purlJam

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# SNUFKIN KNITTED AMIGURUMI
### A Beginner Knitted Soft Toy Pattern

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Bring the beloved wanderer of Moomin Valley to life! This knitted Snufkin stands approximately **8 inches (20 cm)** tall including his signature hat. He's worked in the round in simple stockinette stitch and assembled from separate pieces — perfect for knitters who have mastered basic knitting in the round and are ready for their first knitted amigurumi.

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| **Yarn A – Skin** | Worsted weight, approx. 30 yds (27 m), light tan / peach |
| **Yarn B – Green Coat** | Worsted weight, approx. 80 yds (73 m), olive green or sage green |
| **Yarn C – Pants** | Worsted weight, approx. 25 yds (23 m), warm brown or tan |
| **Yarn D – Hat** | Worsted weight, approx. 40 yds (37 m), olive green (same as Yarn B, or separate skein) |
| **Yarn E – Scarf (optional)** | Worsted weight, approx. 15 yds (14 m), mustard yellow or rust orange |
| **Needles** | US 7 / 4.5 mm DPNs (set of 4 or 5), OR 32–40 inch circular needle for Magic Loop |
| **Safety Eyes** | 9 mm black safety eyes, 1 pair ⚠️ *Not suitable for children under 3 years. Substitute with embroidery for child-safe toys.* |
| **Stuffing** | Polyester fiberfill, approx. 1–2 oz (30–60 g) |
| **Notions** | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, small amount of black and brown embroidery floss for face details |
| **Optional** | Pipe cleaners (2) for hat support; small piece of cardboard for hat brim stiffening |

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## GAUGE

**5 stitches × 7 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm)** in stockinette stitch in the round, after blocking.

*Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size. Please knit a gauge swatch before beginning.*

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- **Total Height (with hat):** approx. 8 inches (20 cm)
- **Body Height (without hat):** approx. 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- **Head Circumference:** approx. 5 inches (12.5 cm)
- **Hat Height:** approx. 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) above brim

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (increase — makes 1 extra stitch) |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (decrease — removes 1 stitch) |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rep | Repeat |
| BO | Bind off |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |

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## BEGINNER NOTES

**Working in the Round on DPNs:**
Divide your stitches evenly across 3 or 4 needles. The working yarn always comes from the last stitch of the previous round. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

**Magic Loop Alternative:**
If you prefer, use a long circular needle (32–40 inches / 80–100 cm) with the Magic Loop method throughout.

**Stockinette in the Round:**
Simply knit every stitch, every round. The smooth (knit) side faces outward automatically.

**Closing Small Openings:**
When you have just a few stitches left after decreasing, cut yarn leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail, thread through all remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in.

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## PATTERN NOTES

- All pieces are worked in the round unless stated otherwise.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go — it is easier to add stuffing before closing.
- Stitch counts are shown in **[brackets]** at the end of rounds where they change.
- When changing colors between pieces (body coat vs. pants), simply join new yarn and weave in ends neatly.

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# THE PATTERN

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## PIECE 1: HEAD

*Worked in Yarn A (skin color), in the round.*

**Cast On:**
Using the long-tail cast on, CO **8 sts**. Distribute across DPNs (3-2-3 or 2-2-2-2). Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Round 1:** [kfb] 8 times. **[16 sts]**

**Round 2:** [k1, kfb] 8 times. **[24 sts]**

**Round 3:** [k2, kfb] 8 times. **[32 sts]**
*(Note: This gives a head circumference of approximately 6.4 inches / 16 cm at the widest. This is intentional — Snufkin has a slightly large, expressive head. The face will be embroidered on the lower-front section.)*

**Rounds 4–12:** Knit all sts. (9 rounds even) **[32 sts]**

*After Round 8, insert safety eyes now if using them.*
*Eyes are placed on the front of the head, approximately 2 rounds above the center line, spaced 6 sts apart, centered on the face.*
*⚠️ Safety Eye Reminder: Insert between Rounds 8 and 9, attach backings firmly on the inside before continuing. If making a child-safe toy, skip this step and embroider eyes after assembly.*

**Round 13:** [k2, k2tog] 8 times. **[24 sts]**

**Round 14:** Knit all sts. **[24 sts]**

**Round 15:** [k1, k2tog] 8 times. **[16 sts]**

*Stuff head firmly now. Shape it into a slightly oval/rounded form.*

**Round 16:** [k2tog] 8 times. **[8 sts]**

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Thread tail through all 8 remaining stitches, pull tight to close. Weave in end on the inside. Set head aside.

