purlJam

# SLIM THE GREYHOUND
## A Beginner Knitted Amigurumi Pattern

### DESCRIPTION
Meet Slim, an adorable knitted greyhound with characteristically long legs, a slender body, and elegant proportions. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple techniques to create a charming toy worked in separate pieces and seamed together. Perfect for dog lovers!

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### FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Height (standing): approximately 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)
- Length (nose to tail base): approximately 7 inches (18 cm)
- Body circumference: approximately 6 inches (15 cm)

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### MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium)
- Main Color (MC): approximately 120 yards
- Suggested colors: gray, fawn, brindle, black, or white
- Small amounts of black or brown for nose embroidery (if not using safety nose)

**Needles**: 
- US 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR
- US 6 (4 mm) circular needle (16" or longer) for Magic Loop method

**Notions**:
- Pair of 9mm safety eyes
- Optional: 12mm safety nose (or embroider with black yarn)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- 4 pipe cleaners or floral wire (optional but recommended for leg stability)
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch marker
- Scissors

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### GAUGE
20 stitches × 26 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round

**Gauge Note**: Exact gauge is not critical for this toy, but a tighter gauge will prevent stuffing from showing through. If your fabric looks loose, try going down a needle size.

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### ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- p: purl
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- MC: main color

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### PATTERN NOTES
- All pieces are worked in stockinette stitch (knit every round) unless otherwise specified.
- Use your preferred method for working small circumferences (DPNs or Magic Loop).
- Place a stitch marker to indicate beginning of round; move marker up as you work.
- Stuff pieces firmly but not overly tight, especially the thin legs.
- Stitch counts are provided in [brackets] at end of key rows/rounds.

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### INSTRUCTIONS

#### HEAD & MUZZLE

**Muzzle:**
Cast on 6 sts. Divide onto DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: Knit. [6 sts]
Rnd 2: *Kfb; rep from * around. [12 sts]
Rnds 3-4: Knit. [12 sts]
Rnd 5: *K1, kfb; rep from * around. [18 sts]
Rnds 6-8: Knit (3 rnds). [18 sts]

**Head:**
Rnd 9: *K2, kfb; rep from * around. [24 sts]
Rnds 10-11: Knit. [24 sts]
Rnd 12: *K3, kfb; rep from * around. [30 sts]
Rnds 13-18: Knit (6 rnds). [30 sts]

**Place eyes**: Between rnds 14 and 15, approximately 8-9 sts apart on sides of head.

Rnd 19: *K3, k2tog; rep from * around. [24 sts]
Rnd 20: Knit. [24 sts]
Rnd 21: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. [18 sts]
Rnd 22: Knit. [18 sts]

**Begin stuffing the head firmly, especially the muzzle.**

Rnd 23: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. [12 sts]
Rnd 24: Knit. [12 sts]

**Do not bind off. Leave a long tail (approximately 18 inches) for seaming to body.** Continue stuffing firmly, then thread tail through remaining 12 sts with tapestry needle, pull tight (do not close completely as neck will attach to body), and secure temporarily.

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#### BODY

Cast on 12 sts. Divide onto DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: Knit. [12 sts]
Rnd 2: *Kfb; rep from * around. [24 sts]
Rnd 3: Knit. [24 sts]
Rnd 4: *K3, kfb; rep from * around. [30 sts]
Rnds 5-16: Knit (12 rnds). [30 sts]

**This creates the main body - narrow chest and slim torso typical of greyhounds.**

Rnd 17: *K3, k2tog; rep from * around. [24 sts]
Rnd 18: Knit. [24 sts]
Rnd 19: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. [18 sts]
Rnd 20: Knit. [18 sts]

**Begin stuffing the body.**

Rnd 21: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. [12 sts]
Rnd 22: *K2tog; rep from * around. [6 sts]

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through remaining sts with tapestry needle, pull tight to close, and weave in end. **Finish stuffing firmly before closing.**

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#### LEGS (Make 4)

**Optional**: Cut pipe cleaner or floral wire to approximately 5 inches. Fold in half and set aside.

Cast on 8 sts. Divide onto DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-20: Knit (20 rnds). [8 sts]

**This creates a thin, long leg approximately 4 inches tall.**

**Paw shaping:**
Rnd 21: *Kfb; rep from * around. [16 sts]
Rnds 22-24: Knit (3 rnds). [16 sts]
Rnd 25: *K2tog; rep from * around. [8 sts]

Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail for seaming. Thread through remaining sts, pull tight to close paw.

