Dog finger puppet pattern: new version

I had requests for a version of my dog finger puppet knitting pattern that includes instructions for knitting flat on straight needles. So here it is:

PATTERN FOR A KNITTED DOG FINGER PUPPET

This is a knitting pattern for a dog finger puppet that should fit most children and adults. It can be knitted flat or “in the round”. I have included instructions for both methods. The benefits of knitting “in the round” are a neater finish and minimum seaming.

You will need

dk yarn in dog colours: brown, beige, grey etc

dk yarn in bright colours for the scarf

3mm straight knitting needles if knitting flat

black embroidery thread for facial features

soft toy filling for the head

3mm double pointed knitting needles if knitting “in the round”

Body and head

With 3mm needles cast on 18 stitches.

Rows 1 – 4: knit every row. This makes a garter stitch hem.

If knitting flat:

Rows 5 – 35: continue in stocking stitch commencing with a purl row.

(If you want a different colour head, change colours on row 26.)

If knitting “in the round”:

Change to 3mm double pointed knitting needles.

Rounds 5 – 35: knit every round. This makes a stocking stitch body and head.

(If you want a different colour head, change colours on round 26.)

Row or round 36: knit 2 together to end of round.

Draw a thread through remaining 9 stitches. Pull tight and sew firmly.

With right sides together, close the seam.

Turn right sides out and stuff the head with soft toy filling. Draw a thread around the neck. Pull tight and sew very firmly so that there is no access to the stuffing.

Scarf

Cast on 30 stitches.

Cast off all stitches on next row.

Sew scarf on to the puppet.

Ears (make 2)

Cast on 4 stitches.

Rows 1 – 7: knit every row.

Row 8: knit 2 together to end of row.

Cast off.

Sew ears to either side of head.

Face

Embroider facial features.