purlJam

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# BERTRAM BADGER
### A 10-Inch Standing Knitted Amigurumi in Sport Weight Yarn
#### Wearing Dressing Gown, Slippers & Nepalese Smokers Hat

---

## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Bertram is a distinguished 10-inch-tall standing badger worked in classic black and white sport weight bamboo yarn. He sports the hallmark badger facial stripe markings and is dressed for a cozy evening in his deep red slippers, a royal blue dressing gown with a lighter blue shawl collar and two patch pockets, and a smart burgundy and black Nepalese smokers hat complete with tassel. All body pieces are worked in the round on double-pointed needles, stuffed firmly, and seamed together. The garments are worked separately and dressed onto the finished figure.

**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Technique:** Knitting in the round (DPNs), flat knitting, seaming, stranded color work (minimal), intarsia (hat), tassel making

---

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- **Total Height (standing):** approx. 10 inches (25.5 cm)
- **Body Height:** approx. 4 inches (10 cm)
- **Head Height:** approx. 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- **Body Circumference (widest):** approx. 6 inches (15 cm)
- **Head Circumference (widest):** approx. 7 inches (18 cm)
- **Leg Length:** approx. 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
- **Arm Length:** approx. 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)

---

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
All yarns are **sport weight / 4-ply bamboo blend** (or bamboo/cotton blend). Recommended: approx. 100–200 yds total across all colors.

| Code | Color | Amount | Used For |
|------|-------|---------|----------|
| A | White | ~80 yds | Badger body base, face stripe, belly |
| B | Black | ~60 yds | Badger head stripes, paws, ears, nose |
| C | Deep Red | ~30 yds | Slippers |
| D | Royal Blue | ~50 yds | Dressing gown body and sleeves |
| E | Light/Sky Blue | ~25 yds | Shawl collar, pocket trim |
| F | Burgundy | ~20 yds | Smokers hat main color |
| G | Black (same as B) | — | Smokers hat stripe, tassel |

> **Note on bamboo yarn:** Bamboo yarn has a slight sheen and silky drape. It blocks beautifully but has less elasticity than wool. Knit at a slightly firmer gauge to maintain fabric structure in the round. If the fabric feels loose, go down one needle size.

### Needles
- **US 2 / 2.75 mm** double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 5 — for all body pieces
- **US 1 / 2.25 mm** DPNs or short circular — for garments (tighter fabric holds shape better)
- **US 2 / 2.75 mm** straight or circular needles — for dressing gown (worked flat)

### Notions
- Stitch markers (at least 4)
- Tapestry/yarn needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Two 9 mm black safety eyes (or embroider with black yarn if making for young children)
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn
- Small amount of black embroidery floss or black yarn for nose and mouth
- Scissors
- Pins for seaming
- Row counter (recommended)

---

## GAUGE

**7 sts × 9 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round, on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, after light blocking.**

*Please check your gauge. A difference of even half a stitch per inch will affect the finished size of the figure.*

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| CO | cast on |
| BO | bind off |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | knit into the front and back of stitch (increase — 1 st becomes 2) |
| M1L | make 1 left: lift bar between sts, knit through back loop |
| M1R | make 1 right: lift bar between sts, knit through front loop |
| pm | place marker |
| sm | slip marker |
| BOR | beginning of round |
| rem | remaining |
| approx | approximately |
| MC | main color (White — Yarn A) |
| CC | contrast color (Black — Yarn B) |

---

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

### Magic Cast-On (for closed-bottom pieces)
For pieces that begin at a closed point (snout, ear tips), use Judy's Magic Cast-On or simply CO the minimum number of sts onto one DPN, join, and close the gap with a tail stitch when seaming.

### Kitchener Stitch
Used to graft the top of the head closed. Instructions are included inline at the relevant step.

### Carrying Yarn for Color Work
When switching between Black (B) and White (A) for the badger's head, carry the unused yarn loosely on the inside of the work. Do not carry over more than 5 stitches without twisting yarns together on the inside.

