purlJam

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# MR. REYNARD OF FOXFIELD HOLLOW
## A 12-Inch Standing Fox Gentleman — Complete Knitting Pattern

*An intermediate-level knitted fox toy standing approximately 12 inches tall, dressed in his finest country gentleman's attire: plus-four trousers, a waistcoat, a tweed-style country coat with elbow patches, and a newsboy cap. He features a white facial blaze, black paws, white sock markings, and a proud white-tipped tail.*

---

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
| Color | Label | Approx. Yardage | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| **A** — Rust/Fox Orange | Worsted weight | 120 yds | Main body, head, tail |
| **B** — White | Worsted weight | 60 yds | Blaze, chest, inner ears, sock rings, tail tip |
| **C** — Black | Worsted weight | 30 yds | Paws, outer ears, facial details |
| **D** — Warm Brown/Oat | Worsted weight | 80 yds | Plus-four trousers |
| **E** — Heathered Tweed Green | Worsted weight | 100 yds | Country coat |
| **F** — Deep Charcoal/Slate | Worsted weight | 60 yds | Waistcoat |
| **G** — Camel/Tan | Worsted weight | 20 yds | Coat patches, cap brim |
| **H** — Charcoal Mix | Worsted weight | 40 yds | Newsboy cap |

*Recommended yarn: Any smooth worsted weight (approx. 200 yds/100g). A wool or wool-blend will give the best stitch definition.*

### Needles
- US 6 / 4 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 5 — *or* a 32-inch circular needle for magic loop
- US 5 / 3.75 mm straight or circular needles — *for tighter clothing pieces*
- US 4 / 3.5 mm straight needles — *for newsboy cap brim and patches*

### Notions
- Stitch markers (at least 6)
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Wire armature: Two 12-inch chenille/pipe-cleaner-style craft wires OR one 12-inch figure armature kit *(essential for standing pose)*
- Wire cutters and needle-nose pliers
- Toy safety eyes, 9 mm, black, x2
- Black embroidery floss (nose, mouth)
- Small amounts of sewing thread to tack clothing
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn

---

## GAUGE

**20 stitches × 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch** on US 6 / 4 mm needles, worked in the round.

*Gauge is important for achieving the correct 12-inch finished height. Swatch before beginning. If your gauge is looser, go down a needle size. A tighter fabric also prevents stuffing from showing through.*

---

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Section | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Total standing height | ~12 inches |
| Body height | ~5 inches |
| Body circumference | ~8 inches |
| Head circumference | ~6.5 inches |
| Head height | ~3 inches |
| Each leg length | ~3 inches |
| Tail length | ~4 inches |
| Each arm length | ~2.5 inches |

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **p** | purl |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **CO** | cast on |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **pm** | place marker |
| **sm** | slip marker |
| **k2tog** | knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease) |
| **ssk** | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| **kfb** | knit into front and back of stitch (increase) |
| **m1L** | make 1 left (lift bar between sts, knit through back loop) |
| **m1R** | make 1 right (lift bar between sts, knit through front loop) |
| **rnd(s)** | round(s) |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **tog** | together |
| **MC** | main color |
| **CC** | contrast color |
| **DPN(s)** | double-pointed needle(s) |
| **tbl** | through back loop |
| **w&t** | wrap and turn (short rows) |
| **Beg** | beginning |
| **rem** | remaining |

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction Overview**: The fox is built in separate pieces — body, head, two arms, two legs, tail, and ears — then assembled. Clothing is knitted separately and dressed onto the fox before final seaming where needed.

2. **Wire Armature**: For a standing fox, a wire armature is essential. Before stuffing, insert a bent wire frame: two wires forming the four limbs with a loop in the body center, wrapped in a little fiberfill, then inserted into the knitted body. This allows posing. *Safety note: Wrap all wire ends with electrical tape before inserting.*

3. **Working in the Round**: All main body pieces are worked in the round on DPNs or via magic loop. Clothing uses both flat and in-the-round techniques as noted.

