purlJam

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# 🦁 LIONEL THE LION — Knitted Amigurumi Pattern

**A Beginner Knitted Soft Toy**

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Lionel is a sweet, chubby knitted lion worked in pieces and seamed together. His golden body and fluffy yarn mane make him instantly recognizable — and surprisingly simple to knit! All shaping uses only two techniques: increases (kfb) and decreases (k2tog), making this an ideal first amigurumi project for knitters who know the knit stitch and are ready to try knitting in the round.

**Finished Size:** Approximately 5½ inches (14 cm) tall when assembled (not including mane)
**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Construction Method:** Worked in the round on DPNs or Magic Loop; separate pieces seamed together

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- **MC (Main Color):** Worsted weight yarn in golden yellow or tan — approximately 150 yards (137 m)
  *Suggested: Lion Brand Pound of Love in "Mustard," or Paintbox Simply DK in "Mustard Yellow" at worsted gauge*
- **CC (Contrast Color):** Worsted weight yarn in dark gold, rust, or brown — approximately 40 yards (37 m)
  *Used for mane fringe and tail tuft*

**Needles:**
- US 5 / 3.75 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 5, OR 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for Magic Loop
  *(Using a slightly smaller needle than standard for worsted creates a tighter fabric that holds stuffing inside cleanly)*

**Notions:**
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- 2 black safety eyes, 12 mm
  ⚠️ **Child Safety Note:** If this toy is intended for a child under 3, substitute safety eyes with embroidered eyes using black yarn for safety.
- Stitch marker (1)
- Tapestry needle (for seaming and weaving in ends)
- Small crochet hook, size G/6 / 4.0 mm (optional, for attaching mane fringe)
- Scissors
- Rust or black embroidery floss or scrap yarn (for nose and mouth)

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## GAUGE

**20 stitches × 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch in the round, after blocking.
*(5 stitches = 1 inch; 7 rounds = 1 inch)*

> **Gauge note for beginners:** Exact gauge matters for the proportions of your finished toy. Knit a small gauge swatch in the round before starting. If you have more than 5 sts per inch, go up a needle size. If fewer, go down a needle size.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| k | Knit |
| kfb | Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (1 stitch increased) |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased) |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| RS | Right side |
| MC | Main color |
| CC | Contrast color |
| DPN(s) | Double-pointed needle(s) |
| rep | Repeat |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

### Knitting in the Round on DPNs (Beginner Tip)
Distribute your stitches evenly across 4 DPNs and knit with the 5th. Keep a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to track where each round starts.

### Magic Cast-On (for closed bottom)
For all pieces that begin with 4 stitches and close at the bottom (legs, head, body), use the following method:
1. Cast on 4 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast-on works well).
2. Distribute across DPNs or set up for Magic Loop.
3. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
4. After the first round of increases, the small gap at the cast-on will close when you cinch the tail later.

### I-Cord
Work on 2 DPNs (or 2 tips of circular needle for Magic Loop):
1. Knit all stitches.
2. **Do not turn.** Slide stitches to the opposite end of the needle.
3. Pull working yarn firmly across the back.
4. Repeat from Step 1.

### Fringe Mane Attachment
1. Cut yarn strands to specified length.
2. Fold one strand in half to form a loop.
3. Insert tapestry needle (or crochet hook) through a stitch on the head.
4. Pull the looped end partway through, then pass both yarn tails through the loop and pull snug.
5. Repeat around the mane placement area.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- All pieces are worked in **stockinette stitch in the round** (knit every round).
- Pieces are worked from **bottom to top**, with the cast-on end closed by gathering the tail yarn through the initial 4 stitches and cinching shut.
- **Do not stuff until instructed.** Stuff each piece firmly but not so tightly that it distorts the shape or causes the fabric to stretch open.
- **Insert safety eyes BEFORE working the final decrease rounds** on the head. Once the stitches are gathered shut, you cannot insert safety eyes.
- Leave a long tail (approximately 12 inches / 30 cm) when you bind off or gather sts closed on each piece — you will use this tail to seam pieces to the body.