---

## CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW

1. **Body** — worked bottom-up in the round, shaped with increases then decreases
2. **Head** — worked in the round with Black and White stripes for badger markings; snout added separately
3. **Ears** — small rounded pieces in Black with White inner, seamed to head
4. **Arms** — worked in the round, tapered at paw end
5. **Legs** — worked in the round, slightly wider than arms, with a small padded foot
6. **Tail** — small stubby white tail
7. **Assembly** — all pieces seamed together into standing figure
8. **Accessories** — Slippers, Dressing Gown, Hat worked and fitted last

---

## PART ONE: THE BADGER'S BODY

### BODY

The body is worked from the bottom up in the round in **Yarn A (White)** with **Yarn B (Black)** used for paw pads and shoulder patches. The belly is white; the back is a darker gray-black gradient achieved by carrying Black loosely over a section of rounds. For simplicity, this pattern uses **Yarn A (White)** for the full body cylinder, understanding that Bertram will be largely concealed by his dressing gown.

**Using Yarn A (White) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 8 sts** using a knitted or long-tail cast on. Distribute evenly across 4 DPNs (2 sts per needle). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for BOR.

**Rnd 1:** [kfb] 8 times — **16 sts**
**Rnd 2:** Knit.
**Rnd 3:** [kfb, k1] 8 times — **24 sts**
**Rnd 4:** Knit.
**Rnd 5:** [kfb, k2] 8 times — **32 sts**
**Rnd 6:** Knit.
**Rnd 7:** [kfb, k3] 8 times — **40 sts**
**Rnd 8:** Knit.
**Rnd 9:** [kfb, k4] 8 times — **48 sts** *(widest point — approx. 6.9 inches circumference ÷ 7 sts/inch = ~6.9 inches — rounds down to our target 6-inch circumference at this point; note the body narrows slightly as we seam the bottom flat)*

> **Note:** The bottom cast-on forms the base of the body. Seam this closed after stuffing.

**Rnds 10–14:** Knit 5 rnds even — (approx. 0.5 inches added; establishes base platform)

**Shape Waist — Decrease:**
**Rnd 15:** [k2tog, k4] 8 times — **40 sts**
**Rnds 16–21:** Knit 6 rnds even *(approx. 0.67 inches)*

**Shape Upper Body — Slight Increase:**
**Rnd 22:** [kfb, k9] 4 times — **44 sts**
**Rnds 23–28:** Knit 6 rnds even

**Shape Shoulders — Decrease:**
**Rnd 29:** [k2tog, k9] 4 times — **40 sts**
**Rnd 30:** Knit.
**Rnd 31:** [k2tog, k8] 4 times — **36 sts**
**Rnd 32:** Knit.
**Rnd 33:** [k2tog, k7] 4 times — **32 sts**
**Rnd 34:** Knit.
**Rnd 35:** [k2tog, k6] 4 times — **28 sts**
**Rnd 36:** Knit.

*Total body rounds: 36 rnds × (1/9 inch per row) = 4 inches ✅*

**Stuff the body firmly** before closing. The body should be plump and stand upright without leaning.

**Closing the top:**
**Rnd 37:** [k2tog, k5] 4 times — **24 sts**
**Rnd 38:** [k2tog, k4] 4 times — **20 sts**
**Rnd 39:** [k2tog, k3] 4 times — **16 sts**
**Rnd 40:** [k2tog] 8 times — **8 sts**

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through remaining 8 sts, pull tight, and fasten off. The top of the body will be obscured by the head.

---

### LEGS (Make 2)

Badger legs are short and sturdy. The foot is formed first, then the leg tube continues upward. Work in Yarn A (White) with Yarn B (Black) used for the paw pad.

**Using Yarn B (Black) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 6 sts.** Distribute across 3 DPNs. Join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1:** [kfb] 6 times — **12 sts**
**Rnd 2:** Knit.
**Rnd 3:** [kfb, k1] 6 times — **18 sts**
**Rnds 4–6:** Knit 3 rnds even *(forms the sole of the paw)*

**Shape Foot — Top of Paw:**
**Rnd 7:** [k2tog, k1] 6 times — **12 sts**

**Cut Yarn B.** Join **Yarn A (White).**

**Rnd 8:** [kfb, k2] 4 times — **16 sts** *(ankle)*
**Rnds 9–10:** Knit 2 rnds even.

**Shape Leg Tube:**
**Rnd 11:** [kfb, k3] 4 times — **20 sts** *(approx. 2.86-inch circumference — close to our target ~2.5 inch)*

> *(20 sts ÷ 7 sts/inch = 2.86 inches circumference ✅ — appropriate for a sturdy badger leg)*

**Rnds 12–33:** Knit 22 rnds even.

*Leg tube length: 22 rnds ÷ 9 rows/inch = 2.44 inches, plus paw section ≈ 2.5 inches total ✅*

**Stuff leg lightly** (the leg should be firmly stuffed at the foot, more lightly in the upper leg to allow posing).

**Closing top of leg:**
**Rnd 34:** [k2tog] 10 times — **10 sts**

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight and fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

---

### ARMS (Make 2)

Arms are slightly slimmer than legs. They are attached at the upper body just below the shoulder. Paws are worked in Black, then the arm tube in White. Note: Bertram's arms will protrude naturally from the sides of his dressing gown sleeves.