4. **Color Changes**: Carry unused yarn loosely up the inside of the work for short color sections (2–4 rounds). Cut and rejoin for longer sections.

5. **Stuffing**: Stuff firmly as you go for pieces that are closed from one end. Do not overstuff the neck area — this allows the head to be positioned naturally.

6. **Eye Placement**: Insert safety eyes before fully closing the head. They sit on Round 14 of the head, approximately 5 stitches apart at center front.

7. **Seaming**: Use mattress stitch for joining flat pieces. Use the yarn tail to cinch and close round pieces.

8. **Yarn Quantities**: Yardage listed is approximate with ~10% ease. Buy one extra small skein of Rust and White as insurance.

---

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### ═══════════════════════════════
### PART ONE: THE FOX
### ═══════════════════════════════

---

### SECTION 1: BODY

The body is worked bottom-up in the round.

**With Color A (Rust) and US 6 / 4 mm DPNs:**

**CO 40 sts.** Distribute across 4 needles (10 sts each). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Rnds 1–3**: *k1, p1; rep from * to end. *(Ribbing for base edge.)*

**Rnds 4–32** (29 rnds): Knit all sts. *(Body in stockinette, approx. 5 inches.)*

**Shape Neck:**

**Rnd 33**: *k2tog, k6, ssk; rep from * 4 times. — **32 sts**
*(Math check: 40 − [4×2] = 32 ✓)*

**Rnd 34**: Knit.

**Rnd 35**: *k2tog, k4, ssk; rep from * 4 times. — **24 sts**
*(Math check: 32 − [4×2] = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 36**: Knit.

**Rnd 37**: *k2tog, k2, ssk; rep from * 4 times. — **16 sts**
*(Math check: 24 − [4×2] = 16 ✓)*

**Rnds 38–40**: Knit 3 rnds. *(Neck tube.)*

Insert wire armature and begin stuffing body firmly. Leave neck tube lightly stuffed. Leave stitches live on a holder or length of scrap yarn.

---

### SECTION 2: HEAD

Worked in the round, bottom-up.

**With Color A (Rust) and US 6 / 4 mm DPNs:**

**CO 8 sts.** Join to work in the round. Pm for beg of rnd.

**Rnd 1**: *kfb; rep from * to end. — **16 sts**

**Rnd 2**: Knit.

**Rnd 3**: *kfb, k1; rep from * to end. — **24 sts**

**Rnd 4**: Knit.

**Rnd 5**: *kfb, k2; rep from * to end. — **32 sts**

**Rnds 6–8**: Knit 3 rnds.

*Begin White Blaze — Color B:*

**Rnd 9**: K14 in Color A, join Color B and k4 (center front), rejoin Color A and k14. — **32 sts total**

*Note: The blaze runs up the center front of the face. Carry Color B loosely across the back of the white sts for next several rounds, OR use a small separate bobbin of Color B.*

**Rnds 10–11**: Continue in pattern — Color A each side, Color B center 4 sts.

**Rnd 12 (Blaze widens)**: In Color A k13, in Color B k6, in Color A k13. — **32 sts**

**Rnd 13**: Color A k12, Color B k8, Color A k12. — **32 sts**

**Rnd 14 (Eye row)**: Work as established. **Place safety eyes here:** Insert eyes into Color A sections, on either side of blaze, 4 sts apart from blaze edge. *(Eyes sit at approx. stitch 10 and stitch 19 counting from beginning of round.)*

**Rnds 15–16**: Work even in established color pattern.

*Begin Muzzle shaping — add Color B:*

**Rnd 17**: Color A k10, Color B k12, Color A k10. — **32 sts**
*(Blaze continues, muzzle area widens in Color B.)*

**Rnd 18**: Color A k8, Color B k16, Color A k8. — **32 sts**

**Rnd 19**: Knit, maintaining colors as established.

*Shape Muzzle — short row bump (worked flat):*

Turn work so muzzle sts are facing. Using Color B:

**Short Row 1 (RS)**: Knit 8 (center muzzle), w&t.
**Short Row 2 (WS)**: Purl 8, w&t.
**Short Row 3**: Knit 6, w&t.
**Short Row 4**: Purl 6, w&t.
**Short Row 5**: Knit back to beg picking up wraps.