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## PIECE 2: BODY

*Snufkin's body is worked in two sections to create his coat and trouser distinction.*

### Body – Upper Section (Green Coat)
*Worked in Yarn B (olive green).*

**Cast On:**
CO **20 sts**. Distribute across DPNs. Join to work in the round, pm.

**Rounds 1–2:** Knit all sts. **[20 sts]**
*(These two rounds form the bottom hem of the coat. Optionally, work these 2 rounds in k1, p1 rib for a neat hem edge.)*

**Rounds 3–14:** Knit all sts. (12 rounds even) **[20 sts]**

*Body upper section measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) at this point.*

**Round 15 (Shoulder Shaping):** [k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2] — **[Wait — adjusted for 20 sts as follows:]**
[k3, k2tog] 4 times. **[16 sts]**

**Rounds 16–17:** Knit all sts. **[16 sts]**

Cut Yarn B. Leave sts on a needle or place on a stitch holder/scrap yarn for now. Set aside.

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### Body – Lower Section (Trousers)
*Worked in Yarn C (brown/tan). This section is worked separately and then the two sections are seamed together.*

**Cast On:**
CO **20 sts**. Distribute across DPNs. Join to work in the round, pm.

**Rounds 1–10:** Knit all sts. (10 rounds even) **[20 sts]**

*Trouser section measures approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm).*

BO all sts loosely. Cut yarn.

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### Assembling the Body:

Stuff the trouser section lightly. Using Yarn B (green) and a yarn needle, seam the cast-on edge of the upper body section to the bound-off edge of the trouser section using mattress stitch or whipstitch. Stuff the upper body section through the top opening before closing. The body will be attached to the head and receive arms later.

*Total body height: approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm).*

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## PIECE 3: LEGS (Make 2)

*Snufkin has slender legs with little feet/boots. Worked in Yarn C (brown) for trouser leg, with an optional Yarn B accent for boots.*

**Cast On:**
CO **10 sts**. Distribute across DPNs. Join in the round, pm.

**Rounds 1–2:** Knit all sts. **[10 sts]**
*(Optional boot section: work these 2 rounds in Yarn B, then switch to Yarn C.)*

**Rounds 3–14:** Knit all sts. (12 rounds even) **[10 sts]**

*Leg measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm).*

BO all sts. Cut yarn leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for seaming. Stuff leg lightly — just enough to give shape. Set aside. Make second leg identically.

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## PIECE 4: ARMS (Make 2)

*Arms are worked in Yarn B (green coat), with a small section of Yarn A (skin) for hands.*

### Hand:
*Worked in Yarn A.*

CO **8 sts**. Join in the round, pm.

**Round 1:** [kfb] 8 times. **[16 sts]**

**Rounds 2–4:** Knit all sts. (3 rounds) **[16 sts]**

**Round 5:** [k2tog] 8 times. **[8 sts]**

Cut Yarn A. Join Yarn B.

### Sleeve/Arm:
*Worked in Yarn B.*

**Rounds 6–16:** Knit all sts. (11 rounds even) **[8 sts]**

*Arm measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) from hand.*

BO all sts. Cut yarn leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for seaming. Stuff arm lightly, keeping it soft and pliable. Set aside. Make second arm identically.

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## PIECE 5: SNUFKIN'S HAT
*This is the most important feature! The hat is tall, slightly floppy, and green.*

### Hat Brim:
*Worked flat, then joined in the round.*

**Cast On:**
Using Yarn D (olive green), CO **40 sts**. 

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit all sts.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl all sts.
**Row 3 (RS):** Knit all sts.
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl all sts.

