Deramores Farmland Favourites Toy Knitting Pattern

Farmyard Favourites: Field & Pig Play Mat

What is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern for a modular play mat designed by Amanda Berry. The finished mat measures 60cm long by 60cm wide and is constructed from nine individual knitted squares that can be arranged in any combination you choose. This flexible design allows crafters to customize their mat layout based on personal preference, making it an adaptable project suitable for nurseries, playrooms, or as a handmade gift.

Construction and Techniques

The play mat is built using a patchwork approach where each of the nine squares features a different texture pattern, creating visual and tactile interest. All pieces are knitted flat (working back and forth) on straight needles rather than in the round, which simplifies the construction process for intermediate knitters. Once all squares are complete, they are sewn together using a darning or tapestry needle to create the finished mat.

The pattern uses the long tail cast on method as the standard casting technique unless otherwise specified in individual square instructions. This cast-on method provides a neat, elastic edge suitable for joining pieces together.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The pattern features multiple distinct stitch textures across the nine squares:

• Broken Rib Square: Combines knit and purl stitches in an alternating pattern (k2, [p1, k1] sequence) to create a textured, ribbed appearance
• Roman Stitch Square: Uses a combination of stockinette stitch sections with garter stitch borders and an alternating knit-purl pattern to create geometric texture
• Bobble Stitch: An advanced textural element created through a multi-step technique where yarn is knitted into the front, back, front, and back again of a single stitch, then decreased back down, creating a three-dimensional raised bobble on the fabric surface

The variety of stitches—including knit (k), purl (p), and bobble (mb) stitches—ensures that each square has distinct visual and tactile characteristics, making the finished mat engaging and interesting to look at and touch.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Deramores Studio DK yarn, a double knitting weight (light worsted) yarn. Three specific colorways are used to create the farmyard theme:

• Dark Green: Deramores Studio DK in "Malachite"
• Light Green: Deramores Studio DK in "Peridot"
• Yellow: Deramores Studio DK in "Citrine"

You will need one 100g skein in each color to complete all nine squares. The project requires 4mm straight knitting needles (US size 6) and a darning or tapestry needle for seaming the finished squares together.

Tension and Gauge

The recommended tension is approximately 22 stitches by 28 rows over a 10cm by 10cm square when working stockinette stitch on 4mm needles. However, the pattern notes that tension is not critical for this project, making it forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge—a helpful feature for intermediate-level crafters still developing consistent tension control.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it uses fundamental knitting techniques such as casting on, knit and purl stitches, and basic seaming, the inclusion of more complex stitches like bobbles and the need to work multiple different stitch patterns across different squares makes it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginner level.