609 Fairy Floss Teddy

How to Knit the Fairy Floss Teddy

Knit a soft, classic teddy using this simple stocking-stitch pattern. The teddy is worked as two matching pieces, with the legs, body, arms, head and ears shaped as part of each piece before the Front and Back are joined together and stuffed.

This straightforward construction makes the project suitable for knitters who are comfortable with casting on, casting off, stocking stitch, garter stitch and basic finishing.

Tension

15 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over stocking st, using 5mm needles.

Front and back (make 2 alike)

Beg first leg

Using 5mm needles, cast on 10 sts.

Work 22 rows stocking st. Break off yarn and leave sts on a stitch holder or spare needle.

Beg second leg

Using 5mm needles, cast on 10 sts.

Work 22 rows stocking st.

Join legs

Knit across sts from second leg, then knit across sts from first leg ... 20 sts.

Beg body

Work 7 rows stocking st,

beg with a purl row. Cast on for arms

Next row: Cast on 11 sts, knit to end.

Next row: Cast on 11 sts, purl to end

... 42 sts.

Work 12 rows stocking st.

Next row: Cast off 11 sts, knit to end.

Next row: Cast off 11 sts, purl to end

... 20 sts. Work 2 rows stocking st.

Beg head

Knit 2 rows garter st.

Work 14 rows stocking st.

Beg ears

Next row: K7, cast off next 6 sts, knit to end.

Working on last 7 sts only, work 5 rows stocking st, beg with a purl row.

Cast off.

With wrong side facing, join yarn to rem 7 sts and work 5 rows stocking st, beg with a purl row. Cast off.

Finishing

Join outside edges of Front and Back tog, leaving top of the head open for stuffing.

Attach safety eyes and embroider Teddy's nose and mouth. Fill firmly and close opening. Sew a thread through garter st rows at beg of head and gather in to form a neck. Sew in all ends.

Alternative Yarns

The original pattern does not specify the yarn fibre, yarn weight or quantity in the supplied PDF. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a yarn that allows you to achieve the original tension of 15 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over stocking st using 5mm needles.

Suitable Yarn Types

• Soft acrylic yarn – a practical, easy-care choice for a knitted toy.
• Wool blend – provides warmth, softness and good stitch definition.
• Machine-washable wool – suitable where a natural fibre is preferred with easier care.
• Cotton blend – creates a firmer fabric with clear stitch definition, although the finished teddy may have less stretch.

Customisation Ideas

• Change the colour to create traditional brown, cream, pastel or brightly coloured teddies.
• Add a ribbon around the finished neck after the neck has been gathered securely.
• Embroider facial features instead of using safety eyes when making the teddy for a very young child.
• Add simple clothing such as a knitted scarf or removable miniature accessory.
• Use contrasting yarn to embroider the nose and mouth for a more defined facial expression.

Keep the original stitch counts and row counts unchanged when substituting colours or adding decorative details if you wish to retain the original proportions of the teddy.

Care Instructions

Follow the washing and care instructions provided for the yarn used to make the teddy.

1. Ensure all seams and yarn ends are securely finished before use.
2. Check attached eyes and decorative features regularly.
3. Use gentle washing where appropriate for the selected yarn and stuffing.
4. Avoid excessive heat that may damage synthetic fibres or toy filling.
5. Reshape the teddy gently while damp.
6. Allow the teddy to dry completely before storing or using again.