**Using Yarn B (Black) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 4 sts.** Distribute across 2–3 DPNs. Join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1:** [kfb] 4 times — **8 sts**
**Rnd 2:** Knit.
**Rnd 3:** [kfb, k1] 4 times — **12 sts**
**Rnds 4–5:** Knit 2 rnds even *(paw section)*

**Cut Yarn B.** Join **Yarn A (White).**

**Rnd 6:** [kfb, k2] 4 times — **16 sts**

> *(16 sts ÷ 7 sts/inch = 2.29 inches circumference — approx. 2.25-inch arm circumference ✅)*

**Rnds 7–28:** Knit 22 rnds even.

*Arm tube: 22 rnds ÷ 9 = 2.44 inches, plus paw ~0.5 inch = ~2.5 inches total ✅*

**Stuff arm.** Close:
**Rnd 29:** [k2tog] 8 times — **8 sts**

Cut yarn, thread through, pull tight and fasten off, leaving long tail for seaming.

---

### TAIL

The tail is a small stubby white puff — typical of a badger.

**Using Yarn A (White) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 6 sts.** Join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1:** [kfb] 6 times — **12 sts**
**Rnds 2–4:** Knit 3 rnds even.
**Rnd 5:** [k2tog] 6 times — **6 sts**

Stuff with a small pinch of fiberfill. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight. Fasten off, leaving a tail for seaming to the lower back of the body.

---

## PART TWO: THE HEAD

The head is the most important and detailed section. Badgers have a distinctive white face with two bold black stripes running from behind each ear down past the eyes to the snout sides. The top of the head and crown is dark. This pattern achieves the markings using stripe color changes worked as you go.

### HEAD COLOR MAP OVERVIEW
- **Crown/top of head:** Black (Yarn B)
- **Central white stripe down face:** White (Yarn A) — a wide central stripe from crown tip to snout
- **Black eye stripes:** Black (Yarn B) — runs on either side of center, through and past eye positions
- **Cheeks/lower face:** White (Yarn A)
- **Snout tip/nose:** Separate piece in Black with embroidered nostrils

For simplicity in knitting in the round, the head is worked predominantly in **Yarn A (White)**, and **Yarn B (Black)** is duplicate-stitched onto the face after the head is assembled, following the stripe guide below. This avoids complex color work in the round and produces clean, crisp stripe edges.

*Alternatively, advanced knitters may work the stripes in-pattern using the intarsia or Fair Isle method as the head rounds progress.*

---

### HEAD PIECE

**Using Yarn A (White) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 8 sts.** Distribute across 4 DPNs. Join to work in the round. Pm for BOR. *(Top of head)*

**Rnd 1:** [kfb] 8 times — **16 sts**
**Rnd 2:** Knit.
**Rnd 3:** [kfb, k1] 8 times — **24 sts**
**Rnd 4:** Knit.
**Rnd 5:** [kfb, k2] 8 times — **32 sts**
**Rnd 6:** Knit.
**Rnd 7:** [kfb, k3] 8 times — **40 sts**
**Rnd 8:** Knit.
**Rnd 9:** [kfb, k4] 8 times — **48 sts**

> *(48 sts ÷ 7 = 6.86 inches circumference — approx. 7 inches ✅)*

**Rnd 10:** Knit.
**Rnd 11:** [kfb, k5] 8 times — **56 sts** *(widest head circumference)*
**Rnds 12–14:** Knit 3 rnds even.

