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.

You need to have…

• Yarn in desired color and weight (~3.5oz/100g 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
• 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)