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Ammonite (R3)

ammonite formed from a knitted tube

Cuddly ammonites are textured spirals that look good when knitted in subtle natural tones such as greys and blues.

A printable version of this pattern is available.

You will need:

  • 4 ply or sock wool in greys and blues
  • toy stuffing
  • 4 x double ended knitting needles (3mm)
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors

Pattern:

Cast on 6 stitches onto one needle.

(A list of abbreviations is available.)

  1. Round 1: Knit across. (6)
  2. Round 2: Without turning your knitting take the yarn across the back. Knit across is the same direction as for row 1, pulling the first stitch tight. (6)

Repeat the second row 8 more times. This should result in a thin tube of knitting, called i-cord.

Diagram showing formation of i-cord

Rearrange the knitting onto three needles, with two stitches on each. Use your poking device to prod a tiny amount of stuffing into the open mouth of the tube.

Next we will form the tube into a spiral by picking up one stitch every 4th row.

  1. Round 11: Pick up one stitch from the back of the knitted tube. Knit this stitch, then knit to the end of the round. (7)
Diagram showing how to curl the tube for the first picked up stitch.
  1. Round 12: k – (7)
  2. Round 13: p – (7)
  3. Round 14: p – (7)

Use your poking device to prod a little stuffing into the open mouth of the tube.

Repeat the previous 4 rows, stuffing as you go, until there are 24 stitches in total and the tube has formed into a tight spiral. You may need to stop every few increases to redistribute the stitches among the needles.

Diagram showing how the tube curls after more pick ups.

To close the end of the tube and finish the ammonite,

  1. Round 83: k – (24)
  2. Round 84: [k4, k2tog] x 4 (20)
  3. Round 85: [k1, k2tog, k2] x 4 (16)
  4. Round 86: [k2, k2tog] x 4 (12)
  5. Round 87: [k2tog, k1] x 4 (8)
  6. Round 88: k – (8)

Make sure the ammonite is fully stuffed. Cut a tail of yarn, thread through the remaining stitches and pull tight. To finish hide the loose ends of yarn inside the body of the ammonite.

Notes:

Which Stitches Should I Pick Up?

When picking up stitches try to do so in a straight line along the outside of the tube. This is not the same as picking up from the same column of stitches every time because picking up and knitting stitches can twist the tube. Use your own judgement to keep the spiral flat.

Every 4th row 1 stitch is picked up from the knitted tube. This does not mean that the stitches you pick up should be 3 rows apart as this would make the spiral too tight. Similarly do not pick up every stitch along the back of the tube as this is not tight enough. Experiment to see what works for you.

Needle/Yarn Size

As with most ODDknit patterns the yarn and needle sizes in the "you will need" section are just a guide. Feel free to improvise with whatever needles and yarn you have lying around - that's half the fun!