Resume working in the round.

**Rnd 20**: Knit, picking up remaining wraps. — **32 sts**

**Rnd 21**: Color A k8, Color B k6, Color A k2, Color B k6, Color A k10.
*(Muzzle separates into two lobes for snout definition.)*

*Begin Crown Shaping:*

**Rnd 22**: *k2tog, k4, ssk, k8; rep from * twice. — **28 sts**
*(Math check: 32 − [2×2] − [2×2] — wait, let me re-verify:*
*We decrease at 4 points, 1 decrease each = 4 sts removed: 32 − 4 = 28 ✓)*

Actually, let's use a cleaner shaping:

**Rnd 22**: [k2tog, k10, ssk] twice. — **28 sts** *(32 − 4 = 28 ✓)*

**Rnd 23**: Knit.

**Rnd 24**: [k2tog, k8, ssk] twice. — **24 sts** *(28 − 4 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd 25**: Knit.

**Rnd 26**: [k2tog, k6, ssk] twice. — **20 sts** *(24 − 4 = 20 ✓)*

**Rnd 27**: Knit.

**Rnd 28**: [k2tog, k4, ssk] twice. — **16 sts** *(20 − 4 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnd 29**: [k2tog, k2, ssk] twice. — **12 sts** *(16 − 4 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 30**: [k2tog, ssk] 3 times. — **6 sts** *(12 − 6 = 6 ✓)*

Stuff head firmly with fiberfill. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, draw up tight, and fasten off on the inside.

**Embroider face:** Using black embroidery floss, work a small triangle nose at the tip of the muzzle and a short Y-shaped mouth below. Add two or three straight-stitch eyebrow lines above each eye in black.

---

### SECTION 3: EARS (Make 2)

Worked flat.

**Outer Ear — Color C (Black):**

**CO 8 sts** on US 6 needles.

**Row 1 (WS)**: Purl.
**Row 2 (RS)**: k1, m1L, k6, m1R, k1. — **10 sts** *(8 + 2 = 10 ✓)*
**Row 3**: Purl.
**Row 4**: Knit.
**Row 5**: Purl.
**Row 6**: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. — **8 sts** *(10 − 2 = 8 ✓)*
**Row 7**: Purl.
**Row 8**: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. — **6 sts** *(8 − 2 = 6 ✓)*
**Row 9**: Purl.
**Row 10**: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. — **4 sts** *(6 − 2 = 4 ✓)*
**Row 11**: Purl.
**Row 12**: ssk, k2tog. — **2 sts** *(4 − 2 = 2 ✓)*

BO. Do not cut yarn — leave a tail for seaming.

**Inner Ear — Color B (White):**

Work exactly as Outer Ear but **CO 6 sts** (one size smaller to create a frame effect).

**Row 1**: Purl.
**Row 2**: k1, m1L, k4, m1R, k1. — **8 sts** *(6 + 2 = 8 ✓)*
**Row 3**: Purl.
**Row 4**: Knit.
**Row 5**: Purl.
**Row 6**: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. — **6 sts** *(8 − 2 = 6 ✓)*
**Row 7**: Purl.
**Row 8**: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. — **4 sts** *(6 − 2 = 4 ✓)*
**Row 9**: Purl.
**Row 10**: ssk, k2tog. — **2 sts** *(4 − 2 = 2 ✓)*

BO.

**Assembly:** Place inner ear on outer ear, WS together. Whipstitch around the edges using Color B. Leave cast-on edges open. Pinch the cast-on edge together to form a slight fold at the ear base and sew to the top of the head, positioned at the crown, about 6 sts apart.