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## PIECE 1: BODY

*Make 1 in MC.*

The body is the largest piece and forms the lion's torso.

**CO 4 sts.** Distribute across DPNs (or set up for Magic Loop). Join to work in the round. Pm at beginning of round.

**Rnd 1:** kfb in each st — **8 sts**
*(Math check: 4 × 2 = 8 ✓)*

**Rnd 2:** (k1, kfb) rep to end — **12 sts**
*(Math check: 8 + 4 increases = 12 ✓)*

> *Beginner tip: In Rnd 2, the pattern is: knit 1, then kfb into the next stitch. Repeat this pair 4 times around.*

**Rnd 3:** (k2, kfb) rep to end — **16 sts**
*(Math check: 12 + 4 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (k3, kfb) rep to end — **24 sts**

> *Wait — let me adjust. At 16 sts we have 4 groups of 4 (k3, kfb). 4 × 4 = 16 ✓. Result: 4 × 5... No — let me correct this properly.*

> *At 16 sts: (k3, kfb) × 4 times = 4 increases = 20 sts. That breaks the ×8 rhythm.*

> *Correction: I am keeping the ×8 rhythm throughout for clean, consistent shaping. Let me restate from the beginning with the correct math.*

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### BODY — CORRECTED & VERIFIED

**CO 4 sts.** Distribute and join to work in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** kfb in each st — **8 sts**
*(4 × 2 = 8 ✓)*

**Rnd 2:** kfb in each st — **16 sts**
*(8 × 2 = 16 ✓)*

> *Note: You now have 16 stitches divided into 8 pairs. All following increase rounds will increase 8 stitches per round (one kfb per group of 8).*

**Rnd 3:** (k1, kfb) rep 8 times — **24 sts**
*(16 + 8 = 24 ✓; each group: k1, kfb = 3 sts; 8 × 3 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (k2, kfb) rep 8 times — **32 sts**
*(24 + 8 = 32 ✓; each group: k2, kfb = 4 sts; 8 × 4 = 32 ✓)*

**Rnd 5:** (k3, kfb) rep 8 times — **40 sts**
*(32 + 8 = 40 ✓; 8 × 5 = 40 ✓)*

**Rnd 6:** (k4, kfb) rep 8 times — **48 sts**
*(40 + 8 = 48 ✓; 8 × 6 = 48 ✓)*

**Rnd 7:** (k5, kfb) rep 8 times — **56 sts**
*(48 + 8 = 56 ✓; 8 × 7 = 56 ✓)*
*→ Widest circumference: 56 ÷ 5 sts/inch = 11.2 inches (28.4 cm) circumference; diameter ≈ 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) ✓*

**Rnds 8–17:** Knit all sts every rnd (10 rounds even).

*→ Even section height: 10 rnds ÷ 7 rnds/inch ≈ 1.4 inches (3.6 cm)*

**Now begin decreases:**

**Rnd 18:** (k5, k2tog) rep 8 times — **48 sts**
*(56 − 8 = 48 ✓; each group: k5, k2tog = 7 sts; 8 × 7 = 56 going in → 8 × 6 = 48 out ✓)*

**Rnd 19:** (k4, k2tog) rep 8 times — **40 sts**
*(48 − 8 = 40 ✓)*

**Rnd 20:** (k3, k2tog) rep 8 times — **32 sts**
*(40 − 8 = 32 ✓)*

**Rnd 21:** (k2, k2tog) rep 8 times — **24 sts**
*(32 − 8 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 22:** (k1, k2tog) rep 8 times — **16 sts**
*(24 − 8 = 16 ✓)*

> ⚠️ **STUFF NOW:** Before working the final round, firmly fill the body with polyester fiberfill. Shape it into a rounded oval as you stuff. Use a pencil or chopstick to push stuffing into the lower section evenly.

