purlJam

# EDDIE THE HEAD - Iron Maiden Mascot Amigurumi

**Designed for beginner knitters | Finished Size: approximately 15cm (6") tall**

A knitted amigurumi version of Eddie, the iconic mascot of Iron Maiden. This simplified design captures Eddie's distinctive skeletal features while remaining accessible for beginners.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium) in the following colors:
- Color A (Pale Gray or Cream): 50g for head and body
- Color B (Black or Dark Brown): 20g for hair
- Color C (Denim Blue): 25g for pants
- Small amounts of Red, White, and Black for details

**Suggested Yarn**: Red Heart Super Saver or Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

**Needles**: 
- US 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5) OR
- US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle (32" or longer) for Magic Loop method

**Notions**:
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Two 6mm safety eyes (black) OR black embroidery floss for eyes
- Embroidery floss in red and black for facial features
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

18 stitches × 24 rounds = 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch in the round

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- pm: place marker
- rep: repeat
- rnd(s): round(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)

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## NOTES

- All pieces are worked in the round in stockinette stitch (knit every round).
- Use your preferred method: DPNs or Magic Loop.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before decreasing openings too small.
- Change to DPNs when stitches become too few for circular needle.
- Weave in ends as you complete each piece.

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## PATTERN

### HEAD

With Color A, cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Rnd 1**: Kfb in each st around. (12 sts)
**Rnd 2**: Knit.
**Rnd 3**: *K1, kfb; rep from * around. (18 sts)
**Rnd 4**: Knit.
**Rnd 5**: *K2, kfb; rep from * around. (24 sts)
**Rnds 6-14**: Knit (9 rounds even). *[Head circumference = 24 sts ÷ 18 sts/4" = 5.3" circumference]*
**Rnd 15**: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (18 sts)

*If using safety eyes, place them now between Rnds 10-11, approximately 8-9 sts apart. Begin stuffing head.*

**Rnd 16**: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (12 sts)
**Rnd 17**: K2tog around. (6 sts)

*Finish stuffing head firmly.*

Cut yarn, leaving 8" tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave in end.

**HEAD DIMENSIONS CHECK**: Approximately 5-6cm (2-2.5") tall × 5.3cm (2") wide

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### BODY

With Color A, cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, pm for beginning.

**Rnd 1**: Kfb in each st around. (12 sts)
**Rnd 2**: *K1, kfb; rep from * around. (18 sts)
**Rnd 3**: Knit.
**Rnd 4**: *K2, kfb; rep from * around. (20 sts) *[Body circumference = 20 sts ÷ 18 sts/4" = 4.4"]*

**Upper Body (Torso in Color A)**:
**Rnds 5-10**: Knit (6 rounds even).

**Lower Body (Pants in Color C - Denim Blue)**:
Change to Color C.
**Rnds 11-18**: Knit (8 rounds even). *[Body length total = 18 rounds ÷ 24 rnds/4" = 3" or 7.5cm]*

*Begin stuffing body.*

**Rnd 19**: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. (15 sts)
**Rnd 20**: Knit.
**Rnd 21**: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (10 sts)

*Finish stuffing body firmly.*

**Rnd 22**: K2tog around. (5 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 12" tail for attaching to head. Thread through remaining 5 sts, pull tight. Do not weave in end yet—use for assembly.

**BODY DIMENSIONS CHECK**: Approximately 7.5cm (3") tall × 4.4cm (1.75") wide

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### ARMS (Make 2)

With Color A, cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, pm for beginning.

**Rnd 1**: Kfb in each st around. (12 sts)
**Rnds 2-12**: Knit (11 rounds even). *[Arm length = 12 rounds ÷ 24 rnds/4" = 2" or 5cm]*

*Stuff arm lightly but firmly.*

**Rnd 13**: K2tog around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 10" tail for attaching. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight. Leave tail for sewing.

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### LEGS (Make 2)

With Color C (Denim Blue for pants), cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, pm for beginning.

