Jaxon Toy Knitting Pattern

Jaxon Toy in Berroco Vintage

What Is Being Made

Jaxon is an intermediate-level knitted toy hedgehog designed by Mel Kennelly. This stuffed animal measures approximately 18½ inches (47 cm) around and 9 inches (23 cm) long, making it a substantial handmade companion piece. The hedgehog is constructed as a three-dimensional figure using circular knitting techniques, creating a soft, cuddly toy suitable for display or play.

Construction Method

The hedgehog is constructed in the round from the nose to the bottom, ensuring seamless integration of all pieces. This approach creates a cohesive structure where the facial features and body develop continuously as you work outward from the center point. The toy is worked using small circumference circular knitting, which requires either double-pointed needles or preferred needles designed for working small circumferences.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Seed Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the toy, creating a textured, bumpy fabric that provides visual interest and structural integrity
• Yarn Holding: Two strands of yarn are held together throughout the entire project—one strand each of the two Berroco Vintage colors—which creates a blended, multi-tonal appearance while achieving the correct gauge
• Increase Techniques: The pattern uses kfb (knit front and back) and M1 (make one) increases to shape the toy's three-dimensional form, particularly in the facial area
• Circular Knitting: Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates seamless fabric, essential for a polished toy construction
• Stitch Marker Placement: Removable stitch markers help track the beginning of round and maintain proper stitch distribution

Yarn and Materials

The Jaxon toy pattern calls for specific Berroco yarns to achieve the intended finished measurements and texture:

• Berroco Vintage: One 100-gram hank each of color #5179 Chocolate (main color) and color #5104 Mushroom (contrast color). These two colors are held together as a single strand throughout the project
• Berroco Aerial: One 25-gram ball of color #3433 Copper, also used as a main color and held together with the Vintage yarns
• Needles: One 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 5 / 3.75 mm, plus one set of double-pointed needles or preferred small circumference needles, also in size 5 / 3.75 mm
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, removable stitch markers for tracking rounds, polyester stuffing to fill the completed toy, two 10mm circle safety eyes, and one 12mm oval safety nose for facial features

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rounds equals 4 inches (10 cm) in Seed stitch when using one strand each of the main color yarns held together. This gauge is measured after blocking, emphasizing the importance of blocking for accurate finished measurements. Checking gauge before beginning ensures that your completed toy will match the intended 18½-inch circumference and 9-inch length.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with circular knitting, working with multiple strands held together, and executing various increase techniques. The construction method of working from nose to bottom requires attention to stitch distribution and proper marker placement to maintain shape throughout the project.