Amigurumi Squid (WIP)

Since I cannot crochet anything without making a horrible knotted mess of things and I want to make a stuffed squid (I'm wierd like that), I decided to adapt this pattern for knitting. I'll be updating this entry with the complete pattern once it's written, but here's what I have so far...

This is the first time I've adapted such a pattern, so things may or may not run smoothly. Hopefully everything will work out, though.


Materials:

Worsted weight yarn
Stuffing
US Size 2 or 3 needles (something to make your stitches tight)
Buttons or second color contrasting yarn to embroider eyes
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker (optional, but very helpful!)

Abbreviations:

CO = cast on
k = knit
p = purl
s = slip stitch knit-wise
k2tog = knit two stitches together
k1fb = knit one into the front and back of each stitch (increases by 1 stitch)
sts = stitches
BO = bind off

Gauge:

Gauge isn't critical for this project. Just be sure that when you knit, your stitches are tight enough so that no stuffing shows through or can fall out.

Fins:

Make Two. Done in Garter Stitch
CO 7 stitches (I used the Old Norweigan cast on, but any cast on method is fine.)
Row 1-2: k7
Row 3: s1, k2tog, k to end
Row 4: k6
Row 5: s1, k2tog, k to end
Row 6: k5
Row 7: s1, k2tog, k to end
Row 8: k4
Row 9: s1, k2tog, k to end
Row 10: k3
Row 11: s1, k2tog, k to end
Row 12: k2
Row 13: k2tog
You now have one stitch. Pull thread through and leave about a ten-inch tail.

Body:

CO 4 stitches
Knit as I-cord: Row 1: k1fb all stitches. You now have 8 stitches total.
Divide evenly onto 3 needles and join. Be careful not to twist your stitches. The rest of this will be worked in the round.
Row 2-3: k8
Row 4: [k1, k1fb] x 4 (12 sts)
Row 5-6: k12
Row 7: [k3, k1fb] x 3 (15 sts)
Row 8: k15
Row 9: [k4, k1fb] x 3 (18 sts)
Row 10: k18
Row 11: [k5, k1fb] x 3 (21 sts)
Row 12: k21
Row 13: [k6, k1fb] x 3 (24 sts)
Row 14: k24
Row 15: [k7, k1fb] x 3 (27 sts)
Row 16-35: k27 or as long as desired.
BO in knit.
Sew on button eyes or apply duplicate stitch to make eyes according to the chart (which will be uploaded later).

Tentacles:

Make two.
CO 8 stitches on straight needles (you can also use 2 dpns)
Row 1: k7, turn
Row 2: k to end, turn
Row 3: k6, turn
Row 4: k to end, turn
Row 5: k5, turn
Row 6: k to end, turn
Row 7: k4, turn
Row 8: k to end, turn
Row 9: k3, turn
Row 10: k to end, turn
Row 11: k2, turn
Row 12: k to end, turn
Row 13: k1, turn
Row 14: k to end, turn
Row 15: k8
Row 16: s1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, s1 (6 stitches left)
Row 17: k6
Row 18: s1, k1, k2tog, k1, s1 (5 sts)
Row 19-20: k5
Row 21: k2tog, k1, k2tog (3 sts)
Knit as I-cord:
Row 22: k3
Row 23: k1, k1fb, k1 (4 sts)
Row 24: k4
Row 25: [k1, k1fb] x 2 (6 sts)
Row 26: k6
Row 27: [k2, k1fb] x 2 (8 sts)
Change to dpns and join in the round.
Row 28-??: k8
BO in knit.

We will also be making the bottom of the body and eight arms. More on that to come later.


Credits:

Original Pattern Idea: Amigurumi Squid from Crochet Me
Adapted Tentacles: Bumble Cat Toy (the wings)
Bottom of Body Adapted From: Knitting a Flat Circle at Knit Me! Amigurumi!