purlJam

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# ELLIE THE ELEPHANT
### A Knitted Amigurumi Pattern

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## AT A GLANCE

**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Technique:** Knitting in the round (DPNs or Magic Loop); separate pieces seamed
**Finished Size:** Approximately 9–10 inches (23–25 cm) tall from feet to top of head

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards (183 m) in Main Color (MC) — shown in gray
  - Approx. 10 yards (9 m) in Contrast Color (CC) — shown in light pink (for inner ears)
  - Approx. 5 yards (4.6 m) in Black or Dark Brown (for embroidery details, optional)
- **Needles:** US 7 / 4.5 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 5 — **or** US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) or longer for Magic Loop
- **Additional Supplies:**
  - Stitch markers (at least 2)
  - Tapestry / yarn needle
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  - One pair 12 mm black safety eyes
  - Scissors
  - Stitch holders or scrap yarn (optional)

**Yarn Recommendations:** Any smooth worsted weight (Category 4) yarn works well. A tightly spun yarn in a heathered gray gives a beautiful elephant texture. Sample shown in 100% acrylic worsted at 200 yards per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein.

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## GAUGE

**18 sts × 24 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch in the round, worked at a firm tension.

*Note: For amigurumi, work at a tighter gauge than the yarn label suggests. This prevents stuffing from showing through. Swatch and adjust needle size down if needed.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (increase) |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |
| rm | Remove marker |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rep | Repeat |
| approx | Approximately |
| MC | Main Color |
| CC | Contrast Color |

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. All pieces except the ears are worked **in the round** in stockinette stitch (knit every round). The fabric will naturally curl — this is expected and correct.
2. The ears are worked **flat** (back and forth) in stockinette stitch.
3. Use the **Magic Cast-On** or **Judy's Magic Cast-On** when starting pieces with 8 sts cast on — this creates a clean closed bottom. Alternatively, cast on using the long-tail method over two needles, divide onto DPNs, and close the gap in Round 1.
4. **Stuff pieces firmly as you go.** It is easier to add stuffing gradually during the decrease rounds than to try to cram it in at the end.
5. **Safety eyes:** Attach safety eyes **before** the final decrease rounds close the opening on the head. Position them while you can still reach inside comfortably.
6. All stitch counts are provided in **[brackets]** at the end of each round or section for easy verification.

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## PATTERN PIECES

The elephant is made of **8 separate pieces:**
1. Body (1 piece)
2. Head (1 piece)
3. Trunk (1 piece)
4. Legs (4 identical pieces)
5. Ears (2 pieces — knitted flat, one in MC + CC each)
6. Tail (1 piece)

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## PIECE 1: BODY

*Work in MC. The body is worked bottom to top.*

**Cast on:** Using your preferred small-circumference method, CO 8 sts. Distribute evenly on DPNs or set up for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm to mark beginning of round.

**Round 1:** *Kfb* in each st. **[16 sts]**

**Round 2:** Knit all sts. **[16 sts]**

**Round 3:** *Kfb, k1; rep from * to end. **[24 sts]**

**Round 4:** Knit all sts. **[24 sts]**

**Round 5:** *Kfb, k2; rep from * to end. **[32 sts]**

**Round 6:** Knit all sts. **[32 sts]**

**Round 7:** *Kfb, k3; rep from * to end. **[40 sts]** *(Note: This is the widest point — if you prefer a slightly smaller body, you may stop at 36 sts after Round 5's plain round and proceed to straight rounds.)*

*For the standard pattern:*

**Round 8:** *K2tog, k3; rep from * to end. **[32 sts]**

*Wait — let's build the body correctly with a more gradual shape:*

**Restart Body Instructions (Revised for smooth shaping):**

**CO 8 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** Kfb in each st. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 2:** Knit. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 3:** *Kfb, k1; rep from * to end. **[24 sts]**

**Rnd 4:** Knit. **[24 sts]**

**Rnd 5:** *Kfb, k2; rep from * to end. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 6:** Knit. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 7:** *Kfb, k3; rep from * to end. **[36 sts]** ✓ *(4 sts per section × 9 sections? No — 8 increases on 32 sts = 8 groups of k3+kfb = 40 sts. Let's verify: 32 sts ÷ 4 = 8 groups. *Kfb, k3* = 4 sts in, 5 sts out. 8 × 5 = 40 sts.)*

**Rnd 7 (corrected):** *Kfb, k3; rep from * to end. **[40 sts]**

**Rnds 8–22 (15 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[40 sts]** *(This section measures approximately 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm.)*

*Begin shaping top of body:*

**Rnd 23:** *K2tog, k3; rep from * to end. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 24:** Knit. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 25:** *K2tog, k2; rep from * to end. **[24 sts]**

*Stuff body firmly now.* Add more stuffing as you close.

