This is a 10 page pdf knitting pattern for you to make your very own Bo-Deer, a handsome and majestic creature who wears his removable sweater with enviable panache.

As with all wild animals Bo-Deers don’t like too much handling and you wouldn’t consider them toys to be played with. Their antlers, eyes and small button make them unsuitable for young children. They prefer to sit sedately in a warm corner of your room and pose alluringly at your guests. He’ll bring plenty or Irish charm to your gatherings and people will admire his Aran jumper.

This pattern will hold your hand through the creative process, I’ve included a ‘fiddly-factor’ rating of medium to high, but I’ve supplied lots of photos to help you.

Bo-Deers are 17cms high when sitting. Their jumper is made from lush 4ply and is knitted top down. You’ll need to know how to mattress stitch your seams to give a really professional finish.

Tension should be tight so the stuffing won’t show through. I knit 7 stitches across 3cm, and I’m quite a tight knitter. I use 3.25mm needles for the body and 2.75mm for the jumpers. You’ll also need safety eyes (7mm), 30cm pipecleaners, brown worsted weight wool and some 4ply for his jumper.

You’ll also need a ready and never-ending supply of Rich Tea biscuits, to which Bo-Deers are rather partial. And be warned, they’re very addictive to knit, you’ll soon have a herd of your own!