purlJam

# FRENCH BULLDOG KNITTING PATTERN

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in main color (MC - cream, tan, or fawn), approximately 150 yards
  - Optional: Small amount of contrasting color for markings (black or dark brown)
- **Needles**: US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or size needed to obtain gauge
  - Alternative: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle (24" or longer) for Magic Loop method
- **Notions**: 
  - Pair of 12mm safety eyes
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  - Tapestry needle for seaming
  - Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
  - Scissors
  - Embroidery thread in black for nose and mouth (optional)

## GAUGE
18 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

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

## FINISHED SIZE
Approximately 8-9 inches tall when sitting, 6 inches long

## ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- p: purl
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- MC: main color
- dpn(s): double-pointed needle(s)

## PATTERN NOTES
- This French Bulldog is worked in separate pieces (head, body, ears, legs, and tail), then seamed together.
- All pieces are worked in the round unless otherwise specified.
- Leave long tails (at least 12") when casting on and binding off for seaming.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you work, but don't overstuff—the toy should be cuddly, not hard.
- Place safety eyes before stuffing the head completely.

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## HEAD

**Cast on**: Using MC and dpns (or circular for Magic Loop), cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly onto 3-4 dpns or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

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

**Rnd 2**: Knit.

**Rnd 3**: *K1, kfb; repeat from * around. *[24 sts]*

**Rnd 4**: Knit.

**Rnd 5**: *K2, kfb; repeat from * around. *[32 sts]*

**Rnds 6-14**: Knit (9 rounds).

**Rnd 15**: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[24 sts]*

**Rnd 16**: Knit.

**Rnd 17**: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[16 sts]*

**Create snout shaping**:

**Rnd 18**: K5, kfb 6 times, k5. *[22 sts]*

**Rnds 19-21**: Knit (3 rounds).

**Rnd 22**: K5, k2tog 6 times, k5. *[16 sts]*

**Important**: Place safety eyes between Rnds 13-14, positioned approximately 8-10 sts apart (measure on either side of center front where snout will be).

Begin stuffing head firmly but not too tightly.

**Rnd 23**: *K2tog; repeat from * around. *[8 sts]*

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close. Finish stuffing head before pulling completely tight. Weave in end securely inside head.

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## BODY

**Cast on**: Using MC, cast on 12 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1**: Kfb in each st around. *[24 sts]*

**Rnd 2**: Knit.

**Rnd 3**: *K3, kfb; repeat from * around. *[30 sts]*

**Rnd 4**: Knit.

**Rnd 5**: *K4, kfb; repeat from * around. *[36 sts]*

**Rnds 6-18**: Knit (13 rounds).

**Rnd 19**: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[30 sts]*

**Rnd 20**: Knit.

**Rnd 21**: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[24 sts]*

**Rnd 22**: Knit.

Begin stuffing body.

**Rnd 23**: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[18 sts]*

**Rnd 24**: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[12 sts]*

Continue stuffing body firmly.

**Rnd 25**: *K2tog; repeat from * around. *[6 sts]*

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave in end.

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## LEGS (Make 4)

**Cast on**: Using MC, cast on 12 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1**: Kfb in each st around. *[24 sts]*

**Rnds 2-4**: Knit (3 rounds).

**Rnd 5**: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[18 sts]*

**Rnds 6-14**: Knit (9 rounds).

Begin stuffing leg lightly.

**Rnd 15**: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around. *[12 sts]*

Continue stuffing.

**Rnd 16**: *K2tog; repeat from * around. *[6 sts]*

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight, and secure.

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## EARS (Make 2)

The ears are worked flat to create the characteristic triangular bat ear shape.

**Cast on**: Using MC, cast on 18 sts.

**Row 1 (WS)**: Purl.

**Row 2 (RS)**: Knit.

**Row 3**: Purl.

**Row 4**: K1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. *[16 sts]*

**Row 5**: Purl.

**Row 6**: K1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. *[14 sts]*

**Row 7**: Purl.

**Row 8**: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. *[12 sts]*

**Row 9**: Purl.

**Row 10**: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. *[10 sts]*

**Row 11**: Purl.

**Row 12**: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. *[8 sts]*

**Row 13**: Purl.

**Row 14**: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. *[6 sts]*

**Row 15**: Purl.

**Row 16**: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. *[4 sts]*

**Row 17**: P2tog twice. *[2 sts]*

**Row 18**: K2tog. *[1 st]*

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch. Leave a long tail for seaming.

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## TAIL

**Cast on**: Using MC, cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round.

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

**Rnd 4**: *K2tog; repeat from * around. *[4 sts]*

Cut yarn, leaving a 10" tail. Thread through remaining 4 sts, pull tight, and secure.

Do not stuff tail—it should remain quite flat and short.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach legs to body**: Position front legs toward the narrower end (neck area) of the body, and back legs toward the wider middle section. The legs should be attached to the underside, with the closed end of each leg at the bottom (paw). Pin in place, then use the long tails to whip stitch legs securely to body all around the opening.

2. **Attach head to body**: Pin head to the narrow end of the body with the snout facing forward. The head should sit at a slight angle. Use the long tail to whip stitch around the entire circumference securely.

3. **Attach ears**: Position ears on top of head, angled slightly outward to create the French Bulldog's characteristic bat ear look. The ears should be placed toward the sides of the head rather than the very top. Fold the bottom edge of each ear slightly to create a rounded base, then stitch securely to head.

4. **Attach tail**: Position tail at the back of the body, on the upper portion (back end). The tail should be very short and stubby. Stitch securely in place.

5. **Embroider face details** (optional):
   - Using black embroidery thread, create a small inverted triangle nose on the snout
   - Embroider a line down from the nose and a curved smile
   - Add small wrinkle lines above the snout with backstitching (optional, for extra character)

6. **Finishing**: Weave in any remaining ends. Gently shape the French Bulldog, adjusting ears and positioning as needed.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Color variations**: Try brindle (alternate rows of brown and black), white with black patches, or all-black
- **Markings**: Add white paws by switching to white yarn for the first 3 rounds of each leg
- **Facial wrinkles**: Use duplicate stitch or embroidery to add characteristic wrinkle lines
- **Collar**: Knit a small strip in a contrasting color and stitch around neck

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

If using washable yarn, hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Squeeze gently (do not wring), reshape, and lay flat to dry. Keep away from infants and small children if using safety eyes, as they present a choking hazard.

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**Pattern designed for beginners. Enjoy your adorable French Bulldog!**

*Pattern © 2024. For personal use only.*