Monday, February 4, 2008

Puppy's Dumbell Toy


Free Pattern: Puppy's Dumbell Toy
I've wanted an English Bulldog for years, and my husband finally found the perfect one! Her name is Sunny and she's the sweetest little puppy you could ask for, plus she gets along with all of the family and their pets. What more could you ask for? Well, I might ask that she not try to eat my yarn. It seems Sunny has a yarn fetish. I have a basket of all my leftover yarn balls that she finds irresistable. So, I guess I'll have to start making dog toys. This one is felted so little puppy teeth don't get caught in the stitches and pull it apart.

Supplies:
US #8 double point needles
Small amount of 100% wool (I used Galway Paint color #801)
This would be a great project to use up leftovers, add stripes to use those little bits
Row Counter
Yarn Needle
Stitch Marker

Gauge:
Not too important

Directions:
Cast on 9 stitches (3 sts on each needle) and join to begin knitting in the round. Knit one base round.

Round 1: Knit
Round 2: K f&b (6 sts on each needle)
Rounds 3 & 4: Knit
Round 5: K1, k f&b (9 sts on each needle)
Rounds 6 & 7: Knit
Round 8: K2, k f&b (12 sts on each needle)
Rounds 9 - 18: Knit
Round 19: K1, k2tog (8 sts on each needle)
Rounds 20 - 49: Knit
Round 50: K1, k f&b (12 sts on each needle)
Rounds 51 - 60: Knit
Round 61: K2, k2tog (9 sts on each needle)
Rounds 62 & 63: Knit
Round 64: K1, k2tog (6 sts on each needle)
Rounds 65& 66: Knit
Round 67: K2tog
Round 68: Knit

Stuff lightly (felting will shrink toy so don't stuff too tight). Cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches, pull tight and weave in ends. Felt. You can felt in the washing machine, but it's not too good for shaping. I put mine through one wash cycle, and finished felting by hand to shape. Dry, and have fun with your best friend!

Tips:
Knittingpatterncentral.com has great instructions for knitting in the round.

This pattern is free for personal use only. Please do not use for profit unless all proceeds go to charity.