Deramores Woodland Animals Toy Knitting Pattern

Deramores Woodland Animals: Francesca the Fox Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

Francesca the Fox is an advanced knitting pattern for a charming woodland animal toy designed by Amanda Berry. This finished knitted fox stands 25cm tall including the ears, making it a substantial handmade companion piece. The project is part of the Deramores Woodland Animals collection and is ideal for experienced knitters seeking an engaging intermediate-to-advanced challenge.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several essential knitting techniques that elevate it to advanced difficulty level. Knitters will practice Kitcheler stitch grafting, a sophisticated seaming method that creates seamless joins between knitted pieces. The pattern also incorporates mattress stitch for sewing seams together, a professional finishing technique that produces nearly invisible seams on the completed toy. Additional techniques include standard increases (knit into front and back of stitches) and decreases (knit two stitches together), which shape the fox's head and body during construction.

Stitches Used

The core stitches used throughout this pattern are fundamental to knitting:

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create texture variation and stockinette stitch when alternated with knit rows
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Knit into front and back (kfb) – an increase technique for expanding stitches

The fox head is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric ideal for toy construction.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern requires Deramores Studio DK yarn, a double knitting weight (light worsted) yarn. Three color skeins are needed:

• Orange: Deramores Studio DK in "Burnt Orange" – 1 x 100g skein for the fox's main body and head
• White: Deramores Studio DK in "Pearl" – 1 x 100g skein for accent details
• Black: Deramores Studio DK in "Ebony" – 1 x 100g skein for features and details

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for a pair of 3.75mm straight knitting needles (US size 5) for the main construction. Additional essential notions include a darning or tapestry needle for sewing the knitted pieces together and securing yarn ends, and 2 x 6mm domed black buttons to create the fox's eyes, adding character and dimension to the finished toy.

Tension and Gauge

The recommended tension is approximately 22 stitches x 28 rows per 10cm x 10cm square when working stockinette stitch on 3.75mm needles. The pattern notes that precise tension is not critical for this toy project, allowing knitters some flexibility while maintaining the intended finished size of 25cm.