This “Bobble and Bubble Penguins” knitting pattern provides instructions for creating two charming penguin toys: Bobble, the larger penguin (16cm tall, or 18cm with hat), and Bubble, the smaller penguin (9cm tall, or 10cm with hat). The pattern is well-suited for knitters with some experience, particularly with intarsia colorwork. Both penguins feature a classic black and white body with yellow beaks and feet, and the pattern includes instructions for knitting small, colorful hats for each penguin.
Both penguins are constructed primarily from a single main piece that forms the body and head. This piece is worked flat, starting from the bottom, and uses the intarsia technique to create the penguin’s white belly. This requires using separate bobbins of yarn for each color section (black and white) and twisting the yarns together at the color changes to prevent holes. Shaping is achieved through increases (kfb – knit front and back) and decreases (k2tog, ssk). The pattern is clearly written, with row-by-row instructions and color changes explicitly noted.
In addition to the main body/head piece, the pattern includes instructions for the beaks, wings, feet, and tails, all knitted separately. The beaks are small, triangular shapes worked in yellow yarn. The wings for the larger penguin have a more complex construction, incorporating both black and white yarn and shaping to create a slightly curved form. The smaller penguin’s wings are simpler, worked entirely in black. The feet are also shaped with decreases and, for the larger penguin, feature a small detail. The tails are small, simple shapes. The hats are optional accessories. The Large Penguin’s is striped, while the Small Penguin’s is a solid colour.
Once all pieces are knitted, the penguins are assembled by seaming and stuffing. Mattress stitch is recommended for neat seams. The facial features for Bobble (the larger penguin) include felt ovals with black beads sewn on top for the eyes. Bubble (the smaller penguin) uses smaller felt circles and beads.
- Measurements:
- Large Penguin (Bobble): 16cm (approx. 6.3 inches) tall without hat; 18cm (approx. 7.1 inches) tall with hat.
- Small Penguin (Bubble): 9cm (approx. 3.5 inches) tall without hat; 10cm (approx. 3.9 inches) tall with hat.
- Skill Level: The pattern doesn’t explicitly state a skill level, but given the intarsia, shaping, and multiple small pieces, it’s best suited for Intermediate knitters. Confident beginners with some experience in colorwork and shaping could likely manage it.
- Materials Needed:
- Yarn: DK (double knitting, light worsted weight, 8 ply) acrylic yarn. The pattern suggests Hayfield Bonus DK, but any similar DK yarn can be used.
- Large Penguin:
- Black (B): Up to 50g
- White (W): Up to 50g
- Yellow: Up to 50g
- Purple (for hat): Up to 50g
- Blue (for hat): Up to 50g
- Small Penguin: Smaller amounts of the same colors (the pattern doesn’t specify exact amounts, but this is a good project for using up scraps).
- Large Penguin:
- Needles: 3.5mm (US 4) single pointed knitting needles (minimum length 20cm).
- Notions:
- Darning or tapestry needle (for seaming)
- Toy filling (200g bag recommended)
- Black beads for eyes:
- Bobble: Two 5mm diameter beads
- Bubble: Two 4mm diameter beads
- White felt fabric (small scraps)
- Sewing needle and thread
- Bobbins (for intarsia colorwork)
- 4cm pompom maker (for the large penguin’s hat)
- Scissors
- Yarn: DK (double knitting, light worsted weight, 8 ply) acrylic yarn. The pattern suggests Hayfield Bonus DK, but any similar DK yarn can be used.
Get the pattern here.
