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Echinocorys (R3)

echinocorys echinoid fossil

The echinocorys is an echinoid, a type of fossil sea-urchin. Depending on the amount of wear there can be more details than shown here, or none at all.

A printable version of this pattern is available.

You will need:

  • 4 ply or sock wool in pale neutral shade
  • toy stuffing
  • 4 x double ended knitting needles (2.75mm)
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors

Pattern:

(A list of abbreviations is available.)

Cast on 40 sts and join into the round.

  1. Round 1: k –
  2. Round 2: [k5, p1, k1, p1] x 5

Repeat rows 1 and 2 seven more times.

  1. Round 17: [k2, k2tog, k4] x 5 (35)
  2. Round 18: k4, p1, k1, p1]
  3. Round 19: [k5, k2tog] x 5 (30)
  4. Round 20: [k4, p2] x 5
  5. Round 21: k –
  6. Round 22: k4, p2] x 5
  7. Round 23: [k2tog, k2tog, k2] x 5 (20)
  8. Round 24: [k2, p2tog] x 5 (15)
  9. Round 25: [k1, k2tog] x 5 (10)

Thread yarn through remaining stitches.

The base is worked in the flat, in two halves which are sew together.

Starting in the middle of one of the pattern ribs, pick up 20 sts along the bottom edge of the knitted dome.

Turn and work the following series of short rows:

  • p18 w&t/
  • k16 w&t/
  • p14 w&t/
  • k12 w&t/
  • p10 w&t/
  • k8 w&t/
  • p6 w&t/
  • k4 w&t/
  • p –

Leaving these stitches on a needle, pick up the remaining 20 sts along the cast on edge of the dome. Repeat the short rows as above.

You should now have two sets of 20 stitches, each one on a different needle. Stuff the echinoid and join the two sides of the base together with kitchener stitch.

Making Up:

Embroider a little ridge at either end of the seam on the base. This makes the echinocorys more anatomically correct but can also hid a scruffy start or end to your kitchener stitch.

Diagram showing how to embroider the base of the echinoid

Sew in any remaining loose ends.

Notes:

Short Rows

Short rows are used to shape knitting. At their most basic they are made by working part of a row, turning, and then working back in the opposite direction. Turning the knitting in the middle of a row can create a small hole so we work a wrap and turn (w&t/) to close the gap.

See short rows in notes for more information.

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!