Shrunken Skull by Gemma Gilani

Shrunken Skull

Knitting
September 2022
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 4 - 3.5 mm
44 - 55 yards (40 - 50 m)
one size
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

This skull is the perfect decoration for Halloween - either on its own or part of a wreath or garland. It is made from the base of the skull upwards, and knit in one piece. The base of the skull is knit flat as stockinette, then we pick up stitches around the selvedge and cast on edges of the base, and knit in the round on dpns in order to give shape to the main body of the skull. Facial features are then duplicate stitched on, before we start the decrease rounds to shape the crown of the skull. I-cord is optional, for hanging your finished skull up!

This is a quick and easy knit, using only about 15g of the main colour (you also need some scraps for stitching on the face). I’ve used DK yarn, as it is what I had lying around, but gauge and yarn weight isn’t particularly important - you could substitute in sock or aran if you like.

Skills needed:
casting on
knitting flat
knitting in the round
knitting
purling
kfb
m1r
m1l
k2tog
i-cord
picking up stitches
duplicate stitch

Shrunken Skull is available as a free download, although if you would like to make a donation, you can name your own price here. Any proceeds will be donated to support mental health charities.