purlJam

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# 🦓 ZIGGY THE ZEBRA — KNITTED AMIGURUMI PATTERN

**Difficulty:** Easy
**Technique:** Knitting in the Round (DPNs or Magic Loop), Flat Knitting, Seaming

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- Approximate height (seated/assembled): **8–9 inches** (20–23 cm)
- Head diameter: approx. **2½ inches** (6.5 cm)
- Body diameter: approx. **3 inches** (7.5 cm)
- Leg length: approx. **2½ inches** (6.5 cm)

*Note: Finished size may vary slightly depending on individual gauge and amount of stuffing used.*

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn (MC):** Worsted weight yarn in White (or off-white/cream), approx. **100 yards** (92 m)
  *Sample uses: Lion Brand Pound of Love in White, or any worsted weight that achieves gauge*
- **Yarn (CC):** Worsted weight yarn in Black, approx. **80 yards** (73 m)
  *Both MC and CC should be the same yarn brand/weight for consistent gauge*
- **Needles:** US 7 / 4.5 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 5; **or** US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) or longer (for Magic Loop method)
- **Notions:**
  - Stitch markers (at least 2)
  - Tapestry/yarn needle
  - Polyester fiberfill stuffing, approx. 2–3 oz (60–85 g)
  - One pair of black safety eyes, **9 mm**
  - Scissors
  - Crochet hook, size G / 4.0 mm or similar (for attaching mane)
  - Removable stitch marker or scrap yarn (for marking beginning of round)

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## GAUGE

**20 stitches × 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)** in Stockinette Stitch in the round, after blocking.

*Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size. Because this is a stuffed toy, working at a slightly tighter gauge than the yarn label recommends is intentional — this prevents stuffing from showing through the fabric.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased) |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (1 stitch decreased, left-leaning) |
| p2tog | Purl 2 stitches together |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| MC | Main Color (White) |
| CC | Contrast Color (Black) |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |
| rep | Repeat |
| [ ] × # | Repeat instructions in brackets the number of times indicated |

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## PATTERN NOTES

**General:**
- All pieces (except the ears) are worked in the round in Stockinette stitch (knit every round).
- Ears are worked flat (back and forth) in Stockinette stitch.
- All pieces are made separately and seamed together at the end.
- The right side (RS) of stockinette is the smooth knit side — this faces outward.

**Working on Small Stitch Counts:**
- When stitch counts are small (fewer than 20 stitches), use the Magic Loop method or distribute stitches across 4 DPNs with 1 working needle.
- Mark the beginning of each round with a removable stitch marker.

**Stripe Pattern:**
- The stripe sequence is: **2 rounds MC (White), 2 rounds CC (Black)**, repeated throughout unless otherwise instructed.
- When working 2-round stripes, carry the unused yarn loosely up the inside of the work to avoid cutting and weaving in excessive ends. Do not carry yarn more than 4 rounds without catching it.
- **Jog Fix (Optional but Recommended):** At the beginning of the first round of each new color, slip the first stitch purlwise with yarn in back. This minimizes the visible "step" where the round begins.

**Safety Note:**
- Safety eyes are not suitable for children under 3 years. For toys intended for young children, embroider the eyes using black yarn and a tapestry needle instead.

**Stuffing:**
- Stuff pieces firmly and evenly as you go. Understuffed pieces can look flat; overstuffed pieces may distort the shape.

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## COLOR REFERENCE

- **MC** = White
- **CC** = Black
- **Hoof color** = CC (Black)
- **Muzzle** = MC (White)
- **Mane & Tail** = CC (Black)

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## PATTERN

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### PIECE 1: HEAD
*Make 1. Begin in MC (White).*

**Cast On:**
Using MC, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Increase Section:**
- **Rnd 1:** [kfb] × 8. — **16 sts**
  *(Math check: 8 × 2 = 16 ✓)*
- **Rnd 2:** K all. — **16 sts**
- **Rnd 3:** [kfb, k1] × 8. — **24 sts**
  *(Math check: 8 increases + 8 original = 24 ✓)*
- **Rnd 4:** K all. — **24 sts**
- **Rnd 5:** [kfb, k2] × 8. — **32 sts**
  *(Math check: 8 increases + 24 = 32 ✓)*
- **Rnd 6:** K all. — **32 sts**
- **Rnd 7:** [kfb, k3] × 8. — **40 sts**
  *(Math check: 8 increases + 32 = 40 ✓)*

