purlJam

# Border Collie Teddy Bear Knitting Pattern

**Designed for beginner knitters**

## Finished Measurements
Approximately 11 inches (28 cm) tall when sitting

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- **MC (Main Color - Black)**: 150 yards (137 m) worsted weight yarn
- **CC (Contrast Color - White)**: 50 yards (46 m) worsted weight yarn
- Suggested: Red Heart Super Saver or Caron Simply Soft in Black and White

**Needles:**
- US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR 24-32" circular needle for Magic Loop
- Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- One pair 12mm safety eyes
- Black embroidery floss (for nose and mouth)
- Pins (for assembly)

## Gauge
20 stitches × 26 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, worked in the round
**Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size**

## Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- MC: main color (black)
- CC: contrast color (white)
- BOR: beginning of round

## Notes
- All pieces are worked in the round from the bottom up or center out
- Use your preferred method for small circumference knitting (DPNs or Magic Loop)
- Place a stitch marker at BOR and move up each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, before the opening becomes too small
- For color changes, you may work simple stripes, use intarsia in the round (advanced), or add white markings with duplicate stitch after knitting (recommended for beginners)
- Unless otherwise noted, work in stockinette stitch (knit every round)

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## BODY

**With MC, cast on 16 sts. Divide evenly on needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.**
*Math check: 16 sts cast on = 16 sts in round*

**Rnd 1:** Knit.
*Stitch count: 16 sts*

**Rnd 2:** [Kfb] around. *32 sts*
*Math check: 16 × 2 = 32 sts*

**Rnd 3:** Knit.

**Rnd 4:** [K1, kfb] around. *48 sts*
*Math check: 32 sts ÷ 2 = 16 repeats; 16 × 3 = 48 sts*

**Rnds 5-20:** Knit (16 rounds even).

**Note for color:** If adding white chest marking, switch to CC for rounds 12-18, then back to MC. Alternatively, add with duplicate stitch later.

**Rnd 21:** [K4, k2tog] around. *40 sts*
*Math check: 48 sts ÷ 6 = 8 repeats; 8 × 5 = 40 sts*

**Rnd 22:** Knit.

**Rnd 23:** [K3, k2tog] around. *32 sts*
*Math check: 40 sts ÷ 5 = 8 repeats; 8 × 4 = 32 sts*

**Rnd 24:** Knit.

**Rnd 25:** [K2, k2tog] around. *24 sts*
*Math check: 32 sts ÷ 4 = 8 repeats; 8 × 3 = 24 sts*

**Rnd 26:** Knit.

**Stuff body firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 27:** [K1, k2tog] around. *16 sts*
*Math check: 24 sts ÷ 3 = 8 repeats; 8 × 2 = 16 sts*

**Rnd 28:** [K2tog] around. *8 sts*
*Math check: 16 sts ÷ 2 = 8 sts*

Break yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in end on inside.

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## HEAD

**With MC, cast on 12 sts. Divide evenly on needles and join to work in the round.**
*Math check: 12 sts cast on = 12 sts in round*

**Rnd 1:** Knit.

**Rnd 2:** [Kfb] around. *24 sts*
*Math check: 12 × 2 = 24 sts*

**Rnd 3:** Knit.

**Rnd 4:** [K1, kfb] around. *36 sts*
*Math check: 24 sts ÷ 2 = 12 repeats; 12 × 3 = 36 sts*

**Rnd 5:** Knit.

**Rnd 6:** [K2, kfb] around. *48 sts*
*Math check: 36 sts ÷ 3 = 12 repeats; 12 × 4 = 48 sts*

**Rnds 7-16:** Knit (10 rounds even).

**Note for color:** Border Collies typically have white blazes on face. Consider switching to CC for part of rounds 10-14 in center front, or add with duplicate stitch later.

**Insert safety eyes between rounds 12 and 13, approximately 12 sts apart.**

**Rnd 17:** [K2, k2tog] around. *36 sts*
*Math check: 48 sts ÷ 4 = 12 repeats; 12 × 3 = 36 sts*

**Rnd 18:** Knit.

**Rnd 19:** [K1, k2tog] around. *24 sts*
*Math check: 36 sts ÷ 3 = 12 repeats; 12 × 2 = 24 sts*

**Rnd 20:** Knit.

**Begin stuffing head firmly.**

**Rnd 21:** [K2tog] around. *12 sts*
*Math check: 24 sts ÷ 2 = 12 sts*

**Finish stuffing head.**

**Rnd 22:** [K2tog] around. *6 sts*
*Math check: 12 sts ÷ 2 = 6 sts*

Break yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in end on inside.