**Stuffing legs**: Insert pipe cleaner (if using) into center of leg. Stuff lightly around pipe cleaner, or stuff very lightly with fiberfill only. Overstuffing will make legs too thick. Bend bottom 0.5 inch of pipe cleaner to create paw angle if desired.

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#### TAIL

Cast on 6 sts. Divide onto DPNs or prepare for Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-18: Knit (18 rnds). [6 sts]

**This creates a thin tail approximately 3.5 inches long.**

Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail for seaming. Thread through remaining sts and pull tight to close. Stuff very lightly (tail should remain quite thin and flexible).

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#### EARS (Make 2)

**Note**: Ears are worked flat.

Cast on 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1. [6 sts]
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1. [4 sts]
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: K2tog twice. [2 sts]
Row 8: P2tog. [1 st]

Cut yarn and pull through final stitch. Leave a 10-inch tail for seaming.

**Fold ear in half lengthwise with RS out, and tack sides together lightly to create folded greyhound ear shape.**

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### ASSEMBLY

**Assembly order:**

1. **Attach head to body**: 
   - Position head opening against the cast-on edge (neck end) of body.
   - Using the long tail from head, whipstitch head securely to body all around opening.
   - Adjust stuffing in neck area if needed for stability.

2. **Attach front legs**: 
   - Position front legs on either side of body chest (where body begins), approximately 0.5 inches from head attachment.
   - Using leg tails, whipstitch cast-on edge of each leg to body sides securely.
   - Legs should point straight down.

3. **Attach back legs**: 
   - Position back legs approximately 1.5 inches behind front legs (toward narrower end of body).
   - Attach same as front legs.
   - For stability, you may tack tops of back legs slightly closer together than front legs.

4. **Attach tail**: 
   - Position tail at center back of body (closed end).
   - Whipstitch cast-on edge of tail to body.
   - Tail should curve slightly upward naturally.

5. **Attach ears**: 
   - Position folded ears on sides of head, approximately at rounds 16-18 (behind eyes).
   - Greyhound ears fold back - tack cast-on edge along side of head.
   - Ears should point backward and downward.

6. **Embroider nose**: 
   - If not using safety nose, embroider nose at tip of muzzle using black or brown yarn.
   - Create a small triangle or oval shape with satin stitch.
   - Optionally embroider a small mouth line below nose.

7. **Final touches**: 
   - Weave in all remaining ends securely.
   - Gently shape legs and tail as desired.
   - If using pipe cleaners, you can pose the legs in standing or sitting positions.

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### FINISHING NOTES

- **Standing stability**: The pipe cleaners in legs allow the greyhound to stand. Without them, the toy is still charming but will need to lean or sit.
- **Color variations**: Greyhounds come in many colors! Try gray, brindle (use variegated yarn), black, white, fawn, or even combine colors for a realistic pattern.
- **Care**: Hand wash gently in cool water if needed. Lay flat to dry.
- **Safety**: If making for a child under 3 years old, embroider all features instead of using safety eyes/nose.

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### CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Coat/vest**: Knit a small rectangular piece and seam around body for a greyhound coat
- **Collar**: Chain stitch with contrasting yarn around neck
- **Stripes**: Work body or legs in stripes for a brindle effect
- **Size variation**: Use DK yarn with smaller needles for a smaller greyhound, or bulky yarn for a larger one

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### TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Stuffing shows through stitches
**Solution**: Knit tighter or use a smaller needle size

**Problem**: Legs are too floppy
**Solution**: Use pipe cleaners or stuff more firmly (but not too tight)

**Problem**: Head too heavy for body
**Solution**: Stuff head less firmly, or add more stuffing to body for balance

**Problem**: Greyhound won't stand
**Solution**: Ensure pipe cleaners are used in legs; bend paws at slight angle

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### ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This pattern is designed for beginning knitters who are comfortable with knitting in the round and basic shaping. The simple construction and minimal shaping make it perfect for learning amigurumi techniques while creating a recognizable and adorable greyhound toy.

**Skill Level**: Beginner

**Techniques used**: 
- Knitting in the round (DPNs or Magic Loop)
- Basic increases (kfb)
- Basic decreases (k2tog)
- Seaming
- Stuffing

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**Pattern designed by Pattern Designer & Technical Editor**
**© 2024 - For personal use only**

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### STITCH COUNT VERIFICATION

**HEAD**: 6 → 12 → 18 → 24 → 30 → 24 → 18 → 12 ✓
**BODY**: 12 → 24 → 30 → 24 → 18 → 12 → 6 ✓
**LEGS**: 8 → 16 → 8 ✓
**TAIL**: 6 (constant) ✓
**EARS**: 8 → 6 → 4 → 2 → 1 ✓

All stitch counts verified for mathematical accuracy.