PDF Knitting Pattern: Floppy Bear + Cat

The joy in making this pattern, besides watching this small Bear or Cat take form, is it scales to the yarn and double pointed needles you have on hand. The trick is to use a heavier yarn or combination of yarns than would be the standard recommendation. Strike a balance of pleasure of knitting and density of stitches. My favorite choice is Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky, but rather than the recommended US 10 (6mm), I use US 5 (3.75mm) needles for this pattern. This yarn and needle combination creates a 9" tall Bear or Cat very similar in size and shape to the Polka Dot Club Mohair Floppy Bear, and the soft alpaca-wool blend holds up beautifully while being so very soft to the touch.

DIFFICULTY: ** Basic knitting skills required. Knit in the round.

Suggested Yarn:

• 50g Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky Natural "Jasmine Rice" or yarn of your choice
  
• 10g Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky Natural "Charcoal" or yarn of your choice

Gauge: 9" Bear or Cat (bulky weight yarn):

• 20 sts and 28 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st with US 5 needles

Notes on scaling this pattern: All of the Floppy Knit Bears and Cats pictured are made with a variety of Berroco Ultra Chunky Natural color combinations with the exception of the brighter cream Bear on the lower right in image one. This 12" bear was made on a US 7 dpn with Lambs Pride Worsted + Aran weight mohair (suggested needles size US 8 + US 5). A very loose guideline is to take the recommended needle US size and halve that number. If the yarn recommendation on is a size 6 US needle, try it on a US 3.

Materials: not included with pattern (*optional)

• Set of double pointed US 5(3.75 mm) or dpn for your yarn choice
• Locking stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Stuffing
• Rattle*

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All patterns and designs are © POLKA DOT CLUB 2024.
Intended for personal use only. Finished pieces from this pattern and the pattern itself are not for resale or distribution.