Why knit tiny hens? Because they are so cute! These little gals are quick to work up with inexpensive yarn or leftover stash and make great gifts for young and old alike. Think pocket pal for a young child, decoration, ornament, or even a cat toy. (Naturally, please don’t use beads for eyes if you intend to gift to a small child or animal as a toy.)
$6.50
ADD TO CARTNOTE: This original design pattern is the copyrighted property of Melissa Burke, Apiary Knits, and is intended for the personal use of the original purchaser only. Please do not reproduce or distribute this pattern (in whole or in part) without express written permission from Melissa Burke, Apiary Knits.
SIZE(S):
Finished hen measures approx 3-3/8” from tip of beak to back of tail fan (8.6 cm) and 2-3/4” (7 cm) tall.
CHARTED/WRITTEN:
The pattern includes complete written directions. There is NO chart.
GAUGE:
24 stitches/32 rounds to 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch, unblocked. Gauge is NOT critical, but a dense fabric should be aspired to as the stuffing should not show/poke through the finished, knitted fabric.
Hen is worked in the round from the tail forward to the beak; using a combination of increases, decreases and short rows for shaping. The body is stuffed as it is worked. The comb and wattle are crocheted onto the knit body, while the feet are crocheted separately and then sewn on.
To work this pattern, you will need to know:
- Knit stitches
- Slip stitches
- Increase and decrease stitches – M1L, M1R, K2TOG, SSK
- Crochet: Chain, Slip Stitch, SC, HDC (All crochet abbreviations reference US terms.)
- Hand or machine sewing.
YARN:
Allow approx 19 yds (17.4 m) of worsted weight yarn for body. Allow approx 1 yd (.9 m) of worsted weight yarn for beak. Allow approx 1.5 yds (1.4 m) of fingering weight yarn for two feet. Allow approx 2 yds (1.8 m) of fingering weight yarn for comb and wattle.
NEEDLES:
US 4 (3.5 mm) 8” (20 cm) [or shorter] double-pointed needles
Or any size needed to obtain correct gauge.
NOTIONS:
Tapestry/blunt yarn needle
2 2 mm black glass beads for eyes (Only if NOT for children or pets! Please stitch yarn eyes for them!)
1 spool black buttonhole thread
1 sewing needle w/large eye to accommodate 2 strands of buttonhole thread for sewing on bead eyes
1 sewing needle with standard eye to sew beanbag closed or sew entire beanbag, if hand sewing
1 2”x6” (6 cm x 15 cm) rectangle of fabric (samples used muslin) for bean bag
1 spool cotton/polyester sewing thread to match beanbag fabric
Sewing machine (optional), if machine stitching beanbag
1 bag Polyester Fiber Fill (Samples used Poly-fil brand. A good-sized handful per hen.)
1 bag weighted stuffing beads (Samples used Poly-fil Poly Pellets. Approx .4 oz/12 gr per hen.)