Ballerina Hippo by Sherri Sagers

Ballerina Hippo

Free Pattern also available for free: info in notes
This pattern is available for $10.00 USD
A free version is also available.
buy it now or visit pattern website

Hippopotamus
The hippo is one of the easier animals to knit. Its head is basically backwards from most other animals – with the widest part at the nose. There are no color changes in the body and legs. The nostrils are made with a little bobble stitch, which might be a little tricky if you’ve never tried it before.

Ballet Dress and Slippers
The ballet dress is worked from the top down and uses a modified butterfly stitch and slip rib stitch to create a corset effect on the top. The skirt at the bottom is a very simple combination of stockinette with yarn-overs to create a flared tutu. The ballet slippers use garter stitch and a diagonal knot stitch to create the lattice effect.

You need to have…

  • Yarn in desired color and weight (~5oz/150g for sport weight; ~12oz/350g for worsted)
  • Dark contrast yarn for eyes
  • Knitting needles (at least 2 sizes smaller than those recommended for the yarn being used for the hippo and the size recommended for the dress and shoes)
  • Stuffing
  • Tapestry needle
  • Crochet hook for the crochet chain loops

You need to know (or learn)…

  • Stockinette stitch

  • Increase and decrease stitches

  • Mattress stitch for sewing seams

  • Bobble stitch (instructions included)

  • Fringe stitch for tail (optional)

  • Crochet chain loops for tail (optional)

  • Garter stitch

  • Slip rib stitch (instructions included)

  • Modified butterfly stitch (instructions included)

  • Diagonal knot stitch (instructions included)