---

### SECTION 4: LEGS (Make 2)

Each leg is worked in the round, from paw to hip. White sock marking sits mid-leg; black paw at the foot.

**Paw — Color C (Black):**

**CO 10 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnds 1–6**: Knit. *(Paw/foot, approx. 1 inch.)*

**Switch to Color B (White) — White Sock:**

**Rnds 7–10**: Knit 4 rnds. *(White sock band.)*

**Switch to Color A (Rust):**

**Rnd 11**: *kfb, k4; rep from * once. — **12 sts** *(10 + 2 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnds 12–26**: Knit 15 rnds. *(Upper leg, approx. 2.5 inches.)*

**Rnd 27**: *k2tog, k2, ssk; rep from * once. — **8 sts** *(12 − 4 = 8 ✓)*

**Rnd 28**: Knit.

Insert a small amount of stuffing and wire. BO or leave live for seaming to body.

*Each leg measures approx. 3 inches from paw base to hip. ✓*

---

### SECTION 5: ARMS (Make 2)

Each arm is worked from paw to shoulder.

**Paw — Color C (Black):**

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

**Rnds 1–4**: Knit. *(Black paw, approx. 0.75 inch.)*

**Switch to Color A (Rust):**

**Rnds 5–20**: Knit 16 rnds. *(Arm, approx. 2.5 inches.)*

**Rnd 21**: *k2tog, k2, ssk; rep from * once. — **4 sts** *(8 − 4 = 4 ✓)*

Stuff lightly (arms may be flat/wire only for posability). Draw yarn through 4 remaining sts and fasten off, or leave live for seaming.

---

### SECTION 6: TAIL

Worked in the round, from tip to base.

**Tail Tip — Color B (White):**

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

**Rnd 1**: *kfb; rep from * to end. — **12 sts** *(6 × 2 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnds 2–6**: Knit 5 rnds.

**Switch to Color A (Rust):**

**Rnd 7**: *kfb, k2; rep from * to end. — **16 sts** *(12 + 4 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnds 8–10**: Knit 3 rnds.

**Rnd 11**: *kfb, k3; rep from * to end. — **20 sts** *(16 + 4 = 20 ✓)*

**Rnds 12–22**: Knit 11 rnds. *(Tail body.)*

**Begin tail decrease:**

**Rnd 23**: *k2tog, k3; rep from * to end. — **16 sts** *(20 − 4 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnd 24**: Knit.

**Rnd 25**: *k2tog, k2; rep from * to end. — **12 sts** *(16 − 4 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 26**: Knit.

**Rnd 27**: *k2tog, k1; rep from * to end. — **8 sts** *(12 − 4 = 8 ✓)*

Stuff tail firmly. Cut yarn, draw through 8 sts, and cinch. The tail base will be sewn to the fox's lower back.

*Total tail length approx. 4 inches. ✓*

---

### SECTION 7: FOX ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach head to body**: Pick up the live sts from the body neck (16 sts). Hold head at base. Using Color A and a tapestry needle, whipstitch or kitchener-graft the neck opening of the body to the base of the head. Make sure the white blaze faces front.

2. **Attach legs**: Position legs at the base of the body, side by side at the front/bottom. Using Color A, sew securely in a circular seam. The legs should angle slightly forward for a standing pose. Reinforce with several passes of yarn.

3. **Attach arms**: Position arms at each side of the upper body, approximately 1 inch below the neck join. Sew securely.

4. **Attach tail**: Position tail at the fox's lower back, pointing upward and outward. Sew securely.

5. **Ears**: Already attached during head construction (see Section 3).

6. **Final stuffing check**: If any section needs more stuffing, use a chopstick or stuffing tool to push fiberfill into corners before closing.