**Rnd 1**: Kfb in each st around. (12 sts)
**Rnd 2**: Knit.
**Rnd 3**: *K1, kfb; rep from * around. (18 sts) *[Foot width = 18 sts ÷ 18 sts/4" = 4"]*

**Foot**:
**Rnds 4-6**: Knit (3 rounds even).

**Decrease for ankle**:
**Rnd 7**: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. (12 sts)

**Leg**:
**Rnds 8-16**: Knit (9 rounds even). *[Leg length total = 16 rounds ÷ 24 rnds/4" = 2.7" or 6.7cm]*

*Stuff leg and foot firmly.*

**Rnd 17**: K2tog around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 10" tail for attaching. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight. Leave tail for sewing.

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### HAIR

With Color B (Black or Dark Brown), cast on 18 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, pm for beginning.

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

**Create texture (optional)**:
For wilder hair texture, you can work in garter stitch instead:
**Rnds 1-6**: *Knit 1 rnd, purl 1 rnd; rep from * 3 times.

Bind off loosely.

**Alternative Hair Option**: Instead of knitted hair, you can cut 40-50 strands of Color B yarn, each 6" long, and attach them to the head using a crochet hook or by threading through stitches, then trimming to desired wild, spiky shape.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Attach Head to Body**:
Position head on top of body. Using the long tail from body, sew head securely to body with whip stitch or mattress stitch, adding more stuffing if needed before closing completely.

**Step 2 - Attach Arms**:
Position arms at sides of body at shoulder level (approximately 2 rounds below head). Using long tails, sew arms securely to body sides.

**Step 3 - Attach Legs**:
Position legs at bottom of body, evenly spaced. Using long tails, sew legs securely to bottom of body. *Check stability: figure should sit or stand with support.*

**Step 4 - Attach Hair**:
Position hair piece on top and back of head. Sew in place with Color B yarn, creating wild, spiky appearance by pulling and shaping.

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## FACIAL FEATURES & DETAILS

**Eyes** (if not using safety eyes):
With black embroidery floss, embroider two circles or French knots between Rnds 10-11, approximately 8-9 sts apart.

**Eye Glow** (optional):
With red embroidery floss, work a few straight stitches radiating from each eye for Eddie's characteristic glowing red eyes, or embroider a red ring around each black eye.

**Mouth with Prominent Teeth**:
1. With black embroidery floss, embroider a wide grinning mouth shape between Rnds 12-14.
2. With white embroidery floss, embroider 4-6 rectangular teeth within the mouth opening, making 2 upper front teeth slightly longer/more prominent for Eddie's signature look.

**Nose** (optional):
With Color A, embroider a small upside-down triangle or two small dots for nostrils at Rnd 11-12.

**Additional Details** (optional):
- Embroider a skull-like nose cavity with black thread
- Add shadows around eyes with gray yarn for gaunt appearance
- Embroider band logo or details on torso with black thread

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Shape figure as desired. Trim hair to create wild, spiky appearance characteristic of Eddie.

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## DESIGN NOTES

This simplified version of Eddie captures his iconic skeletal appearance while remaining accessible to beginner knitters. The pale coloring, wild dark hair, prominent teeth, and optional red-glowing eyes create the distinctive Iron Maiden mascot look. For a more advanced version, consider adding more detailed facial shaping, clothing details, or accessories from specific album covers.

**Size Variation**: To make Eddie larger or smaller, use heavier or lighter weight yarn with appropriately sized needles, maintaining the same stitch counts for proportional sizing.

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## ABBREVIATION REFERENCE

- k = knit
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- pm = place marker
- rep = repeat
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- st(s) = stitch(es)

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**Pattern Design**: Custom amigurumi design
**Skill Level**: Beginner
**Finished Dimensions**: Approximately 15cm (6") tall

*This pattern is inspired by Eddie the Head, the mascot of Iron Maiden. This is a fan-created tribute pattern.*

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**MATH VERIFICATION**:
- Head: Starting 6 sts → 24 sts max, 14 rounds at full size + shaping = ~5.5cm height ✓
- Body: 20 sts × 18 rounds = ~7.5cm height ✓  
- Arms: 12 sts × 12 rounds = ~5cm length ✓
- Legs: 12-18 sts × 16 rounds = ~6.7cm length ✓
- **Total height**: 5.5cm (head) + 7.5cm (body) + 6.7cm (legs) - assembly overlap = ~15-16cm ✓