**Rnd 23:** k2tog rep 8 times — **8 sts**
*(16 − 8 = 8 ✓)*

**Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail.** Thread tail onto tapestry needle. Draw needle through all 8 remaining stitches, removing them from the knitting needle as you go. Pull firmly to cinch closed. Pass needle through the center of the gathered stitches once more to secure. This closed end will become the **top** of the body (where the head will attach).

**Close cast-on end:** Thread the CO tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it through the initial cast-on stitches, cinching them closed. Fasten off. This is the **bottom** of the body.

*Body dimensions when complete: approx. 3¼ inches (8.3 cm) tall × 3½ inches (9 cm) wide.*

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## PIECE 2: HEAD

*Make 1 in MC.*

**CO 4 sts.** Distribute and join in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** kfb in each st — **8 sts** *(4 × 2 = 8 ✓)*

**Rnd 2:** kfb in each st — **16 sts** *(8 × 2 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnd 3:** (k1, kfb) rep 8 times — **24 sts** *(16 + 8 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (k2, kfb) rep 8 times — **32 sts** *(24 + 8 = 32 ✓)*

**Rnd 5:** (k3, kfb) rep 8 times — **40 sts** *(32 + 8 = 40 ✓)*

**Rnd 6:** (k4, kfb) rep 8 times — **48 sts** *(40 + 8 = 48 ✓)*
*→ Widest circumference: 48 ÷ 5 = 9.6 inches (24.4 cm); diameter ≈ 3.05 inches (7.7 cm) ✓*

**Rnds 7–12:** Knit all sts every rnd (6 rounds even).
*→ Even section height: 6 rnds ÷ 7 rnds/inch ≈ 0.9 inch (2.3 cm)*

> ⚠️ **SAFETY EYES — INSERT NOW** (before beginning decreases):
> Count back to approximately Round 9 from the cast-on end (roughly the middle-front of the head). Place the two safety eyes approximately 8 stitches apart, centered on the front of the head. Press the backing washer firmly onto the post on the inside of the head. **Once you begin decreasing, there will not be enough room to insert the eyes.**

**Begin decreases:**

**Rnd 13:** (k4, k2tog) rep 8 times — **40 sts** *(48 − 8 = 40 ✓)*

**Rnd 14:** (k3, k2tog) rep 8 times — **32 sts** *(40 − 8 = 32 ✓)*

**Rnd 15:** (k2, k2tog) rep 8 times — **24 sts** *(32 − 8 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 16:** (k1, k2tog) rep 8 times — **16 sts** *(24 − 8 = 16 ✓)*

> ⚠️ **STUFF NOW:** Firmly fill the head with polyester fiberfill through the narrowing opening. Shape it into a round ball. Pack tightly so the head holds its shape.

**Rnd 17:** k2tog rep 8 times — **8 sts** *(16 − 8 = 8 ✓)*

**Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail.** Thread through all 8 sts, cinch closed, and secure as with the body. This gathered end is the **top** of the head.

Close cast-on end as before. This is the **bottom** of the head (which will face down toward the body when seaming).

*Head dimensions when complete: approx. 2¼ inches (5.7 cm) tall × 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide.*

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## PIECE 3: LEGS

*Make 4 in MC.*

**CO 4 sts.** Distribute and join in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** kfb in each st — **8 sts** *(4 × 2 = 8 ✓)*

**Rnd 2:** kfb in each st — **16 sts** *(8 × 2 = 16 ✓)*
*→ Leg circumference: 16 ÷ 5 = 3.2 inches (8.1 cm); diameter ≈ 1 inch (2.5 cm) ✓*

**Rnds 3–14:** Knit all sts every rnd (12 rounds even).
*→ Leg tube length: 12 rnds ÷ 7 rnds/inch ≈ 1.7 inches (4.3 cm)*

> ⚠️ **STUFF NOW:** Lightly fill the leg with stuffing. Do not over-stuff — legs should be slightly soft so they can be positioned when seaming.

