These adorable fairy and elf figures are perfect for adding a touch of handmade magic to your Christmas decorations. They are knit primarily in stockinette stitch, with some garter stitch and simple shaping. The patterns include detailed instructions for creating each character, including their clothing, accessories, and distinctive features. Please note that these are not suitable for babies and children under 3., due to small parts.
Both the patterns below follow this structure:
These projects use multiple different skills and components.
This pattern is rated as intermediate. While the individual stitches are not complex, the patterns involve working in the round (for some parts), shaping, picking up stitches, creating small pieces (ears, arms, legs), and assembling the various components. Some experience with these techniques is recommended. You will require a 4.5, and 3.75 mm knitting needles, tapestry needles, stitch holders and stuffing.
Skill Level: Intermediate (Shaping, small parts, seaming, working in the round – optional)
Materials (for BOTH Fairy and Elf):
- Stylecraft Alpaca DK (80% acrylic, 20% alpaca; 240m/100g)
- 1 x 100g ball in Cream (shade 6010) – (A)
- 1 x 100g ball in Blush (shade 1668) – (B)
- 1 x 100g ball in Red (shade 6022) – (C)
- 1 x 100g ball in Olive (shade 6021) – (D)
- 1 x 100g ball in Bark (shade 6019) – (E)
- (Note: This quantity of wool makes BOTH toys and the complete set of decorations from issue 105)
- 3.75mm (UK 9, US 5) and 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) knitting needles
Notions
- 2m pale pink organza ribbon
- 1m narrow pink/sparkly ribbon
- 3 tiny silver bells
- Safety stuffing
- Tapestry needle
Finished Measurements (Both):
- Approx. 20cm in height (sitting)
Pattern Considerations (For Both Fairy and Elf):
- Gauge: Exact gauge is not essential, but ensure your fabric is dense enough to stuff firmly so the stuffing doesn’t show through. Consistent tension is important for achieving the correct size and proportions.
- Yarn Substitution: If substituting yarn, use a DK weight yarn with a similar fiber content (acrylic/alpaca blend). Always check your tension to ensure a firm fabric.
- Small Parts: These decorations involve small parts (bells, ribbon) and are therefore not suitable for babies or young children under 3 years old. If making for a child, omit the bells and ensure all parts are very securely attached.
- Seaming: Use a neat and invisible seaming method, such as mattress stitch, for all seams.
- StuffingStuff.
- Embroidery: The facial features are embroidered. Use a simple back stitch or satin stitch for the eyes and mouth. French knots were specified earlier, as another option.
- Color Changes: Yarn Colors are labeled with letters.
- Optional In the Round: While the pattern specifies flat knitting for most parts, experienced knitters could adapt the arms, legs, and even the head/body to be worked in the round on double-pointed needles (dpns) or using the magic loop method to avoid seaming. If doing so, adjust the stitch counts and shaping instructions accordingly.