**Body of Head — Stripe Section:**
Begin Stripe Pattern: 2 rounds MC, 2 rounds CC.
- **Rnds 8–19:** Work 12 rounds in Stripe Pattern. — **40 sts**
  *(12 rounds ÷ 2 = 6 complete stripe sequences)*

*At the end of Rnd 19, you should have worked 6 full white/black stripe sequences on the body of the head.*

**Decrease Section:**
Continue in Stripe Pattern as set (or work remaining rounds in MC for simplicity if preferred).
- **Rnd 20:** [k2tog, k3] × 8. — **32 sts**
  *(Math check: 40 − 8 = 32 ✓)*
- **Rnd 21:** K all. — **32 sts**
- **Rnd 22:** [k2tog, k2] × 8. — **24 sts**
  *(Math check: 32 − 8 = 24 ✓)*
- **Rnd 23:** K all. — **24 sts**

**⚠️ SAFETY EYES: Insert safety eyes NOW, before closing.**
Position eyes on the body of the head, centered between Rnds 8 and 14 (the stripe section), approximately 10–12 sts apart. Secure the washers firmly on the inside. *If embroidering eyes, complete this step after the head is finished and stuffed.*

**Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill.**

- **Rnd 24:** [k2tog, k1] × 8. — **16 sts**
  *(Math check: 24 − 8 = 16 ✓)*
- **Rnd 25:** [k2tog] × 8. — **8 sts**
  *(Math check: 16 − 8 = 8 ✓)*

**Finishing:**
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle. Draw through all 8 remaining stitches, removing them from the needle as you go. Pull tight to close the opening. Weave in end on the inside.

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### PIECE 2: MUZZLE / SNOUT
*Make 1. Work entirely in MC (White).*

The muzzle gives the zebra its characteristic long face.

**Cast On:**
Using MC, CO 16 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

- **Rnds 1–6:** K all. — **16 sts**
  *(6 rounds = approx. ⅞ inch / 2.2 cm)*

- **Rnd 7:** [k2tog, k2] × 4. — **12 sts**
  *(Math check: 4 decreases × 1 st each = 16 − 4 = 12 ✓)*

**Finishing Muzzle:**
Stuff the muzzle lightly with a small amount of fiberfill. Do **not** close — leave the opening to seam onto the head later.

Set muzzle aside.

*Optional stripe detail: Work Rnds 3–4 in CC (Black) for a single stripe across the muzzle.*

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### PIECE 3: BODY
*Make 1. Begin in MC (White).*

**Cast On:**
Using MC, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Increase Section:**
- **Rnd 1:** [kfb] × 8. — **16 sts**
- **Rnd 2:** K all. — **16 sts**
- **Rnd 3:** [kfb, k1] × 8. — **24 sts**
  *(Math check: 24 ✓)*
- **Rnd 4:** K all. — **24 sts**
- **Rnd 5:** [kfb, k2] × 8. — **32 sts**
  *(Math check: 32 ✓)*
- **Rnd 6:** K all. — **32 sts**
- **Rnd 7:** [kfb, k3] × 8. — **40 sts**
  *(Math check: 40 ✓)*
- **Rnd 8:** K all. — **40 sts**
- **Rnd 9:** [kfb, k4] × 8. — **48 sts**
  *(Math check: 8 increases + 40 = 48 ✓)*

**Body — Stripe Section:**
Begin Stripe Pattern.
- **Rnds 10–25:** Work 16 rounds in Stripe Pattern. — **48 sts**
  *(16 rounds ÷ 2 = 8 complete stripe sequences)*

**Decrease Section:**
Continue in Stripe Pattern as set, or work in MC only.
- **Rnd 26:** [k2tog, k4] × 8. — **40 sts**
  *(Math check: 48 − 8 = 40 ✓)*
- **Rnd 27:** K all. — **40 sts**
- **Rnd 28:** [k2tog, k3] × 8. — **32 sts**
  *(Math check: 40 − 8 = 32 ✓)*
- **Rnd 29:** K all. — **32 sts**
- **Rnd 30:** [k2tog, k2] × 8. — **24 sts**
  *(Math check: 32 − 8 = 24 ✓)*
- **Rnd 31:** K all. — **24 sts**
- **Rnd 32:** [k2tog, k1] × 8. — **16 sts**
  *(Math check: 24 − 8 = 16 ✓)*

**Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill.**

- **Rnd 33:** [k2tog] × 8. — **8 sts**
  *(Math check: 16 − 8 = 8 ✓)*

**Finishing:**
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Thread through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close. Weave in end on the inside.

