Deramores Henrietta the Hippopotamus Toy Knitting Pattern

Deramores Henrietta the Hippopotamus Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

Henrietta the Hippopotamus is a beginner-friendly knitted toy designed by Amanda Berry for Deramores Studio. This stuffed animal measures 23cm (9 inches) tall and is suitable for crafters new to knitting. The finished toy features a charming hippopotamus design with contrasting color work and button details.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary craft technique. The pattern employs fundamental knitting methods appropriate for beginners, including basic shaping through increases and decreases. The design incorporates color work using two different yarn colors to create visual interest and definition in the finished toy.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (K) — the fundamental knit stitch
• Purl (P) — the basic purl stitch
• Stocking stitch (St st) — the primary fabric construction method, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows
• Knit two together (K2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (Ssk) — a left-leaning decrease for refined shaping
• Knit into front and back (Kfb) — an increase technique for adding stitches

Materials and Specifications

The pattern requires Deramores Studio DK Yarn in two colors: 1 x 100g in Mist (Yarn A) and 1 x 100g in Rose (Yarn B). A pair of 3.5mm knitting needles (UK 10-9 / US 4) is required for construction. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 3.5mm needles. Note: The needle size used is smaller than typically recommended on yarn ball bands to create a firmer fabric that holds its shape and prevents toy filling from showing through.

Additional materials needed include toy filling for stuffing, white felt fabric, 2 x 6mm (¼ inch) black buttons for facial features, a sewing needle with thread, a yarn needle for finishing, and scissors.

Design Notes

This pattern was created by Amanda Berry, a designer based in Berkshire, England, who specializes in knitted toys. The design uses long-tail cast on for all pieces unless otherwise specified. The pattern includes repeat sections indicated by square brackets for efficient pattern reading. Warning: This finished toy is not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts including buttons.