**Rnd 26:** Knit. **[24 sts]**

**Rnd 27:** *K2tog, k1; rep from * to end. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 28:** Knit. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 29:** *K2tog; rep from * to end. **[8 sts]**

*Finish stuffing.* Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle. Draw through remaining 8 sts, pull snug to close. Weave in end on inside.

**Body dimensions when complete:** Approx. 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall × 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) wide at widest point.

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## PIECE 2: HEAD

*Work in MC. The head is worked front to back (chin to back of head).*

**CO 8 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** Kfb in each st. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 2:** Knit. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 3:** *Kfb, k1; rep from * to end. **[24 sts]**

**Rnd 4:** Knit. **[24 sts]**

**Rnd 5:** *Kfb, k2; rep from * to end. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 6:** Knit. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 7:** *Kfb, k3; rep from * to end. **[40 sts]**

**Rnd 8:** Knit. **[40 sts]**

**Rnd 9:** *Kfb, k4; rep from * to end. **[48 sts]** *(40 sts ÷ 5 = 8 groups. *Kfb, k4* = 5 in, 6 out. 8 × 6 = 48 sts. ✓)*

**Rnds 10–20 (11 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[48 sts]** *(Approx. 1.8 inches / 4.5 cm)*

*Now is the time to attach the safety eyes! Position them between Rounds 6 and 8, approximately 8–9 sts apart on the front of the head. Insert and lock in place.*

*Begin head decreases:*

**Rnd 21:** *K2tog, k4; rep from * to end. **[40 sts]**

**Rnd 22:** Knit. **[40 sts]**

**Rnd 23:** *K2tog, k3; rep from * to end. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 24:** Knit. **[32 sts]**

**Rnd 25:** *K2tog, k2; rep from * to end. **[24 sts]**

*Stuff head firmly.* Continue adding stuffing as you close.

**Rnd 26:** Knit. **[24 sts]**

**Rnd 27:** *K2tog, k1; rep from * to end. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 28:** Knit. **[16 sts]**

**Rnd 29:** *K2tog; rep from * to end. **[8 sts]**

*Finish stuffing.* Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for seaming the head to the body. Thread through remaining 8 sts, pull snug to close. Do not weave in this tail yet — you will use it for positioning and attachment.

**Head dimensions when complete:** Approx. 4 inches (10 cm) tall × 4.25 inches (11 cm) wide.

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## PIECE 3: TRUNK

*Work in MC. The trunk is worked from tip to base (narrow to wide). The trunk is worked in the round.*

**CO 6 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnds 1–4:** Knit all sts. **[6 sts]** *(Trunk tip — approx. 0.65 inches / 1.6 cm)*

**Rnd 5:** *Kfb, k1; rep from * to end. **[9 sts]** *(6 ÷ 2 = 3 groups? No — 6 sts with *kfb, k1* = 3 groups of 2. 3 × 3 = 9 sts. ✓)*

**Rnds 6–9 (4 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[9 sts]**

**Rnd 10:** *Kfb, k2; rep from * to end. **[12 sts]** *(9 ÷ 3 = 3 groups. *Kfb, k2* = 3 in, 4 out. 3 × 4 = 12 sts. ✓)*

**Rnds 11–14 (4 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[12 sts]**

**Rnd 15:** *Kfb, k3; rep from * to end. **[15 sts]** *(12 ÷ 4 = 3 groups. *Kfb, k3* = 4 in, 5 out. 3 × 5 = 15 sts. ✓)*

**Rnds 16–19 (4 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[15 sts]**

**Rnd 20:** *Kfb, k4; rep from * to end. **[18 sts]** *(15 ÷ 5 = 3 groups. *Kfb, k4* = 5 in, 6 out. 3 × 6 = 18 sts. ✓)*

**Rnds 21–22 (2 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[18 sts]**

*Stuff trunk lightly — it should be filled but still pliable so it can curve naturally. Leave the top 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) unstuffed for easier seaming to the face.*

**Do not bind off.** Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle. The live stitches will be held while you seam the trunk to the face.