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### PIECE 4: LEGS
*Make 4. Work in CC (Black) and Stripe Pattern.*

Each leg begins with a black "hoof" section, then transitions into the stripe pattern.

**Cast On:**
Using CC (Black), CO 16 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Hoof Section:**
- **Rnds 1–4:** K all in CC (Black). — **16 sts**
  *(4 rounds = approx. ½ inch / 1.3 cm)*

**Leg Section:**
Switch to Stripe Pattern (beginning with MC, then alternating 2 rounds CC, 2 rounds MC, etc.).
- **Rnds 5–16:** Work 12 rounds in Stripe Pattern. — **16 sts**
  *(12 rounds = approx. 1¾ inches / 4.5 cm)*
  *(12 rounds ÷ 2 = 6 complete stripe sequences)*

**Finishing Leg:**
Do **not** decrease to close. Instead, cut yarn leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail for seaming.

Stuff leg firmly. Flatten the top opening so the two sides align (8 stitches on each side). Using the tapestry needle and the long yarn tail, use the Kitchener stitch or a simple whipstitch to seam the top of the leg closed flat. This flat edge will be sewn to the underside of the body.

*Make all 4 legs the same way.*

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### PIECE 5: EARS
*Make 2. Work flat, in MC (White) with optional CC stripe detail.*

Ears are worked flat (back and forth) in Stockinette stitch with a simple decrease shaping for a slightly pointed top.

**Cast On:**
Using MC, CO 10 sts.

- **Row 1 (WS):** P all. — **10 sts**
- **Row 2 (RS):** K all. — **10 sts**
- **Row 3 (WS):** P all. — **10 sts**

*Optional: Work Rows 4–5 in CC (Black) for a stripe detail.*

- **Row 4 (RS):** K all. — **10 sts**
- **Row 5 (WS):** P all. — **10 sts**
- **Row 6 (RS):** k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. — **8 sts**
  *(Math check: 10 − 2 = 8 ✓)*
- **Row 7 (WS):** P all. — **8 sts**
- **Row 8 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. — **6 sts**
  *(Math check: 8 − 2 = 6 ✓)*
- **Row 9 (WS):** P all. — **6 sts**
- **Row 10 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. — **4 sts**
  *(Math check: 6 − 2 = 4 ✓)*
- **Row 11 (WS):** P all. — **4 sts**
- **Row 12 (RS):** ssk, k2tog. — **2 sts**
  *(Math check: 4 − 2 = 2 ✓)*
- **Row 13 (WS):** p2tog. — **1 st**
  *(Math check: 2 − 1 = 1 ✓)*

**Finishing Ear:**
Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail. Pull tail through the remaining 1 stitch to close. Do not weave in this tail yet — use it for seaming.

Fold the ear gently in half lengthwise so the cast-on edges align, and pinch the base slightly. Whipstitch the lower edge of each side together for about ¼ inch (6 mm) to give the ear a slight cup shape. Set aside for attachment.

*Make 2 ears the same way.*

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### PIECE 6: TAIL
*Make 1.*

**Method:**
1. Cut 15 strands of CC (Black) yarn, each approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long.
2. Gather strands together and fold the bundle in half.
3. At the fold point, tie a small, tight knot using a separate 6-inch piece of Black yarn, securing the bundle together at the top.
4. The tied top forms the attachment point; the loose ends form the tail's tassel.
5. Trim the ends evenly to approximately 2½ inches (6.5 cm) if needed.

*Alternative Tail:* Using CC (Black), CO 4 sts. Work an I-cord (knit across, do not turn, slide sts to the other end of the needle, repeat) for 2 inches (5 cm). BO. Attach a small tassel of Black yarn to the cast-off end.

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### PIECE 7: MANE
*Made by attaching yarn lengths directly to the finished, assembled zebra.*

*(Prepare materials; attach during finishing/assembly step below.)*

Cut approximately **30–35 lengths** of CC (Black) yarn, each **4 inches (10 cm)** long. These will be attached as fringe.

