k1 (11)
Rows 59, 61, 63, and 65: same as row 57 (7 st)
Row 67: k3tog, [k2tog] twice
End with a purl row, break yarn and pull through 3 st
Reverse side (everything is reversed from first side)
Cast on 32 st
Row 1: knit
Row 2 and all even rows: purl
Row 3: k1, k2tog, k to last 3 st, ssk, k1 (30 st)
Row 5: knit
Row 7: same as row 3 (28 st)
Row 9: knit
Row 11: same as row 3 (26 st)
Row 13: knit
Row 15: k to last 3 st, ssk, k1 (25 st)
Row 17: knit
Row 19: same as row 15 (24 st)
Row 21: knit
Row 23: k1, k2tog, k to last 2 st, kfb, k1
Row 25: k12, turn and work these stitches separately, leaving remaining 12 stitches on the needle
Rows 27: knit
Row 29: k1, kfb, k8, k2tog
Row 31: knit
Row 33: same as row 29
Row 35: knit
Row 37: k1, kfb, k to last 4 st, [k2tog] twice (11 st)
Rows 39, 41, 43, and 45: same as row 37 (7 st)
Row 47: [k2tog] twice, k3tog
End with a purl row, break yarn and pull through 3 st
Reattach yarn to the 12 stitches on needle
Row 49: k2tog, k8, kfb, k1
Rows 51 and 53: same as row 49
Row 55: [k2tog] twice, k to last 2 st, kfb, k1 (11 st)
Row 57: same as row 55 (10 st)
Row 59: k3tog, k2tog, k to last 3 st, [kfb] twice, k1 (9 st)
Rows 61 and 63: same as row 59 (7 st)
Row 65: k3tog, [k2tog] twice (3 st)
End with a purl row, break yarn and pull through 3 st
Making up
Weave in loose ends. Felt pieces by running them through a washer and dryer. (Felting pieces in a pillowcase or lingerie bag is recommended, as is checking on the degree of felting midway through dryer cycle.)
After felting, embroider on each eye by “drawing” a circle in backstitch and filling it in with satin stitch. (Beads can also be used for eyes, though not suitable for small children.)
With wrong sides facing each other, sew the two halves of body together with mattress stitch, stuffing with polyfil as you go.
For bendable blades of grass, you can insert a piece of wire bent into a V shape before closing up. (Pictured grass does not contain wire; depending on the stiffness of your yarn, it may hold a bent shape on its own.)