*(4 rows of stockinette = the flat brim, approximately 0.5 inch / 1.5 cm tall)*

**Joining Round:** Join flat brim piece into a ring. With RS facing, pick up and knit **30 sts** evenly around the inner edge of the brim piece to begin the hat crown.

*Alternatively, a simpler brim method for beginners:*

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**SIMPLER BRIM (Beginner-Friendly Alternative):**
CO **30 sts**. Join in the round, pm.
Work **[k1, p1] rib for 4 rounds** for a tidy brim. Then proceed directly to Hat Crown below.

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### Hat Crown (worked in the round):
*Starting with 30 sts after brim.*

**Rounds 1–3:** Knit all sts. **[30 sts]**

**Round 4 (Decrease for crown narrowing):** [k3, k2tog] 6 times. **[24 sts]**

**Rounds 5–7:** Knit all sts. **[24 sts]**

**Round 8:** [k2, k2tog] 6 times. **[18 sts]**

**Rounds 9–18:** Knit all sts. (10 rounds even) **[18 sts]**

*Hat crown tube now measures approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) above the brim decrease. The hat should look tall and slightly cylindrical — very Snufkin-appropriate!*

**Round 19:** [k1, k2tog] 6 times. **[12 sts]**

**Round 20:** Knit all sts. **[12 sts]**

**Round 21:** [k2tog] 6 times. **[6 sts]**

Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread through all 6 remaining stitches, pull tight, close top. Weave in end inside hat.

**Stuff hat lightly** — use a small, tightly rolled piece of cardboard inside the crown to help it hold its tall cylindrical shape. Two pipe cleaners twisted together and inserted into the crown also work beautifully to let the hat slouch at the correct Snufkin angle.

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## PIECE 6: EARS (Make 2)

*Snufkin has small, rounded human-like ears. These are simple flat circles.*

**Cast On:**
Using Yarn A (skin), CO **4 sts**. Do NOT join. Work flat.

**Row 1:** [kfb] 4 times. **[8 sts]**
**Row 2:** Purl all sts. **[8 sts]**
**Row 3:** [kfb, k1] 4 times. **[12 sts]**
**Row 4:** Purl all sts. **[12 sts]**
**Row 5:** [k2tog] 6 times. **[6 sts]**
**Row 6:** Purl all sts. **[6 sts]**

BO all sts. Cut yarn leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail. Fold the ear piece slightly and seam the two short ends together to form a small cup shape. Set aside. Make second ear identically.

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## PIECE 7: BACKPACK (Optional but Recommended)

*A tiny backpack makes Snufkin look complete. Worked in Yarn C (brown).*

**Cast On:**
CO **12 sts**. Join in the round, pm.

**Rounds 1–8:** Knit all sts. **[12 sts]**

**Round 9:** [k1, k2tog] 4 times. **[8 sts]**

**Round 10:** Knit all sts. **[8 sts]**

BO all sts. Stuff lightly. Close top by seaming. Cut two 6-inch (15 cm) lengths of Yarn C for backpack straps. Attach straps to front of backpack (forming an X) and sew backpack to Snufkin's back between the arms. 

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## PIECE 8: SCARF (Optional)

*A simple garter stitch rectangle.*

Using Yarn E (mustard/orange), CO **5 sts**. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for **60 rows** approximately, or until scarf measures **6 inches (15 cm)**. BO. Fringe the ends by knotting short lengths of yarn along each short edge if desired.

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# ASSEMBLY

Follow these steps in order for the best results.

### Step 1: Attach Legs to Body
Position the two legs at the bottom of the trouser section of the body, centered front-and-back, approximately 1 stitch apart at center. Using yarn tails and a yarn needle, sew each leg securely to the base of the body. Use whipstitch around the opening, going around twice for strength. Weave in ends inside the body.

### Step 2: Attach Head to Body
With the cast-on end of the head (base of head) facing down, align the head to the top opening of the body. The face should point forward. Using Yarn A and a yarn needle, sew the head to the body opening using mattress stitch, working around the entire circumference. *The body opening (16 sts) and the head base (~16 sts after final decreases) should align closely.* Add any final stuffing to the head and body before closing completely.