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## LEGS (Make 4)

**With MC, cast on 12 sts. Divide evenly on needles and join to work in the round.**
*Math check: 12 sts cast on = 12 sts in round*

**Rnds 1-3:** Knit (3 rounds).

**Note:** For front legs, consider working rounds 1-3 in CC for white "socks."

**Rnd 4:** [K1, kfb] around. *18 sts*
*Math check: 12 sts ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 sts*

**Rnds 5-14:** Knit (10 rounds even).

**Stuff leg firmly, leaving top 1 inch unstuffed for easier attachment.**

**Rnd 15:** [K1, k2tog] around. *12 sts*
*Math check: 18 sts ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 sts*

**Rnd 16:** [K2tog] around. *6 sts*
*Math check: 12 sts ÷ 2 = 6 sts*

Break yarn, leaving a 12" tail for sewing. Thread through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Leave tail for attaching to body.

---

## EARS (Make 2)

**With MC, cast on 10 sts. Divide evenly on needles and join to work in the round.**
*Math check: 10 sts cast on = 10 sts in round*

**Rnds 1-6:** Knit (6 rounds even).

**Rnd 7:** [K3, k2tog] twice. *8 sts*
*Math check: 10 sts, 2 repeats of 5 sts; 2 × 4 = 8 sts*

**Rnd 8:** Knit.

**Rnd 9:** [K2, k2tog] twice. *6 sts*
*Math check: 8 sts, 2 repeats of 4 sts; 2 × 3 = 6 sts*

**Rnd 10:** [K1, k2tog] twice. *4 sts*
*Math check: 6 sts, 2 repeats of 3 sts; 2 × 2 = 4 sts*

Break yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread through remaining 4 sts, pull tight to close. Do not stuff ears; flatten and shape. Leave tail for sewing.

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## TAIL

**With MC, cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly on needles and join to work in the round.**
*Math check: 8 sts cast on = 8 sts in round*

**Rnds 1-2:** Knit (2 rounds).

**Rnd 3:** [Kfb] around. *16 sts*
*Math check: 8 × 2 = 16 sts*

**Rnds 4-10:** Knit (7 rounds even).

**Note:** Border Collies often have white tail tips. Consider working last 3-4 rounds in CC, or add white with duplicate stitch.

**Rnd 11:** [K2tog] around. *8 sts*
*Math check: 16 sts ÷ 2 = 8 sts*

Stuff tail lightly (keep fluffy, not firm).

Break yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close. Leave tail for sewing.

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## FINISHING

### Assembly

1. **Attach head to body:** Pin head to top of body, aligning center fronts. Using tapestry needle and matching yarn, whipstitch securely around neck opening.

2. **Attach front legs:** Position front legs on sides of body, about 4-5 rounds down from neck. The closed end of each leg should point forward. Whipstitch the top opening of each leg to the body, sewing completely around the opening for security.

3. **Attach back legs:** Position back legs on lower sides/back of body, about 8-10 rounds down from neck. The closed end should point forward. Attach same as front legs.

4. **Attach ears:** Position ears on top/sides of head, angled slightly outward for alert Border Collie expression. Flatten ear base and sew across the opening to secure to head.

5. **Attach tail:** Position tail at back of body, slightly off-center on back side. Sew opening of tail securely to body.

### Face Details

**Nose and Mouth:**
Using black embroidery floss and tapestry needle:
1. Embroider a triangular nose centered below and between the eyes (approximately 4 rounds below eye placement).
2. From bottom of nose, work 2-3 straight stitches downward for center mouth line.
3. From bottom of center line, work curved lines outward and upward to create smiling mouth.

**Optional White Markings:**
If not already knitted in, use CC yarn and duplicate stitch to add:
- White blaze down center of face (between eyes to nose)
- White chest panel on front of body
- White collar around neck
- White paws/socks on legs
- White tail tip

### Final Touches

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely on wrong side.
2. Gently shape ears to stand upright or tip forward naturally.
3. Brush or lightly tease yarn with a pet brush if desired for fluffier texture (optional).

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## Pattern Notes

**Customization Ideas:**
- Add a small knitted collar with a tiny bell
- Embroider a small tongue peeking out
- Use brushed yarn or mohair blend for extra fluffiness
- Create different poses by adjusting leg positions before firmly attaching

**Skill Building:**
This pattern teaches:
- Working in the round on small circumferences
- Basic increases (kfb) and decreases (k2tog, ssk)
- Three-dimensional shaping
- Assembly and finishing techniques
- Optional color work with duplicate stitch

**Care Instructions:**
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Roll in towel to remove excess water. Air dry flat, reshaping as needed.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters. Finished toy is approximately 11 inches tall.**

*Safety Note: If giving to young children, ensure safety eyes are very securely attached or substitute embroidered eyes.*