*This is the widest part of the head — 56 sts ÷ 7 sts/inch = 8-inch circumference, approx. 2.5-inch radius / ~5-inch diameter. This is appropriate for a large badger head with snout.*

**Rnd 15:** [k2tog, k5] 8 times — **48 sts**
**Rnds 16–20:** Knit 5 rnds even *(this section houses the eyes)*
**Rnd 21:** [k2tog, k4] 8 times — **40 sts**
**Rnds 22–24:** Knit 3 rnds even *(cheek/snout area)*
**Rnd 25:** [k2tog, k3] 8 times — **32 sts**
**Rnd 26:** Knit.
**Rnd 27:** [k2tog, k2] 8 times — **24 sts**

*Total head rounds: 27 rnds ÷ 9 = 3 inches ✅*

**Insert safety eyes** between rnds 17–18, approximately 8 sts apart on either side of center front, before closing.

**Stuff head firmly.** Head should be rounded, full, and hold its shape.

**Closing head:**
**Rnd 28:** [k2tog, k1] 8 times — **16 sts**
**Rnd 29:** [k2tog] 8 times — **8 sts**

Cut yarn, thread through 8 sts, pull tight, fasten off. This end attaches to the neck/body top.

---

### SNOUT

The snout is an oval protruding piece giving the badger its characteristic elongated nose.

**Using Yarn A (White) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 12 sts.** Distribute across 3 DPNs. Join to work in the round.

**Rnds 1–3:** Knit 3 rnds even.
**Rnd 4:** [k2tog, k2] 3 times — **9 sts**
**Rnd 5:** Knit.
**Rnd 6:** [k2tog, k1] 3 times — **6 sts**

Stuff lightly. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight. Leave a tail for seaming to front of face, centered below the eye line. Using **Yarn B (Black)** and embroidery floss, stitch a small triangular nose at the tip of the snout, and a short vertical line plus a gentle "W" mouth below.

---

### EARS (Make 2)

Each ear has a Black outer and White inner.

**Outer ear (Yarn B — Black):**
**CO 8 sts.** Distribute across DPNs. Join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1:** [kfb] 8 times — **16 sts**
**Rnds 2–4:** Knit 3 rnds even.
**Rnd 5:** [k2tog, k2] 4 times — **12 sts**
**Rnd 6:** [k2tog, k1] 4 times — **8 sts**

Do **not** stuff. Cut yarn leaving long tail.

**Inner ear (Yarn A — White):**
Work a small flat oval:
CO 6 sts on straight needles.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: kfb, k4, kfb — **8 sts**
Rows 4–5: Work in stockinette.
Row 6: k2tog, k4, k2tog — **6 sts**
Row 7: Purl.
BO all sts.

Sew the white oval to the inside face of the black ear. Flatten ear slightly and seam the bottom closed. Position ears on top of head at rnds 8–10, approximately 10 sts apart at the crown, and seam in place.

---

### BADGER FACE MARKINGS — DUPLICATE STITCH GUIDE

Using **Yarn B (Black)** threaded on a tapestry needle, work duplicate stitch over the white head knitting to create the distinctive badger markings:

1. **Crown patch:** Work duplicate stitch in Black over the top of the head (rnds 1–8 / all sts) — this will be visible as the dark top of the skull.
2. **Left eye stripe:** Starting at rnd 8 near the left ear base, work a stripe approximately 3 sts wide, diagonally down through the eye position (through and slightly below where the left safety eye sits), continuing down to rnd 25 on the left side of the snout.
3. **Right eye stripe:** Mirror of the above on the right side.
4. **Central white stripe:** Leave the center 8–10 sts of the face in white — this is the badger's characteristic white central face stripe from crown to between the eyes. The snout is also white.

> *The result: a white face center, two bold black diagonal stripes through the eyes, and a dark crown — exactly the classic European badger face pattern.*

---

## PART THREE: ASSEMBLY OF THE BODY

Follow these steps in order to assemble Bertram before adding his garments.

### Step 1: Legs to Body
Position both legs at the bottom of the body, side by side, with feet pointing forward. The top of each leg should be flush against the body base. Sew in place using mattress stitch and the long tails left at the top of each leg. Work all the way around the leg opening twice for security — Bertram must stand unsupported!

> **Tip:** Before final seaming, add a small disc of stiff felt or cardboard inside the base of the body to help Bertram stand steadily.

### Step 2: Head to Body
Center the head on top of the body. The bottom of the head (rnd 27–29 area) should sit directly on the top of the body (rnd 37–40 area). Sew in place, working around the full circumference. Align the white center-face stripe with the front of the body.

### Step 3: Snout to Face
Center the snout on the front of the head, with the wider end aligned with rnds 22–25 (the cheek/snout area). Sew in place.

### Step 4: Ears to Head
Position ears at the crown, one on each side, approximately 10 sts apart. Black side faces outward. Sew firmly in place.

