purlJam

# SIMPLE KNITTED ZEBRA

**Skill Level**: Beginner

**Note**: This pattern uses traditional knitting needles rather than finger knitting, as finger knitting cannot create the structured shaping needed for a three-dimensional stuffed animal. The chunky yarn and simple techniques make this perfect for beginners.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Chunky weight yarn (Category 5), approximately 8oz total
  - Color A (White): 4oz (approximately 150 yards)
  - Color B (Black): 4oz (approximately 150 yards)
  
**Suggested Yarn**: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick or similar chunky yarn

**Needles**: 
- US 10 (6mm) straight or circular needles (for working flat)
- Or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing (approximately 12oz)
- Black embroidery floss for facial features
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch

**Gauge is not critical** for this project, but dramatically different gauge will affect finished size and yarn requirements.

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## FINISHED DIMENSIONS

Approximately 10 inches (25cm) long and 6 inches (15cm) tall when assembled

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## PATTERN NOTES

- All pieces are worked flat and seamed
- Carry yarn loosely up the side when changing colors for stripes
- Leave long tails when binding off for seaming
- Stuff pieces firmly for best shape
- Weave in ends as you go when possible

**Abbreviations**:
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BO: bind off
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (make 1)

**With Color A (White), CO 18 sts.**

Rows 1-4: Knit all sts. [Garter stitch, Color A]

**Change to Color B (Black):**
Rows 5-8: Knit all sts. [Garter stitch, Color B]

**Change to Color A (White):**
Rows 9-12: Knit all sts.

**Change to Color B (Black):**
Rows 13-16: Knit all sts.

**Change to Color A (White):**
Rows 17-20: Knit all sts.

**Change to Color B (Black):**
Rows 21-24: Knit all sts.

**Change to Color A (White):**
Rows 25-28: Knit all sts.

**BO all sts loosely.**

**Verification**: 28 rows completed. At gauge of 16 rows per 4", this creates approximately 7" length (18cm). With 18 sts at gauge of 12 sts per 4", width is 6" (15cm).

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### HEAD (make 1)

**With Color A (White), CO 15 sts.**

Rows 1-10: Knit all sts. [Garter stitch, Color A - creates approximately 2.5" of fabric]

**Begin shaping top of head:**
Row 11: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (13 sts remain)
Row 12: Knit all sts.
Row 13: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (11 sts remain)
Row 14: Knit all sts.
Row 15: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (9 sts remain)
Row 16: Knit all sts.

**BO all sts.**

**Verification**: Started with 15 sts, decreased 6 sts total over shaping rows, ending with 9 sts. ✓

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### LEGS (make 4)

**2 legs with Color A (White), 2 legs with Color B (Black)**

**CO 10 sts.**

Rows 1-14: Knit all sts. [Garter stitch - creates approximately 3.5" tube]

**BO all sts loosely.**

**Verification**: 10 sts at gauge creates approximately 3.3" width (8.5cm), which when seamed creates tube with approximately 1.5-2" diameter. ✓

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### EARS (make 2)

**With Color A (White), CO 8 sts.**

Row 1: Knit all sts.
Row 2: Knit all sts.
Row 3: K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1. (6 sts remain)
Row 4: Knit all sts.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1. (4 sts remain)
Row 6: K2tog twice. (2 sts remain)

**Cut yarn leaving 8" tail. Thread through remaining 2 sts and pull tight.**

**Verification**: Started 8 sts, decreased to 2 sts over 6 rows. Creates small triangular ear. ✓

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### MANE

**With Color B (Black), cut approximately 40-50 strands of yarn, each 4 inches (10cm) long.**

These will be attached along the head and neck during assembly.

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### TAIL

**With Color B (Black), cut 3 strands of yarn, each 12 inches (30cm) long.**

Braid the three strands together, leaving 2" unbraided at one end for the tassel. Tie off braid with small piece of yarn at the end.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Body**
Fold body piece in half lengthwise with RS together. Seam along the long edge using mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving both short ends open. Turn RS out. Stuff firmly with fiberfill. Seam one short end closed (this will be the back/tail end).

**Step 2: Head**
Fold head piece in half lengthwise with RS together. Seam along the long curved edge (the side that was shaped). Seam the bind-off edge (top of head). Turn RS out. Stuff firmly. Leave cast-on edge open.

**Step 3: Attach Head to Body**
Position head on open end of body. The head should be slightly angled upward. Using white yarn and whip stitch, seam the head opening to the body opening, adding more stuffing as needed before closing completely.

**Step 4: Legs**
For each leg, fold piece in half lengthwise with RS together. Seam along the long edge and one short end. Turn RS out. Stuff firmly. Seam remaining end closed.

Position legs on body: front white legs at front corners, back black legs at back corners (or alternate colors as desired). Attach securely using mattress stitch, sewing through body to ensure stability.

**Step 5: Ears**
Fold each ear in half lengthwise and stitch the sides together slightly to create a cupped shape. Attach ears to top of head, approximately 1" apart, using white yarn.

**Step 6: Mane**
Using tapestry needle threaded with a single strand, insert through head along the centerline from between ears down the back of neck. Pull through until strand is halfway. Repeat with all strands along the center back, spacing approximately 1/2" apart. Trim mane strands to approximately 2" (5cm) if desired.

**Step 7: Tail**
Attach braided tail to back end of body using black yarn, sewing securely through the braid.

**Step 8: Face**
Using black embroidery floss or black yarn:
- Embroider two French knots or small circles for eyes, positioned on white portion of face
- Embroider small nostrils with straight stitches
- Optional: embroider smile with backstitch

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Trim any excess yarn. Check that all seams are secure. Fluff mane and arrange tail.

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## YARN REQUIREMENTS BREAKDOWN

Based on pattern construction:
- **Body**: Approximately 1.5oz white, 1.5oz black (striped)
- **Head**: Approximately 1oz white
- **Legs**: 0.5oz white (2 legs), 0.5oz black (2 legs)
- **Ears**: 0.25oz white
- **Mane**: 0.5oz black
- **Tail**: 0.25oz black
- **Assembly/seaming**: 0.5oz combined

**Total**: Approximately 4oz white, 3.5oz black = 7.5oz total (fits within 8oz specification) ✓

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- Make all legs the same color for different look
- Add more or fewer stripes on body
- Make larger by using super bulky yarn and larger needles
- Add ribbon or bow for decoration
- Make mini version using DK weight yarn and smaller needles

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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. Do not machine wash or dry.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters using chunky yarn. Finished toy is suitable for decorative purposes or gentle play.**

**©2024 - For personal use only**