**BO all 16 sts** loosely. Leave a 12-inch (30 cm) tail for seaming.

**Close paw end:** Thread the CO tail through the initial 4 cast-on stitches and pull firmly to close. Fasten off, weave in end. This is the **bottom** of the leg (paw end).

The **bound-off edge** at the top is what you'll seam to the body.

*Make 4 legs total.*

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## PIECE 4: EARS

*Make 2 in MC.*

**CO 8 sts.** Distribute across DPNs and join to work in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1:** kfb in each st — **16 sts** *(8 × 2 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnds 2–3:** Knit all sts (2 rounds even).

**Rnd 4:** k2tog rep 8 times — **8 sts** *(16 ÷ 2 = 8 ✓)*

**Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail.** Thread through all 8 sts, pull to cinch, and secure.

Before seaming to head, **pinch the ear flat** so the CO edge forms a gentle curved base. The ear is a small rounded dome, approximately ¾ inch (2 cm) across.

*Make 2 ears total.*

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## PIECE 5: TAIL

*Make 1 in MC.*

The tail is worked as an I-cord.

**CO 3 sts** onto a single DPN (or 2 DPN tips / Magic Loop).

**Rows 1–18:** Work I-cord as follows:
- Knit all 3 sts.
- Do NOT turn work.
- Slide sts to the opposite end of the needle.
- Pull working yarn firmly behind the sts.
- Repeat.

*→ I-cord length at 18 rows: 18 ÷ 7 rows/inch ≈ 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) ✓*

**BO all 3 sts.** Leave a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for seaming to body.

**Make the tail tuft:**
1. Cut 8 strands of CC, each 4 inches (10 cm) long.
2. Hold all strands together and fold in half to form a bundle.
3. Using the CC yarn and a tapestry needle, tie the center of the bundle tightly around the bound-off end of the tail.
4. Trim tuft ends to approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) so the tuft fans out into a small pompom shape.
5. Optionally, gently separate yarn plies with a comb or tapestry needle tip for a fluffy look.

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## FINISHING: MANE

*Worked in CC after assembly.*

The mane is made from cut-yarn fringe attached to the head after the head has been seamed to the body.

**Prepare the mane strands:**
Cut **36 strands** of CC, each **5 inches (12.7 cm)** long.
*→ Total yarn used for mane: 36 × 5 = 180 inches = 5 yards (4.6 m) — well within CC yardage allowance ✓*

**Attach the mane** (see Fringe Mane Attachment technique in the Special Techniques section):

1. Working on the assembled toy (head and body already seamed), identify the mane placement area: **Rounds 3–6 of the head**, working around the **front, sides, and top** of the head. Do not place mane strands at the very back of the head.
2. Attach one folded strand per stitch, pulling the loop through and securing with a lark's head knot as described.
3. Continue attaching fringe strands across approximately **2–3 rounds**, spacing them closely for a full, lush mane.
4. Once all strands are attached, **trim the mane** to a uniform length of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm).
5. Optionally, separate the yarn plies of each strand with a tapestry needle to create a fluffy, lion-like effect.

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## ASSEMBLY

Assemble Lionel in the following order:

### Step 1: Seam Head to Body

1. Lay the body with the gathered (top) end facing up. Lay the head with the gathered (top) end also facing up (this will face away from the body when assembled).
2. Thread the CO tail of the head (the bottom of the head) onto a tapestry needle.
3. Position the head centered on top of the body, covering the body's gathered closure.
4. Using mattress stitch or a simple whipstitch, sew around the circumference of the head's cast-on edge, attaching it firmly to the top of the body. Work around the full circle — this will be partially hidden by the mane.
5. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

### Step 2: Attach Front Legs

1. The two front legs attach to the **upper third** of the body, approximately ½ inch (1.3 cm) below the head seam, one on each side.
2. With the leg's bound-off edge flat against the body, use the leg's tail yarn and mattress stitch to sew across the BO edge, catching body stitches as you sew.
3. Angle each front leg **very slightly downward** and forward for a natural seated or standing pose.
4. Fasten off and weave in ends.