---

### ═══════════════════════════════
### PART TWO: THE WARDROBE
### ═══════════════════════════════

*All clothing is knitted to size to dress the completed, assembled fox. Measurements are taken from the stuffed fox body. Clothing is put on the fox before final tail attachment if needed, or designed with openings.*

---

### GARMENT 1: PLUS-FOUR TROUSERS

*Plus-fours (knickerbockers) are full trousers that gather below the knee with a band. Worked as two separate legs then joined at the body.*

**Yarn:** Color D (Warm Brown/Oat)
**Needles:** US 5 / 3.75 mm DPNs

**Gauge for clothing:** Approx. 22 sts × 30 rows = 4 inches on US 5 needles. *(Slightly tighter for clothing to hold shape.)*

#### LEG BAND (Make 2)

The leg band sits just below the fox's white sock marking, gathering the plus-four at the knee.

**CO 24 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnds 1–4**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end. *(2×2 rib.)*

**BO in rib.** Set aside.

#### PLUS-FOUR LEG (Make 2)

**CO 16 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnd 1**: Knit.

**Rnd 2**: *kfb, k6, kfb; rep from * once. — **20 sts** *(16 + 4 = 20 ✓)*

**Rnds 3–8**: Knit 6 rnds.

**Rnd 9**: *kfb, k8, kfb; rep from * once. — **24 sts** *(20 + 4 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnds 10–16**: Knit 7 rnds. *(Leg is now approx. 1.5 inches.)*

**Rnd 17 (Gather round)**: *k2tog; rep from * to end. — **12 sts** *(24 ÷ 2 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnds 18–20**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end. *(3 rnds of rib — this becomes the gathering cuff.)*

BO in rib. Attach the leg band (from above) around the outside of this gathered cuff for the plus-four effect — whipstitch in place.

#### JOINING THE LEGS — TROUSER BODY

Return to the top of each leg. Put both legs onto one circular needle or DPNs (total **48 sts** — 24 from each leg).

*Note: When joining, leave the crotch open to slide onto fox legs. Join with a short CO bridge:*

**Join Rnd**: Using Color D, CO 2 sts at back crotch, knit across first leg (24 sts), CO 2 sts at front crotch, knit across second leg (24 sts). — **52 sts** *(24 + 24 + 2 + 2 = 52 ✓)*

**Rnds 1–6**: Knit all sts. *(Seat and waistband area, approx. 1 inch.)*

**Rnd 7**: *k2tog, k11; rep from * to end. — **48 sts** *(52 − 4 = 48 ✓)*

**Rnds 8–10**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end. *(Waistband rib.)*

**BO in rib.**

**Finishing trousers:** Seam crotch fully. Slide trousers onto fox legs. Tack waistband to body lightly with matching thread. The trouser legs should balloon out above the knee cuff in classic plus-four style.

---

### GARMENT 2: WAISTCOAT (VEST)

*Worked flat in two front panels and one back panel, then seamed at shoulders and sides.*

**Yarn:** Color F (Charcoal/Slate)
**Needles:** US 5 / 3.75 mm straight needles

#### BACK PANEL

**CO 24 sts.**

**Row 1 (WS)**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end. *(Ribbing.)*
**Row 2 (RS)**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
**Rows 3–4**: Rep rows 1–2.

**Row 5 onwards**: Work in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS) until piece measures 2.5 inches from cast-on, ending with a WS row.

**Shape armholes:**

**Row (RS)**: BO 3 sts, knit to end. — **21 sts** *(24 − 3 = 21 ✓)*
**Row (WS)**: BO 3 sts, purl to end. — **18 sts** *(21 − 3 = 18 ✓)*

Continue in stockinette until armhole measures 1.5 inches.

**Shape shoulders (back neck):**

**Row (RS)**: k6, BO center 6 sts, k6. — **6 sts each shoulder** *(18 − 6 = 12, then 12/2 = 6 each ✓)*

Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows. BO each shoulder.

