Deramores Woodland Creatures Francesca the Fox Knitting

Deramores Woodland Creatures Francesca the Fox Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

Francesca the Fox is an intermediate-level knitted toy from the Woodland Animals collection by designer Amanda Berry. This charming stuffed animal stands 25cm tall including the ears and is suitable for knitters with some experience looking to develop their skills through a structured project.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern is a knitting project that employs several intermediate techniques to create a three-dimensional toy. The construction involves multiple techniques including Kitcheller stitch grafting, which is used to seamlessly join knitted pieces together. The pattern also incorporates mattress stitch seaming, a professional finishing method that creates nearly invisible seams when joining the various components of the fox body.

The project requires understanding of casting on and casting off techniques, with specific instructions for securing yarn tails and creating neat edges. Marking stitches is employed throughout construction to help with accurate placement and alignment when sewing pieces together, ensuring the finished toy maintains proper shape and proportions.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques:

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch throughout, created by alternating knit and purl rows to form the smooth fabric base
• Knit (k) – basic knit stitches worked on right-side rows
• Purl (p) – purl stitches worked on wrong-side rows to create stockinette when alternated with knit rows
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch used to shape the fox head and body
• Knit into front and back (kfb) – an increase stitch for expanding stitches where needed
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease technique for shaping

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern uses Deramores Studio DK (double knitting or light worsted weight yarn) in three colorways:

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

Needles and Notions: The project requires a pair of 3.75mm straight knitting needles (US size 5) for the main construction. Additional notions include a darning or tapestry needle for sewing the knitted pieces together and finishing, plus 2 x 6mm domed black buttons for the eyes, which add realistic detail to the completed toy.

Tension: The pattern specifies a tension of approximately 22 stitches by 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square when working stockinette stitch on 3.75mm needles. However, the pattern notes that exact tension is not critical for this toy project, allowing for some flexibility in individual knitting styles.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is designed for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The inclusion of Kitchener stitch grafting and mattress stitch seaming makes this an excellent project for developing finishing skills and creating professional-looking handmade toys.