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## ASSEMBLY

Lay all finished pieces out before beginning assembly. Refer to the diagram below (described in text):

```
      [EAR]  [MANE]  [EAR]
         \    |||||    /
          \   |||||   /
           [  HEAD  ]
               |
           [ MUZZLE ] ← attached to front/lower face
               |
           [  BODY  ]
          /    |    \
       [LEG] [LEG][LEG][LEG]
                         |
                       [TAIL] ← attached to back/bottom of body
```

**Step 1: Attach Muzzle to Head**
- Position the open end of the muzzle on the **lower front** of the head, centered below the safety eyes.
- Using MC yarn and a tapestry needle, whipstitch around the entire open circumference of the muzzle, sewing it securely to the head.
- *(The muzzle sits slightly forward, like a snout.)*
- **Optional:** Embroider a small "Y" shape for the nose and mouth on the muzzle using a tapestry needle and CC (Black) yarn.

**Step 2: Embroider Nostrils (Optional)**
- Using CC (Black) yarn and a tapestry needle, make 2 small oval stitches near the tip/top of the muzzle for nostrils, approximately 3 sts apart.

**Step 3: Attach Head to Body**
- The head attaches to the **top** (cast-on end) of the body.
- Using MC yarn and a tapestry needle, whipstitch around the base of the head, sewing it to the top of the body. The head should face slightly forward (not straight up).
- Stuff any gaps lightly with fiberfill before closing the seam fully.

**Step 4: Attach Legs to Body**
- Position the 4 legs on the **underside** of the body, evenly spaced:
  - Front left and front right legs: placed approximately ¼ of the body length from the head end.
  - Back left and back right legs: placed approximately ¼ of the body length from the tail end.
- All four legs should hang downward and be evenly aligned so the zebra stands (or sits) stably.
- Using matching yarn and a tapestry needle, whipstitch each flat leg top firmly to the body.

**Step 5: Attach Ears to Head**
- Position the ears on the **top of the head**, approximately 6–8 sts from the center top, one on each side.
- The pointed tips face upward; the cupped bases face forward slightly (zebra ears are large and slightly angled outward).
- Using MC yarn (or the ear's yarn tail), whipstitch the base of each ear securely to the head.

**Step 6: Attach Tail**
- Using the tail's tie yarn, sew the tail to the **back lower end** of the body, centered.
- Pull the strands through to the outside and trim evenly if needed.

**Step 7: Attach Mane**
- Using your crochet hook, work along the **center top of the head**, from between the ears down to where the head meets the body (the "neck" area).
- For each fringe piece: fold one 4-inch (10 cm) length of Black yarn in half. Insert the crochet hook into a stitch on top of the head, pull the folded loop of yarn through the stitch, then pull both yarn tails through the loop and tighten (a lark's head knot).
- Attach mane fringe into every other stitch (or every stitch for a fuller mane), working in a single line from the base of the ears to the neck.
- Trim the mane to a uniform length of approximately 1–1½ inches (2.5–4 cm). Zebra manes are short and stand upright.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all remaining ends** on the inside of the pieces using a tapestry needle. Trim close.
2. **Block lightly** if desired by gently steaming or misting with water and allowing to dry flat. *Do not submerge in water as stuffing may clump.*
3. **Optional face details:**
   - Eyebrows: Using CC (Black), embroider a small diagonal stitch above each eye.
   - Eyelashes: Embroider 2–3 short straight stitches extending from the outer corner of each eye.

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## SCHEMATIC / STITCH COUNT SUMMARY

| Piece | Cast On | Max Sts | Final Sts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head | 8 | 40 | Closed | Safety eyes before closing |
| Muzzle | 16 | 16 | 12 | Left open for seaming |
| Body | 8 | 48 | Closed | Stuff before closing |
| Leg (×4) | 16 | 16 | Seamed flat | Stuff; 4 rnds black hoof |
| Ear (×2) | 10 | 10 | 1 (closed) | Work flat; fold & seam |

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## YARN USAGE ESTIMATE

| Color | Estimated Yardage |
|---|---|
| MC — White | ~100 yards (92 m) |
| CC — Black | ~80 yards (73 m) |
| **Total** | **~180 yards (165 m)** |

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Keep your tension consistent** when switching colors — the unused yarn carried on the inside can pull the fabric if held too tightly.
- **Count your stripes** as you work — it's easy to lose track. Place a sticky note on your pattern and mark each stripe pair as you complete it.
- **Don't rush the seaming** — clean, tight seams make the finished zebra look polished. Take your time with the mattress stitch or whipstitch.
- **Mane direction:** Real zebras have short, upright manes. Trim the mane yarn to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) for a realistic look, or leave it longer for a whimsical style.

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*© Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not sell or redistribute this pattern. Finished toys may be sold in small quantities with credit to the designer.*

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