### Step 3: Attach Arms
Place arms on either side of the body, at the shoulder line (approximately at the top of the green coat section). The hand (skin-colored end) should point downward. Sew each arm firmly to the body using the yarn tail, stitching through the side of the body at least twice for security. Snufkin's arms can be positioned slightly forward for a "hands-in-pockets" or "wandering" look.

### Step 4: Attach Ears
Fold each ear slightly and position on either side of the head, level with the eye placement, just above and behind where the eyes sit. Sew securely using the yarn tail. Ears should sit flat against the head and slightly cup outward.

### Step 5: Attach Hat
Position the hat on Snufkin's head. Snufkin's hat traditionally sits at a slight angle — tilted very slightly back and to one side. This is his signature look! Pin in place before sewing. Sew the inner brim of the hat to the head all the way around using Yarn D and a yarn needle. Sew firmly so the hat stays attached but do not flatten the brim.

### Step 6: Attach Backpack (if made)
Sew backpack to Snufkin's back, centered between the two arms. Attach the two yarn straps over the shoulders, crossing them on the front of the chest and tacking down with a few small stitches.

### Step 7: Wrap Scarf (if made)
Wrap the scarf around Snufkin's neck and secure with a few invisible stitches at the back of the neck to prevent it from shifting.

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# FINISHING & FACE

### Eyes:
- **Safety Eyes:** Should already be inserted and secured between Rounds 8–9 of the head (see Head instructions above).
- **Embroidered Eyes (child-safe):** Using black embroidery floss, embroider two small oval or circular eyes (approximately 4–5 satin stitches wide) in the same position described above.

### Nose:
Using brown embroidery floss, embroider a small oval or round nose centered on the face, approximately 3 rounds below the eyes. Use 3–4 satin stitches packed tightly.

### Mouth:
Using brown or black embroidery floss, embroider a small, gentle smile below the nose using a single curved backstitch or 2 straight stitches meeting in a shallow V. Snufkin has a quiet, content expression — keep the mouth subtle.

### Cheeks (Optional):
Using pink embroidery floss or a pink fabric marker, add two small circular blushes on the cheeks, one on each side of the nose.

### Hair (Optional):
If desired, cut 10–12 strands of dark brown yarn, each approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long. Fold each strand in half and use a crochet hook or yarn needle to loop each strand through the top of the head (just below where the hat sits) to create short, slightly shaggy hair visible at the sides of the hat brim.

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# FINISHING NOTES & CARE

- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the inside of each piece.
- If your Snufkin looks lumpy, gently roll and squeeze him in your hands to redistribute the stuffing.
- **Blocking:** Lightly mist the finished toy with water and shape gently. Allow to air dry fully before the hat is placed.
- **Care:** Hand wash gently in cool water. Lay flat to dry. Do not place in dryer — stuffing may shift.
- **Age Appropriateness:** This toy with safety eyes is suitable for ages 3 and over. For infants or toddlers, always substitute safety eyes with embroidered eyes.

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# STITCH COUNT SUMMARY

| Piece | Cast On | Peak Sts | Final Sts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | 8 | 32 | 8 (closed) |
| Body Upper | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| Body Lower | 20 | 20 | 20 (BO) |
| Leg (each) | 10 | 10 | 10 (BO) |
| Arm (each) | 8 | 16 (hand) | 8 (BO) |
| Hat | 30 | 30 | 6 (closed) |
| Ear (each) | 4 | 12 | 6 (BO) |
| Backpack | 12 | 12 | 8 (BO) |

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# YARN AMOUNTS SUMMARY

| Yarn | Color | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn A – Skin | Light tan / peach | ~30 yds (27 m) |
| Yarn B – Green | Olive / sage green | ~80 yds (73 m) |
| Yarn C – Brown | Warm brown / tan | ~40 yds (37 m) |
| Yarn D – Hat Green | Olive green (may share with B) | ~40 yds (37 m) |
| Yarn E – Scarf | Mustard / rust orange | ~15 yds (14 m) optional |
| **Total** | | **~205 yds (188 m)** |

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*Happy knitting, and may your Snufkin wander far and freely! 🎶*

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not sell finished items commercially without permission. If you share your Snufkin, tag your project — the Moomin community would love to see him!*