Deramores Herbie the Basset Hound Toy Knitting Pattern

Deramores Herbie the Basset Hound Knitted Toy

What Is Being Made

Herbie the Basset Hound is a knitted stuffed toy designed by Amanda Berry for Deramores. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a soft, cuddly basset hound figure perfect for toy collections. The finished toy is constructed from multiple knitted pieces that are sewn together and filled with toy stuffing to create a three-dimensional plush companion. Please note that the finished toy is not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts, including the safety eyes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The project utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, created by knitting all right-side rows and purling all wrong-side rows. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to form the three-dimensional body parts of the basset hound. The pattern requires reading and following standard knitting abbreviations and working with both the right-hand and left-hand sides of pieces to create symmetrical components.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The following stitches and techniques are used throughout the pattern:

• Knit (K) – The fundamental knit stitch
• Purl (P) – The reverse of the knit stitch
• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches knitwise and purlwise before knitting them together
• Knit into Front and Back (kfb) – An increase technique that creates one new stitch from an existing stitch

Yarn and Materials

Herbie the Basset Hound is knitted using Deramores Studio DK Yarn, a double-knitting weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape for toy making. The pattern calls for four 100g balls of yarn in the following colors:

• Yarn A – Gingerbread (primary color for the basset hound's body)
• Yarn B – Chocolate (for contrast details)
• Yarn C – Ebony (for darker markings and details)
• Yarn D – Frost (for lighter accents)

Needles and Tension

The project is worked on 3.75mm straight knitting needles (US size 5). Maintaining proper tension is essential for achieving the correct finished size and fabric quality. The recommended tension is approximately 22 stitches and 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square in stockinette stitch when working on 3.75mm needles. Checking your tension before beginning the project ensures that your finished basset hound will be the intended size.

Additional Supplies and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, completing Herbie the Basset Hound requires several finishing materials:

• Toy Stuffing – Polyester fiberfill or similar material to fill the knitted pieces and create a three-dimensional form
• Two 12mm Toy Safety Eyes – Secure safety eyes designed specifically for toys to create the basset hound's facial features
• Darning or Tapestry Needle – A blunt needle used for sewing the individual knitted pieces together and weaving in yarn ends

Designer Information

Herbie the Basset Hound was designed by Amanda Berry, a London College of Fashion graduate with First Class Honours (2014) who specializes in knitted toy design. Based in Berkshire, England, Amanda's toy designs have been published in magazines and created for charitable organizations. Her patterns are available through Deramores, reflecting her commitment to accessible, quality knitting design.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and