P O L L Y PO LIPO ＡN ＯＣＴOＰUＳ TＯY KNIＴ IN THＥ ROUND
GAUGE You can knit this toy at any gauge. The size of the nished octopus is dependent on your gauge Samples are knit using organic Merino yarn hand dyed by Mosaic Moon at 5 stitches to the inch (above) and Muench Yarns Touch Me wol/viscose chenille at 4 stitches to the inch (following page). I recommend kniting tightly as the finished item will be stuffed. MATERIALS Approximately 2 oz. of any yarn Approximately 2 yards of worsted weight yarn for embroidering facial features Wo roving, polyfll yarn scraps, ec. as flling Tapestry needle Double pointed needles or longer circular needle in size needed to obtain chosen gauge
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PATTERN
BODY
Cast on 8 stitches. Join for working in the round. Row 1: Knit all stitches. Row 2: \* K1, m1; repeat from \* (16 stitches). Row 3: Knit all stitches. Row 4: \* K2, ml; repeat from \* (24 stitches). Row 5: Knit all stitches. Row 6: \* K3, ml; repeat from \* (32 stitches). Row 7: Knit all stitches. Row 8: \* K4, ml; repeat from \* (40 stitches). Rows 9-20: Knit all stitches. Row 21: \* K2tog; repeat from \* (20 stitches). Row 22: Knit all stitches. Row 23: \* K2tog; repeat from \* (10 stitches). Row 24: Knit all stitches. Row 25: \* K2tog; repeat from \* (5 stitches). Do not bind off. Snip yarn, leaving $6^{\circ}$ tail.
STUFFING
Using wool roving, polyfill, yarn scraps, or whatever you choose to fill the toy, stuff through the small opening until the body of the octopus is firm. Thread tapestry needle with yarn tail and thread through the live stitches, removing them from the needles. Cinch closed. Tie a small knot and stick the needle through the center opening (which should be rather tightly cinched together) pulling the knot through into the closed body of the octopus. Poke the needle through the body of the octopus, pulling the yarn taut, and snip the end. Allow the remaining tail to retract into the octopus, hiding it. This is the bottom of the octopus's body. Hide cast on tail at top of octopus's head in the same manner. Set aside.
LEGS
Cast on 10 stitches. Join for working in the round. Knit all stitches for 24 rows. Snip yarn and cinch closed. Knot yarn and pull through in manner described above. Lightly stuff each leg and sew cast on end closed using any method which is comfortable to you. Sew the legs closed fHat so that each leg is 5 stitches wide.
FINISHING
At approximately row 20, just before beginning the decreases for the base of the octopus's body, begin to attach the legs by sewing the fat edge securely to the body. Thread your tapestry needle with your worsted weight yarn and embroider eyes and a mouth, or any facial features you desire. Alternately, you can purchase and use plastic safety eyes, buttons, or other ornamentation.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
$\copyright$ 2006 Marnie Ann Joyce. All rights reserved. Reproduction for distribution or any purpose other than a working copy for individual use is strictly prohibited. Items created from this pattern are not for resale or trade. If you're interested in selling items made from this pattern for profit, or donating items for charity or other fundraising efforts, please contact Curly Purly. http://urlypurly.com marnie@curlypurly.cvom PO Box 20886 New York, NY 10009