### Step 5: Arms to Body
Position arms on either side of the upper body, approximately at rnd 32–33 (just below the shoulder narrowing). The arm top (closed end) sits against the body side; paws hang down. Sew firmly.

### Step 6: Tail
Sew the small white tail to the center back of the body at approximately rnd 10–12 (lower back).

---

## PART FOUR: THE ACCESSORIES

All accessories are worked on **US 1 / 2.25 mm needles** unless otherwise stated, to produce a firmer fabric that holds its shape on the figure.

---

### ACCESSORY 1: DEEP RED SLIPPERS (Make 2)

These are tiny knitted slippers that slip onto Bertram's feet over his black paws.

**Using Yarn C (Deep Red) and US 1 / 2.25 mm DPNs:**

**CO 20 sts.** Distribute across 4 DPNs (5 sts per needle). Join to work in the round.

**Rnds 1–2:** [k1, p1] repeat to end *(ribbed cuff)*
**Rnds 3–7:** Knit 5 rnds *(upper foot)*

**Shape Toe:**
**Rnd 8:** k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1 — **18 sts**
**Rnd 9:** Knit.
**Rnd 10:** k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1 — **16 sts**
**Rnd 11:** Knit.
**Rnd 12:** k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1 — **14 sts**
**Rnd 13:** k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1 — **12 sts**

Divide sts onto 2 needles (6 sts each). Graft toe closed using Kitchener stitch.

**Embellishment (optional):** Using Yarn B (Black) or gold metallic thread, work a small cross-stitch or satin stitch pompom/button shape on the instep of each slipper.

---

### ACCESSORY 2: THE ROYAL BLUE DRESSING GOWN

The dressing gown is worked in two back/front pieces and two sleeves, then seamed. The shawl collar is worked flat, picked up from the front edges, in Yarn E (Light Blue). Two patch pockets are worked separately and sewn on.

**Gauge on US 1 / 2.25 mm needles in stockinette flat:**
*Approx. 7.5 sts × 10 rows = 1 inch (gauge is tighter when working flat)*

For consistency, we'll use the same **7 sts / inch** gauge throughout for all calculations.

#### DRESSING GOWN BACK

**Using Yarn D (Royal Blue) and US 1 / 2.25 mm straight needles:**

**CO 30 sts.**

> *(30 sts ÷ 7 sts/inch = 4.3 inches wide — approx. half circumference of Bertram's body at widest ✅)*

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Rows 2–3:** Work in stockinette (k RS, p WS).

**Add subtle hem detail:**
**Row 4 (RS):** Knit. *(this is the hemline turning row)*
**Rows 5–40:** Work in stockinette for 36 rows.

> *(36 rows ÷ 9 rows/inch = 4 inches ✅ — matches body length)*

**Shape Armholes:**
**Row 41 (RS):** BO 3 sts at beginning of row, knit to end.
**Row 42 (WS):** BO 3 sts at beginning of row, purl to end — **24 sts**

**Rows 43–58:** Work 16 rows even in stockinette.

> *(16 rows ÷ 9 ≈ 1.8 inches — shoulder yoke)*

**Shape Back Neck:**
**Row 59 (RS):** k8, BO center 8 sts, k8.
Work each shoulder separately:

**Left Shoulder:**
Row 60 (WS): Purl.
Row 61 (RS): k2tog, k6 — **7 sts**
Rows 62–64: Work 3 rows even. BO.

**Right Shoulder:**
Rejoin yarn at WS.
Row 60 (WS): Purl.
Row 61 (RS): k6, ssk — **7 sts**
Rows 62–64: Work 3 rows even. BO.

---

#### DRESSING GOWN LEFT FRONT

**Using Yarn D (Royal Blue) and US 1 / 2.25 mm straight needles:**

**CO 17 sts.**

> *(17 sts ÷ 7 = 2.43 inches wide — slightly wider than half the back to allow front overlap ✅)*

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Rows 2–40:** Work in stockinette (36 rows = 4 inches body length to match back).

**Shape Armhole:**
**Row 41 (RS):** BO 3 sts at beginning, knit to end — **14 sts**
**Row 42 (WS):** Purl.

**Rows 43–52:** Work 10 rows even.

**Shape Front Neck:**
**Row 53 (RS):** BO 4 sts at beg (neck edge), knit to end — **10 sts**
**Row 54 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 55 (RS):** k2tog, knit to end — **9 sts**
**Row 56 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 57 (RS):** k2tog, knit to end — **8 sts**
**Row 58 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 59 (RS):** k2tog, knit to end — **7 sts**
**Rows 60–64:** Work 5 rows even. BO.