#### FRONT PANEL (Make 2, mirror for left and right)

**CO 12 sts.**

**Rows 1–4**: Work in 2×2 rib as for back.

**Row 5 onwards**: Stockinette until piece measures 2.5 inches.

**Shape armhole (outer edge):**

**Armhole Row (RS — Right front)**: BO 3 sts at beg of RS row, knit to end. — **9 sts** *(12 − 3 = 9 ✓)*

Continue in stockinette, AND at the same time:

**Shape front neck (inner edge):** Decrease 1 st at neck edge every 4 rows, 3 times. — **6 sts rem** *(9 − 3 = 6 ✓)*

Continue until armhole measures same as back (1.5 inches). BO shoulder sts.

**Left front:** Mirror the right front — armhole BO at beg of WS rows, neck shaping at opposite edge.

#### WAISTCOAT ASSEMBLY

Seam shoulder seams. Seam side seams leaving armhole openings. Pick up approx. 28 sts around each armhole opening with Color F. Work 2 rnds of *k1, p1* rib. BO in rib. Pick up sts around front neck opening and work 2 rows of *k1, p1* rib; BO.

**Button band (optional):** Pick up sts along one front opening, work 3 rows of *k1, p1* rib. On the opposite side, work buttonhole row: *rib 4, yo, k2tog; rep* for 2 buttonholes. Use small stitch markers or decorative buttons. Sew on 2 small buttons or beads.

Dress fox in waistcoat before continuing.

---

### GARMENT 3: COUNTRY COAT WITH PATCHES

*A knee-length (on the fox) sporting coat with a collar, set-in-style sleeves, and decorative elbow patches. Worked in Color E (Tweed Green) with Color G (Tan/Camel) patches.*

**Yarn:** Color E (Heathered Tweed Green), Color G (Camel/Tan) for patches
**Needles:** US 6 / 4 mm straight and DPNs

#### COAT BACK

**CO 28 sts.**

**Rows 1–4**: *k2, p2 rib.*

**Rows 5 onwards (RS)**: Stockinette.

Work until piece measures 4 inches from cast-on, ending with WS row.

**Shape armholes:**

**Next Row (RS)**: BO 3 sts, knit to end. — **25 sts** *(28 − 3 = 25 ✓)*
**Next Row (WS)**: BO 3 sts, purl to end. — **22 sts** *(25 − 3 = 22 ✓)*

Decrease 1 st each end every RS row 2 times:

**Dec Row**: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Repeat 2 times. — **18 sts** *(22 − [2×2] = 18 ✓)*

Work even until armhole measures 2 inches.

**Back neck:** k6, BO center 6, k6. Work each shoulder 2 rows. BO 6 sts each shoulder.

#### COAT FRONT (Make 2)

**CO 14 sts.**

**Rows 1–4**: *k2, p2 rib.*

**Rows 5 onwards**: Stockinette.

Work until 4 inches, ending at armhole edge.

**Shape armhole (outer edge, RS)**: BO 3 sts. — **11 sts** *(14 − 3 = 11 ✓)*

Dec 1 st armhole edge every RS row 2 times. — **9 sts** *(11 − 2 = 9 ✓)*

**Shape lapel/front neck (inner edge):** Dec 1 st at inner edge every 3 rows, 3 times. — **6 sts** *(9 − 3 = 6 ✓)*

Work until armhole matches back. BO 6 sts.

*Mirror for opposite front.*

#### COAT SLEEVES (Make 2)

**CO 14 sts.** Join in the round. Pm.

**Rnds 1–3**: *k1, p1 rib.*

**Rnds 4–6**: Knit.

**Rnd 7**: *kfb, k12, kfb.* — **16 sts** *(14 + 2 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnds 8–14**: Knit.

**Rnd 15**: *kfb, k14, kfb.* — **18 sts** *(16 + 2 = 18 ✓)*

**Rnds 16–22**: Knit. *(Sleeve length approx. 2.5 inches.)*

**Shape sleeve cap (now work flat):**

**Row 1 (RS)**: BO 3 sts, knit to end. — **15 sts**
**Row 2 (WS)**: BO 3 sts, purl to end. — **12 sts**
**Row 3**: k1, ssk, k to last 3, k2tog, k1. — **10 sts** *(12 − 2 = 10 ✓)*
**Row 4**: Purl.
Rep rows 3–4 twice more. — **6 sts** *(10 − 4 = 6 ✓)*
BO.