**Trunk dimensions when complete:** Approx. 3.5 inches (9 cm) long.

*Tip: After seaming, you can use the tapestry needle to run a length of yarn through the inside of the trunk in a slight curve and anchor it at the base. This helps hold the trunk in a natural curled position.*

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## PIECE 4: LEGS (Make 4)

*Work in MC. Legs are worked bottom to top.*

**CO 8 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** Kfb in each st. **[16 sts]**

**Rnds 2–5 (4 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[16 sts]** *(This forms the foot pad area — approx. 0.65 inches / 1.6 cm)*

**Rnd 6:** *K2tog, k2; rep from * to end. **[12 sts]** *(16 ÷ 4 = 4 groups. *K2tog, k2* = 4 in, 3 out. 4 × 3 = 12 sts. ✓)*

**Rnds 7–18 (12 rounds):** Knit all sts. **[12 sts]** *(This is the leg column — approx. 2 inches / 5 cm)*

*Stuff leg firmly, especially the foot.*

**Rnd 19:** *K2tog; rep from * to end. **[6 sts]**

Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull snug to close. Leave tail for seaming to body.

**Leg dimensions when complete:** Approx. 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall × 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

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## PIECE 5: EARS (Make 2)

*Each ear has two layers: one in MC and one in CC (inner ear). They are worked flat.*

### Ear Layer 1 (Main Color): Make 2

Using MC, CO 6 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. **[8 sts]**

**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. **[8 sts]**

**Row 3:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. **[10 sts]**

**Row 4:** Purl. **[10 sts]**

**Row 5:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. **[12 sts]**

**Row 6:** Purl. **[12 sts]**

**Row 7:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. **[14 sts]**

**Row 8:** Purl. **[14 sts]**

**Row 9:** Kfb, k to last st, kfb. **[16 sts]**

**Rows 10–14 (5 rows):** Work in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS). **[16 sts]**

**Row 15:** K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. **[14 sts]**

**Row 16:** Purl. **[14 sts]**

**Row 17:** K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. **[12 sts]**

**Row 18:** Purl. **[12 sts]**

**Row 19:** K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. **[10 sts]**

**Row 20:** Purl. **[10 sts]**

**Row 21:** K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. **[8 sts]**

**Row 22:** Purl. **[8 sts]**

**Row 23:** K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. **[6 sts]**

**Row 24:** Purl. **[6 sts]**

**Row 25:** K2tog, k2, ssk. **[4 sts]**

BO all sts. Cut yarn, leave a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.

### Ear Layer 2 (Contrast Color, Inner Ear): Make 2

Work exactly as Ear Layer 1, substituting CC for MC.

**Ear dimensions when complete:** Approx. 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall × 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.

### Assembling the Ears

Hold one MC ear layer and one CC ear layer with **wrong sides together** (the purl/bumpy sides facing each other). The MC side will be the outside; the CC side will be the inside, visible from the front.

Using MC and a tapestry needle, whipstitch around the entire outer edge of the ear to join the two layers together. Leave the straight bottom edge (cast-on edge) open for attachment to the head.

At the center bottom of the ear, pinch the two bottom corners together slightly and take 2–3 stitches through both layers to create a gentle cup shape in the ear. This adds dimension and helps the ear sit naturally against the head. Completed ears should look like rounded oval shapes with a slight cup.

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## PIECE 6: TAIL

*Work in MC.*

**CO 8 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnds 1–10:** Knit all sts. **[8 sts]** *(Approx. 1.7 inches / 4.5 cm)*

**Rnd 11:** *K2tog; rep from * to end. **[4 sts]**

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread through remaining 4 sts, pull snug to close. Do **not** stuff the tail.

*Optional tasseled end:* Cut 4–5 strands of MC yarn, each 2 inches (5 cm) long. Thread them through the closed tip of the tail using your tapestry needle and tie or knot them securely to form a small tassel. Trim evenly.

Alternatively, work a 3-stitch I-cord for 10 rounds as a simpler tail substitute.