---

#### DRESSING GOWN RIGHT FRONT

Work as Left Front, reversing all shaping:
- Armhole bound off at start of a WS row (Row 41 WS instead of RS)
- Neck shaping begins at start of WS rows

**CO 17 sts.**
Work rows 1–40 as for Left Front.

**Row 41 (WS):** BO 3 sts at beginning of row, purl to end — **14 sts**
**Row 42 (RS):** Knit.

**Rows 43–52:** Work 10 rows even.

**Row 53 (WS):** BO 4 sts at beg (neck edge), purl to end — **10 sts**
**Row 54 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 55 (WS):** p2tog, purl to end — **9 sts**
**Row 56 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 57 (WS):** p2tog, purl to end — **8 sts**
**Row 58 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 59 (WS):** p2tog, purl to end — **7 sts**
**Rows 60–64:** Work 5 rows even. BO.

---

#### DRESSING GOWN SLEEVES (Make 2)

Sleeves are worked flat from the cuff up, then seamed.

**Using Yarn D (Royal Blue) and US 1 / 2.25 mm straight needles:**

**CO 22 sts.**

> *(22 sts ÷ 7 sts/inch = 3.14 inches circumference — approx. 1-inch sleeve radius ✅ — fits over Bertram's arm plus dressing gown thickness)*

**Row 1 (WS):** [k1, p1] repeat to end *(cuff rib)*
**Row 2 (RS):** [k1, p1] repeat to end
**Row 3 (WS):** [k1, p1] repeat to end *(3 rows of rib = approx. 0.33-inch cuff)*

**Row 4 (RS):** Knit.
**Rows 5–28:** Work in stockinette for 24 rows total from cuff row 4.

> *(24 rows ÷ 9 rows/inch = 2.67 inches — arm length ✅)*

**Shape Sleeve Cap:**
**Row 29 (RS):** BO 3 sts at beg, knit to end.
**Row 30 (WS):** BO 3 sts at beg, purl to end — **16 sts**

**Row 31 (RS):** k2tog, knit to last 2, ssk — **14 sts**
**Row 32 (WS):** Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more — **10 sts**
**Row 37 (RS):** BO 2 sts, knit to last 2, ssk — **7 sts**
**Row 38 (WS):** BO all sts.

---

#### DRESSING GOWN ASSEMBLY

1. **Seam shoulders:** Join left front shoulder to left back shoulder; right front shoulder to right back shoulder using mattress stitch.
2. **Set in sleeves:** With right sides together, pin sleeve cap into armhole opening. Seam in place.
3. **Seam sides and sleeves:** Seam the side body seams and sleeve underarm seams in one continuous seam (from hem to cuff) on each side.
4. **Hem:** Fold the first 4 rows at the bottom hem to the wrong side and slip stitch in place to create a neat hem edge.

---

#### SHAWL COLLAR (Yarn E — Light Blue)

The shawl collar is the dressing gown's most elegant feature. It is worked flat, picked up from the right front neck edge, across the back neck, and down the left front neck edge.

**Using Yarn E (Light Blue) and US 2 / 2.75 mm straight needles:**

With RS of gown facing, beginning at the lower right front edge (hem), pick up and knit approximately:
- **Right front edge:** Pick up 1 st per row along right front (approx. 40 sts from hem to neck start)
- **Right neck shaping:** approx. 8 sts
- **Back neck:** approx. 8 sts
- **Left neck shaping:** approx. 8 sts
- **Left front edge:** approx. 40 sts from neck down to hem

**Total picked up: approx. 104 sts**

> *(Adjust count to nearest even number. The exact count is flexible — the collar is designed to drape naturally.)*

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl all sts.
**Row 2 (RS):** Knit all sts.
**Row 3 (WS):** Purl all sts.
**Row 4 (RS — collar shaping increase row):** k2, M1R, knit to last 2 sts, M1L, k2 — **106 sts**
**Row 5 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 6 (RS):** k2, M1R, knit to last 2 sts, M1L, k2 — **108 sts**
**Row 7 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 8 (RS):** k2, M1R, knit to last 2 sts, M1L, k2 — **110 sts**
**Rows 9–10:** Work 2 rows even.

