Pair of White Geese with Red Bows — Knitted Softies (make two)

Designer: Purl Jam | Website: https://purljam.verde.uk | Support: team@verde.uk | Social: #purljam

Overview

Make a charming pair of white geese, knitted in worsted weight yarn with simple shaping and a red bow for each. Finished size: approx 8”/20 cm tall (sitting), adjustable by needle/yarn choice. The pattern shows steps for one goose; repeat to make two.

Skill level

Advanced-beginner: basic increases/decreases, knitting in the round (DPNs or circular), simple seaming, i-cord.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted (Aran/Medium, US 4). Suggested: 100 g ball = 200 yd / 183 m. Amount per goose: 75 g (approx 150 yd / 137 m) white. For two geese: 150 g (approx 300 yd / 274 m) white.
• Contrast yarns: small amounts of orange (beak/feet) — approx 10 g per goose; red for bows — approx 10 g total for two; black or dark brown embroidery thread for eyes or 2 pairs safety eyes (6 mm).
• Needles: set of double-pointed needles or circular for magic loop.
• Needle sizes (choose according to gauge): US 6 / UK 8 (old) / 4.0 mm recommended. Optional: if you prefer a firmer fabric, go down one size: US 5 / UK 9 (old) / 3.75 mm.
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle, polyester toy stuffing, sewing needle, small pair of scissors, safety eyes (optional), pins for blocking/positioning.

Needle size conversions

• Recommended: US 6 — UK (old) 8 — Metric 4.0 mm
• Alternative firmer fabric: US 5 — UK (old) 9 — Metric 3.75 mm

Gauge

20 stitches x 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using recommended needles. Gauge is not critical for toys but affects final size and stuffing density.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning dec)
• yo = yarn over
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• tbl = through back loop
• rnd = round

Notes

Work tightly around small pieces to avoid stuffing showing. Use safety eyes before stuffing when using them (placement instructions below). If using embroidery for eyes, attach after stuffing and closing head.

Body and Neck (worked in the round from base upward)

1. CO 40 sts. Join to work in the round, place marker for beginning of round.
2. Rnds 1-6: *k2, p2; repeat from * to end (2x2 rib) to form stable base.
3. Rnds 7-14: knit all sts (stockinette in the round) - 8 rounds to lengthen base.
4. Increase for body shaping: Rnd 15: *k1, m1 (pick up bar and knit) ; repeat across = 80 sts.
5. Knit in the round until body measures approx 5”/12.5 cm from CO (adjust to desired fullness). Stuff lightly as you go for even distribution.
6. Begin neck decrease: Rnd 1: *k8, k2tog; repeat = 72 sts. Rnd 2: knit. Rnd 3: *k7, k2tog; repeat = 64 sts. Rnd 4: knit. Rnd 5: *k6, k2tog; repeat = 56 sts. Rnd 6: knit. Rnd 7: *k5, k2tog; repeat = 48 sts. Rnd 8: knit.
7. Continue decreasing every other rnd in this pattern until you have 20 sts remaining for the neck/head join area.

Head and Beak

1. With 20 sts on needles, work in the round 6 rounds knit (or until head measures about 2.5”/6.5 cm from start of head).
2. Place safety eyes between Rnds 2 and 3 of the head, spaced about 2.0 cm apart, if using. If embroidering, leave until after stuffing.
3. Begin to decrease for top of head: Rnd 1: *k2, k2tog; repeat = 15 sts (adjust to even decreases). Rnd 2: knit. Rnd 3: *k1, k2tog; repeat = 10 sts. Rnd 4: *k2tog across = 5 sts. Break yarn leaving 8-10” tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches, pull tight and secure. Stuff head firmly before final closure.
4. Beak (worked flat): Using orange yarn, CO 8 sts. Row 1 (RS): k across. Row 2: k2tog, knit until last 2 sts, k2tog. Row 3: k across. Repeat Rows 2-3 until 2 sts remain. BO, leaving long tail. Fold beak in half and sew base to face centered below eyes, shaping into a small triangle. Add a small vertical seam to define bill if desired.

Wings (make 2)

1. Using white, CO 16 sts. Work flat in garter stitch for 10 rows (knit every row) for a slightly textured wing, or stockinette if you prefer smooth wings.
2. Decrease shaping: Row 11: k2tog across = 8 sts. BO. Leave tail for sewing.
3. Fold curved edge and seam along long side, leaving the outer edge slightly rounded. Attach wings to body about mid-body on each side, positioning slightly toward front so wings sit naturally.

Tail

1. Pick up 6 sts at back top of body (where you want tail to start). Knit 6 rows garter, BO. Fold and stitch into a small fan and attach to back.

Feet (make 2)

1. With orange, CO 3 sts. Work i-cord for 8 cm (or 3”) to form a leg. Repeat for second leg.
2. Shape foot: BO leaving a long tail. Flatten end and sew to form a small mitten-like foot (fold and join edges), or create toes by dividing remaining stitches and sewing small points.
3. Attach feet to underside of body, positioning so goose sits balanced. Use small felt pads inside if needed for stability.

Bow (make 2)

1. Using red, CO 12 sts. Work garter stitch for 6 rows. BO leaving a long tail. Wrap the long tail around the center of the rectangle to form a bow and secure with sewing. Tie a short piece of yarn behind the bow to wrap around the goose’s neck and sew the ends discreetly to attach. Alternatively, make a narrow i-cord (CO 3, work i-cord for 6”/15 cm) and tie as a ribbon, securing with a few stitches.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Weave in all loose ends but leave long tails on small pieces for sewing them on securely.
2. Sew beak, wings, tail, and feet to body using matching yarn and small stitches. Use pins to position pieces before sewing; check symmetry.
3. Embroider eyes if not using safety eyes: use black embroidery thread to make two small French knots or satin-stitched ovals. Keep stitches small and even, and test on a scrap to get proportion right.
4. Firmly stuff body, neck, and head with polyester filling. Use small amounts at a time and a blunt tool to push stuffing into narrow neck areas. Final stuffing should be firm enough to hold shape but not so tight it distorts stitches.
5. Attach bow around neck. For a neat finish, tack the bow to the back of the neck with a couple small stitches so it stays centered.
6. Block lightly if desired with a gentle steam or damp cloth, reshaping wings and tail while damp. Do not over-steam synthetic yarns.

Variations & Tips

• Size: Adjust needle size or yarn weight to change finished size. Use smaller needles/more stuffing for firmer small geese, larger needles for softer bigger toys.
• Texture: Use boucle or slightly fuzzy yarn for a downy look, but be aware it hides stitches for seaming.
• Safety: If making toys for small children, embroider eyes rather than using safety eyes which are a choking hazard.

Care instructions

Hand wash cold, reshape, and lay flat to dry. Avoid tumble drying for long-term preservation.

Make two

Repeat the pattern from the top to make the second goose. Slight differences in stuffing or needle choice create a charming pair of distinct personalities — one taller, one squatter, if you like.

For help, patterns or errata, contact team@verde.uk. Share your makes with the community at #purljam.

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