LAN_ChickenKnittingPattern

EASY-TO-KNIT
CHICKEN
DOORSTOP

MATERIALS FOR
ONE CHICKEN
• 100g Aran yarn for the main body
• 50g Aran yarn for contrasting base
• Small amount of DK yarn in red
and golden brown for the comb
and beak
• 5½mm (UK 5) and 4mm (UK 8)
knitting needles
• Tapestry needle
• Toy stuffing
• Gravel in small bag to weigh
doorstop
A FARMYARD
HELPMATE
With its cheerful, eye-catching comb and beak,
this sturdy knitted hen is perfect for propping
open doors to let the fresh air in as days warm up
THE PATTERN
Pattern notes
The chickens can be knitted in any
Aran weight yarn. These were both
made with West Yorkshire Spinners
100 per cent Shetland/British wool:
Red chicken: The Croft – Wild
Shetland, in Fired Earth.
Grey chicken: The Croft – Shetland
Colours, in Lunna.
Base: The base of both chickens
was knitted in Jacob Fleece, in
Medium Grey.
Tension: Tension is not crucial in
this project.
Abbreviations
DK – double knit
k – knit
rs – right side
ws – wrong side
m1 – pick up the horizontal bar (between
the stitch on the left needle and the stitch
on the right needle) with the left needle,
and knit into the back of the stitch. It is
important to make the new stitch twisted,
to avoid creating a hole (increase)
st(s) – stitch(es)
rpt – repeat
k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
rem – remaining
Chicken (side 1)
*Using 5½mm needles and Aran yarn,
cast on 34sts (starting at base).
Row 1: k (RS)
Row 2: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1
Rows 3-14: rpt row 1 and 2, 6 times
(48sts)
Rows 15-22: k
Change to contrast Aran yarn.
Rows 23-60: k**
Shape tail (RS facing).
Next row: k12, k2tog, turn, work on these
13sts only, leave rem sts on needle
Next row: k2tog, k to end
Next row: k to last 2sts, k2tog
Rpt last 2 rows until 4sts rem.
Cast off.
With RS facing, rejoin yarn and cast off.
15sts, k to end (19sts).
K12 rows.
Next row: k2tog, k to end
Rpt last row, 9 times (9sts).
Cast off.
Chicken (side 2)
Work from * to **
K1 row.
Continue as side 1 to shape tail (WS).
Note: When rejoining yarn to cast off 15sts,
WS will be facing.
Make up body
Sew 2 sides together, matching head and
tail. Stuff until firm and insert bag of gravel
into the base to create weight. Refer to
photo as a guide. ❯
The comb and beak are attached
along the seam where the front and
back of the body are joined.
The base of the chicken is knitted in a
contrasting yarn. Choosing one that is
less likely to show any dirt is advisable.
101

Comb (make 2)
Using 4mm needles and DK yarn, cast on 10sts.
Rows 1-4: k
Row 5: cast off 7sts, k to end (3sts)
Row 6: k
Row 7: cast on 7sts, k to end (10sts)
Rows 8-10: k
Rpt rows 5-10, twice.
Cast off.
Make up comb
Sew 2 sides together. Stuff lightly and sew to top
of head. Refer to photo as a guide.
Beak (make 2)
Using 4mm needles and DK yarn, cast on 10sts.
Rows 1-2: k
Row 3: k1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1 (8sts)
Row 4: k
Row 5: k1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1 (6sts)
Row 6: k
Row 7: k1, k2tog, k2tog, k1 (4sts)
Row 8: k
Row 9: k2tog, k2tog (2sts)
Row 10: k2tog (1st)
Fasten off.
Make up beak
Sew 2 sides together. Stuff lightly and sew to
front of head. Refer to photo as a guide.
• Pattern: Marisa Bailey • Photography: Richard Faulks
102

Stay in touch with
Sign up to our free newsletter today and the very best
of Britain will be delivered directly to your inbox!
www.landscapemagazine.co.uk/newsletter
We bring you a
selection of...
• Seasonal recipes exclusive
to the newsletter
• Inspirational gardens
brimming with beauty
• Fascinating discoveries from
our countryside and heritage
Stay connected
@landscapemag
• What’s to come in
the latest issue
• The best offers and competitions
• Simple craft projects to try
@_LandScapemag
@landscapemag
Photography: House of Food; Richard Faulks; Shutterstock