#### ELBOW PATCHES (Make 2 — Color G)

Worked flat on US 4 / 3.5 mm needles.

**CO 5 sts.**

**Row 1 (WS)**: Purl.
**Row 2 (RS)**: k1, m1L, k3, m1R, k1. — **7 sts** *(5 + 2 = 7 ✓)*
**Rows 3–7**: Stockinette (5 rows).
**Row 8**: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. — **5 sts** *(7 − 2 = 5 ✓)*
**Row 9**: Purl.
BO.

*Optional: Using Color F (dark yarn), work a small running stitch border around each patch for a leather-patch effect.*

Sew patches to the elbow area of each sleeve (approx. at the mid-sleeve point), centered on the outer sleeve face.

#### COAT COLLAR

**Pick up 26 sts** evenly around neck opening of assembled coat. Work flat.

**Row 1 (WS)**: *k2, p2 rib.*
**Row 2 (RS)**: *k2, p2 rib.*
**Row 3**: *kfb, rib to last st, kfb.* — **28 sts** *(26 + 2 = 28 ✓)*
**Row 4**: Rib.
**Row 5**: *kfb, rib to last st, kfb.* — **30 sts** *(28 + 2 = 30 ✓)*
**Rows 6–8**: Rib.
BO loosely in rib. Fold collar down. Tack lapel points lightly.

#### COAT ASSEMBLY

Seam shoulder seams. Set in sleeves (sew sleeve cap into armhole opening). Seam side seams and underarm seams. Coat is open at the front — no buttons needed, or add 2–3 small buttons/beads down the right front and tack with a few stitches to keep slightly open over the waistcoat.

Dress coat onto fox over the waistcoat.

---

### GARMENT 4: NEWSBOY CAP

*A classic 8-panel newsboy cap with a stiffened brim. The cap body is worked in the round; panels are defined with markers.*

**Yarn:** Color H (Charcoal Mix) for cap body; Color G (Camel/Tan) for brim
**Needles:** US 5 / 3.75 mm DPNs; US 4 / 3.5 mm for brim

#### CAP BODY

The head circumference is approx. 6.5 inches = 32 sts at working gauge.

**With Color H and US 5 DPNs:**

**CO 32 sts.** Join in the round. Pm for beg of rnd.

Place 8 stitch markers dividing work into 8 panels of **4 sts** each. *(8 × 4 = 32 ✓)*

**Rnds 1–3**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end. *(Hatband rib.)*

**Rnd 4 (RS)**: Knit all sts.

**Rnd 5**: Knit.

**Rnd 6**: Knit.

*Begin crown shaping — decrease at each panel marker:*

**Dec Rnd A**: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm; rep from * 8 times. — **24 sts** *(32 − 8 = 24 ✓)*

**Rnd**: Knit.

**Dec Rnd B**: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm; rep from * 8 times. — **16 sts** *(24 − 8 = 16 ✓)*

**Rnd**: Knit.

**Dec Rnd C**: *k2tog; rep from * to end. — **8 sts** *(16 ÷ 2 = 8 ✓)*

Cut yarn, draw through 8 sts, and fasten off, pulling up to close the crown.

*The finished cap should be approximately 2.5 inches in height and 6.5 inches in circumference.*

#### CAP BRIM

Worked flat on US 4 / 3.5 mm needles in Color G for contrast, OR in Color H to match.

