Knitting teddy bear

[alyanome]

I've knitted one teddy bear and a bunny from ready pattern and have viewed some but thought they were rather screwy so I decided to try my own style

I bought this thin grizzly alpaca yarn which seemed to be best choice from what the shops have in my town and began the project.

I've been knitting the simple front side knits and back side purls and casting stitches to make muzzle and round shape and then decreasing for top of the head.

Only thing is I forgot to make notes on how many stitches on which row so I have to do some counting on the other side of the head.

Here's the finished side:

http://alyanomen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Yuki%20and%20Viola/Hassutassun%20Nallet/paa.jpg/full

[shebob bears]

That head is superb! :6086: Alpaca is such a lovely soft yarn, and when ted is completed you could raise the pile by giving him a light brushing all over.

Do show us a photo of him when completed, and make notes as you go along and you can build up a pattern library of knitted teddies.

Cheers,
Sheila

[alyanome]

Sheila, I'm not sure the yarn would like brushing, since the hair is included in small chains into it.

I finished making gusset, I'm not sure I'm happy with the result but I can shape it with needle when sewing the head peaces together if needed.
I started from muzzle since then I didn't have to cast so many stitches and sharp end is easier to make by decreasing them.

As you can see light is giving me hard time to show the right color of the yarn, should take the photos during daylight. Also only lens I can use isn't the best one.

http://alyanomen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Yuki%20and%20Viola/Hassutassun%20Nallet/gusset.jpg/full

[Rich1988]

Wow, that's really clever and looks to be amazing.
Can't wait to see the outcome. Good luck in finishing him.

Richard
x

[alyanome]

I just found fantastic yarn for a next teddy bear! Need to hurry up with the first one to get going on with next one. :D Been knitting the body.

[alyanome]

I knitted few parts more, here's pics:

http://alyanomen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Yuki%20and%20Viola/Hassutassun%20Nallet/vartalo.jpg/full
The body is one piece, neck is open.

http://alyanomen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Yuki%20and%20Viola/Hassutassun%20Nallet/nenu.jpg/full
Head stitched into one piece.

http://alyanomen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Yuki%20and%20Viola/Hassutassun%20Nallet/etutassut.jpg/full
Arms. I'm not sure if these are going to look good, might have to knit two pieces shaped like as if cut from fabric.

[shebob bears]

Your knitted pieces are looking really good. For the arms, I'm sure if you insert pipe cleaners - possible folded in half to give more strength and insert them in with the stuffing, that will give you lots of poseability for the limbs.

Keep up the good work,
Sheila

[alyanome]

Gee, it's been ages! I got carried away with knitting, a lot. But now I'm back on this project, legs are coming very slowwwly because I decide to remake them over and over again. x) (I have to start new ones every time I decide the one I'm knitting is no good, because the yarn is so difficult.)

[alyanome]

Okay-dokay, Pekka is somewhat ready!

http://alyanomen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Yuki%20and%20Viola/Hassutassun%20Nallet/DSC01067.jpg/full

He just needs a facial lift first. :P Forgot about best way to make that nose.

[Judi Russell]

Aw, he looks so cute hiding under the cats scratching post :)

[Rich1988]

No way! You knitted him? You wouldn't even tell. What a cute fella. Well done.

Richard
x

[dutchy.bears]

He's cute, well done on making up your own knitting pattern. Doesn't matter how long he took he's finally finished. What kind of joints does he have??
Did you find he streched when stuffing? I couldn't stuff my knitted bears very hard, scared the stuffing would start coming out at least be visisible.

-xxx-
Annette

[alyanome]

Thanks everyone. :)

Yeah, he's bit "loose"... I'm trying to figure out what kind of knit would make more firm material. Though legs were easier to fill.
I used basic cotter pin joints (hardboard), though not on neck.

[dutchy.bears]

I was thinking, there is wool out there which "felts" when you wash it (I think), it could be slightly less stretchy or you may have to back the knitting with material, could create an interesting effect. I can't really think of a non stretch knit stitch. Do you know who may have the answer knittingPat but she hasn't been online for ages.

-xxx-
Annette

[alyanome]

Well, when I was making horse scarf I noticed that using two or more yarns at the same time makes it less stretchy. Also noticed that some people knit toys with doubleknit. Might be the answer. :)