### Step 3: Attach Back Legs

1. The two back legs attach to the **lower third** of the body, approximately ½ inch (1.3 cm) above the bottom of the body, one on each side.
2. Sew as for front legs.
3. Angle slightly downward and outward.
4. Fasten off and weave in ends.

### Step 4: Attach Ears

1. Pin both ears to the **top of the head**, one on each side, approximately 5–6 stitches from the center top.
2. Using the ear's tail yarn, whipstitch around the base of the pinched ear, sewing it flat to the head surface.
3. Fasten off and weave in ends.

### Step 5: Attach Tail

1. Thread the tail's long yarn tail onto a tapestry needle.
2. At the **lower back** of the body, approximately ½ inch (1.3 cm) above the bottom edge, insert the needle through the body fabric and sew the top of the i-cord firmly to the body using several stitches in different directions to secure it.
3. The tail should curve naturally outward and then up. Pinch or shape as desired before the tail stiffens once the yarn is woven in.
4. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

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## FACE EMBROIDERY

Using rust or dark brown embroidery floss (2 strands) or a thin scrap of yarn:

**Nose:**
1. Identify the center front of the head, approximately 2 rounds **below** the safety eyes.
2. Using a tapestry needle, embroider a small inverted triangle nose approximately 4–5 stitches wide and 3 rows tall. Work closely packed horizontal stitches to fill in the shape solidly.

**Mouth:**
1. From the bottom point of the nose triangle, bring yarn straight down 2–3 rows.
2. Make a short horizontal stitch going left, then return needle to center and make a short horizontal stitch going right.
3. This creates a classic stitched "Y" or cat-mouth smile shape.

**Optional — Inner Ear Color:**
Using a small length of CC or pink yarn, embroider a few small straight stitches in the center of each ear to suggest the inner ear.

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## WEAVING IN ENDS

Weave all remaining yarn tails thoroughly into the interior of each piece using a tapestry needle, passing through stuffing and catching interior stitches in multiple directions. Tug the piece gently to ensure no tails pull through to the outside. Trim excess yarn.

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (VERIFIED)

| Piece | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ~3½ in (8.9 cm) | ~3¼ in (8.3 cm) |
| Head | ~3 in (7.6 cm) | ~2¼ in (5.7 cm) |
| Each Leg | ~1 in (2.5 cm) diameter | ~1¾ in (4.4 cm) |
| Each Ear | ~¾ in (1.9 cm) | ~½ in (1.3 cm) |
| Tail | — | ~2½ in (6.4 cm) |
| **Assembled Total** | **~3½ in (8.9 cm)** | **~5½ in (14 cm)** |

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## YARN USAGE SUMMARY

| Color | Yardage |
|---|---|
| MC (Gold/Tan) | ~150 yards (137 m) |
| CC (Dark Gold/Brown) | ~40 yards (37 m) |

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

🦁 **Tight fabric is your friend.** Using a smaller needle than the yarn label recommends keeps the stuffing hidden inside and gives your lion a clean, professional appearance.

🦁 **Mark the front of your head** with a small locking stitch marker as you knit so you always know where the face will be when placing safety eyes.

🦁 **Pin before you sew.** Use straight pins or safety pins to position all pieces on the body before committing to seaming. Stand Lionel up and step back — does he look balanced?

🦁 **Fluffy mane trick:** After attaching all mane fringe, use the tines of a fork or a pet slicker brush to gently brush the fringe outward. This separates the plies and creates a wonderfully wild mane.

🦁 **For a standing lion:** Stuff the legs more firmly. For a sitting lion: stuff lightly so they fold gently forward.

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not sell finished toys made from this pattern without crediting the designer. You may sell finished toys in small quantities for personal craft sales.*

*Happy knitting! 🦁*

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