Platypus with a Skirt

Platypus with a Skirt and Suspender Basket

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted stuffed toy platypus designed by Barbara Prime, standing approximately 20cm (8") tall. The project features a charming platypus character complete with a skirt and suspender basket accessory, making it a whimsical handmade toy suitable for display or gifting.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project using the knitting craft exclusively. The design employs fundamental knitting techniques to construct a three-dimensional stuffed toy, combining shaping methods with embellishment details to create a finished character piece.

Stitches and Shaping Techniques Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches and shaping methods throughout construction:

• Garter stitch – used for foundational rows to create texture and structure
• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used for most of the body, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric surface
• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches – the fundamental building blocks of the pattern
• Decrease stitches – ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) – used strategically to shape the platypus body and create tapered sections
• Increase stitches – m1 (make one) – employed to add volume and shape specific areas of the toy
• Embroidery – black yarn is used to embroider claws around the flattened foot edge, adding fine detail work

Materials and Specifications

The project requires the following materials:

• Yarn: 50g of worsted weight yarn in brown (main color), 10g of worsted weight yarn in grey (contrast color)
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (US size 6) knitting needles
• Notions and Finishing: Polyester stuffing for toy filling, one pair of 9mm black safety eyes (or buttons as alternative), black yarn for embroidered claw details, tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery, straight pins for assembly
• Gauge: 5.5 stitches and 8 rows per 2.5cm (1 inch) in stockinette stitch

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

This pattern is designed for intermediate knitters and uses 3-ply and worsted weight yarns. The intermediate difficulty reflects the combination of basic shaping techniques, color changes between main and contrast colors, assembly of multiple pieces, and the embroidery work required for finishing details like the claws.

Construction Method

The platypus is constructed through a series of knitted rows that incorporate strategic increases and decreases to shape the body. The pattern demonstrates typical toy knitting construction, where pieces are knitted flat, then seamed together. The leg section is left partially open for stuffing before being closed, a common technique in amigurumi-style toy making. Color changes from grey to brown yarn occur mid-project to create visual interest and definition in the finished toy.