**Pick up 10 sts** across the front quarter of the hat band (sts 1–10 of the CO edge).

**Row 1 (WS)**: Purl.
**Row 2 (RS)**: k1, m1L, knit to last st, m1R, k1. — **12 sts** *(10 + 2 = 12 ✓)*
**Row 3**: Purl.
**Row 4**: k1, m1L, knit to last st, m1R, k1. — **14 sts** *(12 + 2 = 14 ✓)*
**Rows 5–6**: Stockinette.
**Row 7**: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — **12 sts** *(14 − 2 = 12 ✓)*
**Row 8**: Purl.
**Row 9**: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — **10 sts** *(12 − 2 = 10 ✓)*
BO.

*To stiffen brim (optional):* Cut a thin piece of craft foam or firm interfacing to match the brim shape. Fold the brim wrong sides together around the stiffener and whipstitch the edges together invisibly with matching yarn.

Set cap on fox's head at a jaunty angle. Tack to head with a couple of small stitches at back and sides.

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### ═══════════════════════════════
### PART THREE: FINISHING
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#### FINAL ASSEMBLY CHECKLIST

**Step 1 — Fox body complete:**
- [ ] Body, head, legs, arms, ears, and tail all knitted and stuffed
- [ ] Safety eyes inserted before head is closed
- [ ] Nose and mouth embroidered
- [ ] All pieces sewn to body securely
- [ ] Wire armature in place — test standing pose before closing any final seams

**Step 2 — Dress the fox:**
- [ ] Put plus-four trousers on fox legs first (slide up from foot)
- [ ] Put waistcoat on (slip arms through armholes)
- [ ] Put country coat on over waistcoat
- [ ] Tack waistband, waistcoat hem, and coat hem lightly to body with thread so clothing sits neatly
- [ ] Attach coat/waistcoat buttons or beads

**Step 3 — Hat:**
- [ ] Place newsboy cap on head and tack in position

**Step 4 — Final details:**
- [ ] Weave in all yarn ends securely — children's toys must have ends fastened off 2–3 times
- [ ] Check all safety eyes are locked securely
- [ ] Trim any loose fibers
- [ ] If desired, brush the fox's rust fur sections very lightly with a bristle brush for a fluffy texture on the body (avoid clothing sections)
- [ ] Check standing stability — adjust wire armature through base of foot if needed by bending toes/foot wire flat

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### ═══════════════════════════════
### YARDAGE SUMMARY
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| Color | Piece(s) | Approx. Yardage |
|---|---|---|
| A — Rust | Body, head, tail, upper arms/legs | 120 yds |
| B — White | Blaze, inner ears, socks, tail tip | 60 yds |
| C — Black | Paws, outer ears | 30 yds |
| D — Oat/Brown | Plus-four trousers | 80 yds |
| E — Tweed Green | Country coat | 100 yds |
| F — Charcoal | Waistcoat | 60 yds |
| G — Camel/Tan | Patches, cap brim | 20 yds |
| H — Charcoal Mix | Newsboy cap | 40 yds |
| **TOTAL** | | **~510 yds** |

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### ═══════════════════════════════
### DESIGNER TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING
### ═══════════════════════════════

**"My fox won't stand up."**
Ensure the wire armature is stiff enough — double up the wire for the legs. Bend a small flat foot plate at the base of each leg wire (a figure-8 shape in the sole area) for a wider footprint. Stuff the paws/feet extra firmly around the wire.

**"The clothing looks too big."**
The clothing patterns include ease for dressing and removing. Tack clothing permanently and you can take in side seams slightly. Alternatively, work one needle size smaller throughout for a snugger fit.

**"The blaze color change is messy."**
Use a small separate bobbin of White for the blaze and lock the colors together at each color change by twisting them at the join. Block the head lightly with a damp cloth before the final stuffing to even out any puckering.

**"The hat won't sit right."**
Stuff the top of the fox's head slightly firmer. Dampen the hat and mold it to the head shape, let it dry in place. A couple of tacking stitches through the hat band and into the head are invisible and very effective.

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*© Pattern designed as a custom one-of-a-kind project. This pattern is for personal use. Mr. Reynard thanks you for the effort — he finds the whole business of being knitted rather dignified.*

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