a wise old owl

simple squares knitted in warm tones of yarn are used to create this winsome little bird

materials

Knitted in basic stitches to form simple square shapes, this stout little owl sums up the comfort of autumn. Yarn in seasonal hues of russet and brown is used for his body and unpolished buttons for his hypnotic eyes, giving the characterful bird a rustic appeal. His feet are made of crocheted loops, so he can perch on a shelf adding a cheery face among the books. • 1 x 50g ball Rowan Soft Yak DK Pampas #285 (main colour) • 1 x 50g ball Rowan Soft Yak DK Savannah #234 (contrast colour) • Small amount DK yellow yarn for beak • Pair of 3.25mm knitting needles • 3.5mm crochet hook • 2 x 30mm diameter buttons • 2 x 15mm diameter buttons (these are optional and can be added to the front of the larger buttons) • Sewing needle suitable for the buttons • Blunt tapestry needle • Small handful of toy stuffing

Finished size

12cm x 12cm

Gauge

Approximately 22 stitches x 28 rows over 10cm in garter stitch

Owl Body (make 2)

Cast on 30 stitches on size 3.25mm needles in main colour. Begin knitting in garter stitch (knit each row). When knitting measures 7cm, cut working yarn, leaving 12cm for weaving in end. Join contrast colour for head section. Next row: knit Next row: purl Work these two rows (stocking stitch) until the total length of knitting measures 10cm or is a square shape. Cast off.

Wings and beak

Wings: cast on 10 stitches in main colour. Knit in garter stitch (knit all stitches) until a square is made, approximately 2.5cm. Make a second identical square. Make a third square in yellow for the beak, the same size as above.

Feet

With a 3.5mm crochet hook, crochet 7 chains, fasten off then cut yarn leaving 15cm spare tail end. Thread the fastening-off spare yarn back through the chain so there will be two strands of yarn emerging from one end of the chain. Make 5 more the same (6 in total). Group the chains into two sets of three to form 3 claws on each foot. For each set, wrap the tail ends of yarn around the end of the chains and secure, leaving enough chain showing to create a claw effect. For a simpler version, use six strands of yarn for the feet.

Making up

Fold the yellow beak square diagonally to form a triangle shape. Sew the edges neatly. Sew the buttons and beak onto the head section of one of the larger squares, as in the photograph (right). Join the front face square to the back square along the two cast-off edges. Then join along the side seams. Make several small stitches diagonally across the two top corners of the face section to form the ears. Position the two wing squares across the side seams and along the colour change line as in photograph. Sew into position. Fill the remaining cavity with toy filling. Sew the base seam one third across. Position the feet with claw detail towards the front along the base seam line. Continue sewing the base seam, securing the feet in position as the seam is stitched. Weave in the loose ends.