Product Description
This was my first 'kiwiana' pattern in 2012. I decided this year to add the Rainbow Kiwi - to reflect New Zealand's diversity.
Rainbow and the small kiwis are great stash busters.
The yarn I used for the large kiwi was by Touch Yarns (Mt Pisa) which is unfortunately discontinued, but the beauty of this pattern is that you can pretty much use anything.
The pattern gives 3 sizes, from a big cuddly to a baby palm-of-your-hand size.
The rainbow version was knitted in medium using 9 colour leftovers from my oddments stash. You will need 25m for the beak and legs. The widest stripe needs 20m, so you will need that amount for 4 of your stripes, but the others will obviously take up much less.
Large - requiring: 80m 14ply/chunky 25m 8ply 5mm and 4mm needles
Medium - requiring: 125m total 8ply 3.75mm needles 3.5mm dpns
Baby - requiring: 105m total 4ply 2.5mm dpns
Kim the Kiwi Knitted Toy
What Is Being Made
Kim the Kiwi is a charming knitted toy bird designed by Vicki Stewart for Hillandbenz. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a small, cuddly kiwi bird suitable for children and babies. The design offers multiple size and yarn weight options, making it adaptable for various skill levels and preferences, from quick chunky knits to delicate fine-yarn versions.
Available Versions and Sizing
The pattern provides several construction options to suit different needs:
- 4ply version: Baby size requiring approximately 75 meters of 4ply yarn for the body, with 20 meters in 4ply for the beak and legs (or 40 meters if knitting for small children and babies)
- 8ply version: Mid-weight option with specific instructions marked in red italics throughout the pattern
- 14ply chunky version: The quickest knit option, ideal for those seeking rapid project completion
- Rainbow version: A special color-variation option included in the pattern instructions
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
Kim the Kiwi employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The 4ply version is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st-st), creating a smooth, classic fabric finish. The 14ply chunky version uses garter stitch (knit stitch throughout), producing a textured, bumpy surface that adds visual interest to the larger toy. These basic stitch patterns make the design accessible to newer knitters while still producing an appealing finished toy.
Materials and Tools Required
Kim the Kiwi is designed to use minimal materials, making it an excellent stash-busting project:
- Yarn: Oddments of sock yarn work beautifully for the 4ply version, or use dedicated 4ply, 8ply, or 14ply yarn depending on your chosen size
- Needles: 2.5mm double-pointed needles (dpns) for the 4ply version; appropriate needle sizes scale with yarn weight for 8ply and 14ply versions
- Stuffing: Washable toy stuffing for filling the completed kiwi
- Eyes: 2 buttons or beads for eyes (optional), or contrasting wool for embroidered eyes
- Leg support (4ply and 8ply versions): 3 plastic drinking straws cut to size for structural support in the legs; a small-child friendly alternative version eliminates this requirement
- Leg support (4ply version alternative): 2 cotton buds with buds removed, offering a softer option for the smallest version
Design Features
The pattern is thoughtfully designed with safety and practicality in mind. The inclusion of a small-child friendly leg version for 4ply eliminates the need for straw or cotton bud supports, making it suitable for the youngest crafters and toy recipients. The bright color variegated 4ply option creates particularly sweet results, while the rainbow version adds playful color variation to the design. All versions include clear abbreviations and comprehensive instructions to guide knitters through the construction process.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Fingering, Aran, DK | Light Worsted, Heavy Worsted |
| Pages: | 4 |
| Designer: | hillandbenz |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | For Large and Medium sizes: 3 plastic drinking straws For Baby size: 2 cotton buds (buds cut off) |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
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