**Row 11 (RS — turning ridge):** Purl all sts across RS *(creates a fold line for the collar to roll)*

**Rows 12–19:** Work 8 rows in stockinette (beg with WS purl row).

BO all sts loosely. Fold collar along the turning ridge purl row so the Light Blue stockinette fabric shows as the "face" of the shawl collar. Pin into place so it folds naturally and does not pull the front edges. Slip stitch the collar edge lightly to the wrong side if desired to hold the fold.

> **Shawl collar note:** The collar will naturally want to roll and lie flat as a shawl collar should. The Light Blue (Yarn E) against the Royal Blue (Yarn D) of the gown body creates a clean, tailored contrast.

---

#### PATCH POCKETS (Make 2)

**Using Yarn D (Royal Blue) and US 1 / 2.25 mm straight needles:**

**CO 10 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit.
**Rows 2–10:** Work in stockinette (9 more rows).

**Pocket Top Trim — using Yarn E (Light Blue):**
Join Yarn E.
**Row 11 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 12 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 13 (RS):** Knit.
BO all sts.

> *(Pocket measures approx. 1.43 × 1.33 inches — proportionate to the dressing gown ✅)*

**Finishing pockets:**
Sew one pocket to each front panel of the assembled gown, positioned approximately 0.75 inch up from the hem and 0.5 inch in from the front edge. Use mattress stitch along three sides, leaving the top (Light Blue trim) open as the pocket opening.

---

### ACCESSORY 3: THE NEPALESE SMOKERS HAT (Topi Style)

The Nepalese smokers hat (Dhaka topi style) is a distinctive side-worn hat with a slightly curved brim and flat-topped truncated cylinder shape. This version is worked in the round in **Yarn F (Burgundy)** as the main color, with **Yarn G/B (Black)** worked as two stripes around the body of the hat. A generous tassel in Black and Burgundy sits at the crown.

**Dimensions:** approx. 1.75 inches tall, approx. 3.5 inches circumference (to fit Bertram's head)

> *(3.5 inches circumference × 7 sts/inch = 24.5 → 24 sts ✅)*

**Using Yarn F (Burgundy) and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs:**

**CO 24 sts.** Distribute across 4 DPNs (6 sts per needle). Join to work in the round. Pm for BOR.

**Brim:**
**Rnd 1:** [k1, p1] repeat to end.
**Rnd 2:** [k1, p1] repeat to end. *(2 rnds of rib = ~0.22 inches — minimal brim band)*

**Hat Body:**
**Rnds 3–5:** Knit 3 rnds in Yarn F (Burgundy).

**Join Yarn B (Black) for stripe:**
**Rnd 6:** Knit in Yarn B (Black). *(first black stripe)*
**Rnd 7:** Knit in Yarn B (Black). *(second row of black stripe)*

**Cut Yarn B.** Resume Yarn F (Burgundy):
**Rnds 8–10:** Knit 3 rnds in Yarn F (Burgundy).

**Join Yarn B (Black) for second stripe:**
**Rnd 11:** Knit in Yarn B (Black).
**Rnd 12:** Knit in Yarn B (Black).

**Cut Yarn B.** Resume Yarn F (Burgundy):
**Rnds 13–15:** Knit 3 rnds in Yarn F (Burgundy).

*Total hat body: 15 rnds ÷ 9 rows/inch = 1.67 inches — add 2 rows rib = approx. 1.9 inches total hat height ✅*

**Shape Crown:**
**Rnd 16:** [k2tog, k4] 4 times — **20 sts**
**Rnd 17:** Knit.
**Rnd 18:** [k2tog, k3] 4 times — **16 sts**
**Rnd 19:** Knit.
**Rnd 20:** [k2tog, k2] 4 times — **12 sts**
**Rnd 21:** [k2tog] 6 times — **6 sts**

Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through 6 sts and pull tight. Do not fasten off yet — the tassel will be attached through this point.

---

#### TASSEL

**Materials:** Yarn F (Burgundy) and Yarn B (Black)

**Making the tassel:**
1. Cut a piece of cardboard approx. 1.5 inches wide.
2. Wrap **Yarn F (Burgundy)** around the cardboard 10 times, then **Yarn B (Black)** 5 times (15 wraps total), mixing the colors for a striped tassel effect.
3. Cut a 12-inch length of Yarn B. Thread it through the top of all the loops and tie very tightly, leaving long ends for attaching.
4. Slide loops off the cardboard. Cut the bottom of all loops.
5. Wrap a length of Yarn B tightly around the tassel approximately 0.25 inch down from the top (the "neck"), wrapping 5–6 times. Tie off and hide the ends within the tassel.
6. Trim the tassel ends evenly to approximately 0.75 inch long below the neck.