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## ASSEMBLY

*Read through all assembly steps before beginning. It is helpful to lay all pieces out in position before seaming.*

### Step 1: Attach Head to Body

Position the head on top of the body. The closed end of the head (back of head) rests against the top of the body. The faces should be on the same side. Angle the head very slightly downward/forward — this gives Ellie a more natural, alert expression.

Using the long tail left on the head, and adding a length of MC yarn if needed, use a mattress stitch or whipstitch to sew the head securely to the top of the body, working all the way around the circumference. Pass the needle through several interior stitches to anchor the join from the inside. The head should not wobble.

### Step 2: Attach the Trunk

Center the trunk on the lower-front face of the head. The wide open end (base) of the trunk should sit just below the midpoint of the face, centered between the eyes. The trunk should point slightly downward then curve gently upward at the tip.

Using the long tail from the trunk and MC yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, whipstitch the base of the trunk to the face, working around the entire opening (18 sts). Pull stitches snug to close any gaps. Weave in all ends.

*To set the trunk curl:* Thread a length of yarn through the inside of the trunk from base to tip using your tapestry needle. Pull gently to curve the trunk to your desired angle, then anchor the yarn at the tip with a few stitches. This is invisible from outside.

### Step 3: Attach the Legs

Position all 4 legs under the body — 2 front legs and 2 back legs. Front legs should be set approx. 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the front of the body base; back legs approx. 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the back. Legs on each side should be approx. 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.

Pin legs in place and test that the elephant stands stably before sewing. Adjust positioning if needed. Using the tail on each leg, whipstitch the top of each leg firmly to the underside and side of the body. Pass the needle through the body's interior a few times to anchor each leg securely. The elephant should stand on its own.

### Step 4: Attach the Ears

Position one ear on each side of the head, with the bottom (open, cast-on edge) of the ear aligned approximately 1–2 rnds above where the head meets the body. The front edge of each ear should sit just behind the eyes, roughly at the side of the head.

Using MC yarn, whipstitch the bottom edge of each ear to the head. Then take a few additional stitches through the back edge of each ear to tack it lightly against the side of the head. Do not sew the entire ear to the head — only the bottom and a few points on the back edge. This allows the ear to fan outward naturally.

### Step 5: Attach the Tail

Position the tail at the center-back of the body, near the top. Using the tail end of yarn, sew the open cast-on end of the tail to the body with several firm stitches. Weave in all ends securely.

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## FINISHING

### Weave In All Ends
Using your tapestry needle, weave in all remaining yarn tails securely on the inside of each piece.

### Face Embroidery (Optional)
If you prefer a softer look without safety eyes (for infants or pets), embroider eyes using black yarn in a French knot or satin stitch circle.

Using a length of dark yarn or the optional black yarn:
- **Eyebrows:** Embroider 2–3 straight stitches in a gentle arch just above each eye.
- **Mouth/Smile:** Using a length of MC or a slightly darker gray, embroider a small curved line at the base of the trunk attachment to suggest a smile. This is subtle and optional.
- **Toenails:** Using CC (light pink) or white yarn, embroider 3 small vertical stitches across the toe area of each leg to suggest toenails.

### Blocking (Optional)
Lightly steam block the ears if they feel stiff or uneven. Hold a steam iron 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) above the fabric and allow the steam to relax the fibers. Do not press directly onto the knitting. Pat into shape and allow to dry fully before assembly.

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Piece | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Body | 5 in (12.5 cm) tall × 4.5 in (11.5 cm) wide |
| Head | 4 in (10 cm) tall × 4.25 in (11 cm) wide |
| Trunk | 3.5 in (9 cm) long |
| Each Leg | 2.5 in (6.5 cm) tall × 1 in (2.5 cm) wide |
| Each Ear | 3 in (7.5 cm) tall × 3 in (7.5 cm) wide |
| Tail | 1.75 in (4.5 cm) long |
| **Total Height (assembled)** | **approx. 9–10 in (23–25 cm)** |

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water — do not wring. Reshape and lay flat to dry. If using acrylic yarn, the toy may be machine washed on a gentle/delicate cycle in a mesh bag and tumble dried on low.

*Note: This toy contains safety eye hardware and small assembled parts. It is intended for children ages 3 and up. For toys intended for children under 3, substitute all safety eyes with embroidered eyes and ensure all seams are reinforced with extra stitching.*

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*Pattern © [Designer Name]. For personal use only. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern. Small quantities of finished toys may be sold with credit to the designer.*

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