Bird mobile
ABBREVIATIONS cont - continue; foll following; inc - increase(ing); k - knit; k2tog - knit 2 together; p - purl; rep - repeat; RS - right side; st(s) - stitch(es); st-st stocking stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows);
WS - wrong side.
BODY SIDE 1
**Cast on 10 sts.
1st row: (WS): Purl.
2nd row: Inc in first st, k7, inc in next st, k1. (12 sts). Cont in st-st, casting on 2 sts at end of the next row and 5 foll rows. (24 sts).
Next row: Purl.
Next row: Inc in first st, knit to last 2 sts, inc in next st, k1. (26 sts).
Next row: Purl.
Rep last two rows twice more. (30 sts).
Cont in st-st without shaping for 3.8cm (1½in) ending with a RS row.**
Divide for head and tail Next row (WS): P14 and leave these sts on a stitch holder for head. Cast off 6, p9.
10 sts on right-hand needle. Work on these last 10 sts for tail.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (8 sts).
Work 3 rows in st-st.
Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts).
Work 3 rows in st-st.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (4 sts).
Purl 1 row.
Next row: [K2tog] twice. (2 sts).
Cast off.
HEAD
With RS facing, rejoin yarn to 14 sts left on stitch holder. Next row (RS): Knit.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (12 sts). Work 5 rows in st-st. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (10 sts). Work 3 rows in st-st. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (8 sts). Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts). Cast off.
BODY SIDE 2
Work as body side 1 from ** to **. Divide for head and tail
Next row: P10 and leave these sts on a holder for tail, cast off 6, p13.
14 sts on right-hand needle.
Work on these last 14 sts for head.
Next row: Knit. Next row: Purl. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (12 sts). Work 5 rows in st-st.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (10 sts).
Work 3 rows in st-st.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (8 sts).
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts).
Cast off.
TAIL
With RS facing, rejoin yarn to 10 sts left on stitch holder. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (8 sts). Work 3 rows in st-st.
Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts). Work 3 rows in st-st.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (4 sts).
Purl 1 row.
Next row: [K2tog] twice. (2 sts).
Cast off.
WINGS
Make two for each bird. Cast on 4 sts.
1st row: Knit.
2nd row: Inc in first st, knit to last 2 sts, inc in next st, k1. (6 sts).
Rep last 2 rows once more. (8 sts).
Work 2 rows in garter st. Next row: Inc in first st, knit to last 2 sts, inc in next st, k1. (10 sts).
Rep last 3 rows twice more. (14 sts).
Work 4 rows in garter st. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (12 sts).
Knit 1 row.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (10 sts).
Knit 1 row.
Cast off.
TUMMY
Make one for each bird. Cast on 4 sts.
1st row: Knit.
2nd row: Inc in first st, knit to last 2 sts, inc in next st, k1. (6 sts).
3rd row: Knit.
Rep last 2 rows once more. (8 sts).
Next row: Knit.
Next row: Inc in first st, knit to last 2 sts, inc in next st, k1. (10 sts).
Work 4 rows in garter st. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (8 sts). Work 2 rows in garter st. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts).
Knit 1 row.
Rep last 2 rows once more. (4 sts). Cast off.
BEAK
Make one for each bird. Cast on 8 sts.
1st row: Knit.
2nd row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. (6 sts).
Rep last 2 rows twice more. (2 sts). Cast off.
FRAME COVERS
Make 2.
Using size 10½ needles and chunky yarn, cast on 43 sts. 1st row: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
Repeat 1st row until fabric is long enough to go around the outside of the wooden lengths.
Cast off.
Wrap covers around the wooden lengths and sew seams.
STRINGS
Make 4 crochet chains with a small hook, or braid yarn to make strings. Do not use a single strand of yarn instead of crochet or braids, as this may not be strong enough to hold over time.
TO FINISH
Press each piece lightly. Weave in all ends. Sew the two sides of body together with mattress stitch, starting at the bottom, sewing around, and leaving a hole in the bottom for stuffing.
Stuff body with toy stuffing and sew up hole.
Sew on wings, beak, and tummy and embroider on eyes, tail feathers, and any other decoration you wish. Attach the strings high on the back of each bird, so that the bird hangs straight and does not tip forward or backward. Place one of the covered lengths of wood on the other at right angles to make a cross.
Hammer a nail through the centre to secure, then wrap lengths of yarn over and around the join to hold in place and ensure as little movement as possible. Sew free ends of strings attached to birds to each free end of cross. You may wish to wrap the string around the wood as well, to take some strain off the fabric and prevent stretching the knitting when it is hanging. Braid or crochet a chain about 20cm (8in) long to loop and attach to the top of the cross so you can hang it from the ceiling.
This hanging loop is optional and you may have alternative ideas of how and where to hang the mobile, depending on available space so feel free to experiment.