**Attaching the tassel:**
Thread the long ties of the tassel through the closed crown of the hat using the tapestry needle. Pull snug so the tassel sits proudly at the top center of the hat. Tie off firmly on the inside and weave in all ends.

**Hat placement:**
Nepalese topi-style hats are worn tilted slightly to one side. Place the hat on Bertram's head at a jaunty angle and tack in place with 3–4 sts of matching yarn to the head on one side only, allowing the tilt.

---

## PART FIVE: FINAL FINISHING & STYLING

### Weaving in Ends
Weave in all yarn ends carefully. On the bamboo yarn, take extra care as bamboo is slippery — weave ends through at least 4–5 sts in two directions to prevent them from pulling out.

### Blocking
Lightly mist all garment pieces with water and pin to measurements. Allow to dry flat. The bamboo yarn will bloom slightly and the stitches will even out beautifully. Do **not** block the stuffed body pieces — this will misshape them.

### Eye Safety Note
The pattern uses 9 mm safety eyes. **If this figure is intended for a child under 3 years old, omit safety eyes entirely.** Instead, embroider eyes using black yarn in a circular satin stitch (approximately 5–6 sts in a circle), with a small white highlight stitch at the upper right of each eye.

### Dressing Bertram
1. Put on the slippers first — slide each one gently over the black paw/foot.
2. Dress the gown — ease arms through sleeves, position so the royal blue body covers the torso and the shawl collar folds naturally over the chest and shoulders.
3. The dressing gown is left open at the front as is traditional — do not seam the front edges together.
4. Place the hat at a tilt on the crown, tack in place.

### Final Proportions Check
- Feet to top of legs: 0.67 inches (paw section) + 2.44 inches (tube) = **~3.1 inches**
- Body height: **~4 inches**
- Head height: **~3 inches**
- **Total: ~10.1 inches ✅**

---

## SCHEMATIC REFERENCE

```
        ___[TASSEL]___
       /   HAT ~1.9"  \
      |  (Burgundy +   |
      |   Black band)  |
       \______________/
       /~~ HEAD ~3" ~~\
      | White + Black  |  ← Badger stripe markings
      |   face marks   |  ← Safety eyes at mid-head
      |   [SNOUT]      |
       \______________/
  /----- ARMS (2.5") -----\
  |    BODY ~4" tall       |
  |    Royal Blue Gown     |
  |  [L.Blue shawl collar] |
  |  [Pockets both sides]  |
  \________________________/
       LEFT LEG  RIGHT LEG
        (2.5")    (2.5")
       [RED SLIP][RED SLIP]
```

---

## YARN QUANTITY SUMMARY

| Yarn | Color | Approx. Yardage |
|------|-------|-----------------|
| A — White bamboo sport | Body, head, snout, inner ears | 80 yds |
| B — Black bamboo sport | Head stripes, paws, ears, hat stripe | 55 yds |
| C — Deep Red sport | Slippers | 20 yds |
| D — Royal Blue sport | Dressing gown body & sleeves | 50 yds |
| E — Light/Sky Blue sport | Shawl collar, pocket trim | 20 yds |
| F — Burgundy sport | Smokers hat | 15 yds |
| **Total** | | **~240 yds** |

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

**My bamboo yarn keeps splitting while I knit:**
Bamboo is a smooth, multi-ply yarn that can split if your needle tip is too sharp. Try a needle with a slightly blunter tip, or slow down on the pick-up motion when knitting through the back loop.

**Bertram won't stand upright:**
Ensure the legs are stuffed firmly, particularly at the foot/sole section. You can also glue a small circle of stiff felt or a coin to the base of each foot on the inside before final seaming. Re-stuff the body through the head seam if needed before final head attachment.

**The badger stripes look uneven:**
Duplicate stitch is forgiving — re-work any stitches that look irregular. Work in good light and use a contrasting background under the knitting so you can clearly see which stitches you're covering.

**The dressing gown sleeves are too loose/tight:**
The sleeve circumference (22 sts = ~3.1 inches) is designed to accommodate Bertram's arm (16 sts = ~2.3 inches circumference) plus ease. If your arms knit up larger, increase the sleeve CO by 2 sts; if smaller, reduce by 2 sts.

---

*Bertram Badger pattern — all rights reserved. For personal use only.*
*Happy knitting! 🦡*