Saya the Panda is a quick, satisfying knit and just the right size for little hands to hold and carry along.

At about 4.5 inches tall, she tucks easily into a bag, a pocket, or a small palm, which makes her a lovely first stuffed friend for a toddler.
A fun, fast project, whether she is a gift or a keeper.

Saya is knit in the round with a bit of seaming to attach the ears.

Skill level: Intermediate

Techniques: knitting in the round, increases and decreases, attaching ears to body

As an early childhood educator, I love a toy sized for a small child to grip and carry on their own. Something they can hold, name, and tuck under an arm becomes a companion, and that sense of a small friend who goes where they go is exactly what a first toy should be.