Please note: This listing is for a downloadable PDF of the pattern instructions for making Knitapotamus …there is no hard copy of the pattern available, nor a finished item. The pattern is available only in English :)

ERRATUM: 21 October 2014

On page 27, right the bottom of the page. The two photographs showing thew right hand side of the body have a RED colored “5” …this should be a “6”.

Hi everyone :)
I have made and frogged the polygons using the same yarn and needles as in the pattern. These were the weight and yardage for each polygon:

Hexagon: 1.86g (5.40m)
Pentagon: 1.55g (4.50m)
Square: 1.24g (3.60m)
Heptagon: 2.17g (6.30m)
Octagon: 2.48g (7.20m)

This is at my tension…yours may be a little different :)
Hope this helps!
x

Knitapotamus is the first of my knitted animals, based on my crocheted animal patterns. He is put together using various polygonal shapes in a specific order to make a recognizable 3D hippopotamus :) Over time, I will create knitted critters from all of my crocheted animals, so knitters can look forward to making their own 3D animals.
Knitapotamus is constructed virtually seamlessly, with only the last motif needing to be sewn to the body instead of being joined seamlessly. Each motif is knitted on a circular needle, using the Magic Loop technique.

Although the basic techniques used in this pattern are in and of themselves not difficult, I would grade this pattern overall as intermediate to advanced. This does not mean that newish knitters will not be able to make Knitapotamus…it just means they’ll have to practice some of the techniques a bit and take it slowly :) I have tried to give as much detail as possible on the required techniques, so that newbies can learn too…

So, let’s take a look at the important points and how you will start to make your own Knitapotamus.

:: Steps to making your own Knitapotamus ::

1. NB: First read the whole pattern through properly, so you have a good overview.

2. Make sure you know how to knit in the round on a Magic Loop.

3. Make sure you know how to cast on using the crochet cast on method.

4. Make sure you are able to knit each of the polygons required for making Knitapotamus… I have included both written and charted instructions for each of the motifs used in making Knitapotamus.

5. Make sure you have gone through and practiced the joining method. Since the joining method is really very important to the success of the project, I strongly suggest that you practice joining on scrap yarn motifs before starting the project. If you would prefer to sew your motifs together, you won’t need to practice the join-as-you-go technique, but will need to be confident in your neat sewing ability. I have not included instructions on how to sew stuff together…there are plenty resources available on the internet…

6. Familiarize yourself with the abbreviations used in this pattern: Abbreviations : Stitches (sts), Knit (k), Purl (p), Knit Two Together (k2tog), Slip Slip Knit (ssk)

: : Materials Requirements : :

The hippo that has been knitted for this pattern, was made using sock weight/fingering/#1 weight yarn and a 2mm circular knitting needle. Using this weight yarn will give you a hippo measuring approximately 24cm nose to bum and 11cm high at the shoulder.

Sock weight / Fingering weight yarn/ #1 I used a multi-colored self-striping yarn for Knitapotamus. This was a deliberate choice as I felt it would help to make each motif a slightly different color, adding to the clarity of photos and instructions as you can see exactly where the different colored motifs are situated. I used a bit less than 100g.
The yardage for the sock yarn I used is around 320m/100g (350yds/100g). It is a superwash merino yarn, but you can use any alternative fingering weight yarn you like…I suggest that animal fibre yarns would be preferable, as they have more stretch, making the stuffing and shaping of the hippo easier. Try to use a yarn with a similar yardage per 100g.

Circular Knitting Needles x one pair 2mm

If you are planning to make your hippo in a heavier weight yarn, adjust your needles size accordingly…however, use the smallest needle size possible for the weight of yarn that you can manage. Since the hippo is stuffed, your stitch density will need to be tighter than usual to prevent the stuffing from popping out. Make a test motif in your chosen yarn and hook to see which would be the best size to use. There should be no holes in your completed motif or the stuffing will show through.

Polyester toy stuffing Crochet Hook 2mm

Scissors Tapestry Needle Sewing Pins

Doll Making Needle or long tapestry needle Fine-nosed pliers

Eyes (plastic safety eyes or glass looped eyes). PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTACHED EYES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TOYS CREATED FOR CHILDREN! They can be a suffocation hazard. If you are making this toy for a child, rather embroider the eyes using embroidery thread! I would still suggest sculpting the eye sockets before embroidering the eyes…it adds a lovely realistic element :) I have used 12mm wire looped glass eyes. These can easily be sourced from sellers on eBay and Etsy.

: : Skills Requirements : :

Basic Knitting Skills: Knit (k), Purl (p), Knit Two Together (k2tog), Slip Slip Knit (ssk), cast off, Crochet Cast On.
Join-as-you-go motif joining: This pattern will require that you join the knitted motifs each stitch to each stitch. This is necessary to prevent the stuffing popping out of the hippo. The method I use is clearly explained in the pattern. These tutorials are illustrated with step by step photographs and explanatory notes. However, if you are scared witless by the thought of doing a join-as-you-go joining method, all is not lost…you can simply make all your motifs in full, then sew them together. The order of motif placement and the number of sides needing to be joined stays exactly the same whether you join-as-you-go or sew up.

Basic sewing skills Sewing the ears to the head, sewing in the last nose motif using mattress stitch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WKmasVmSB0

I have tried very hard to make sure there are no errors in the pattern…however, if you do spot one, please kindly let me know…
Thanks you and Happy Knitting!

xxxHeidi