Flat Knit Plush Penguin Knitting Pattern
Flat Knit Plush Penguin Knitting Pattern- this festive friend is knit entirely on straight needles making it ideal for beginners!
Plush animals patterns are usually reserved for intermediate and advanced knitters since they require double point needles and a fair amount of shaping. Not this cute penguin! It’s knit using straight needles with minimal shaping. The wings are knit separately and then attached. A festive peppermint stripe scarf is the finishing touch.
This knit penguin is great for Christmas decor or as a present for kids this holiday season. (note- if you are giving this to a small child, sew on the eyes instead of using button or beads as eyes)
Looking for more flat knit stuffed animal knitting patterns?
Easy Plush Owl Knitting Pattern
One Square Plush Bunny Knitting Pattern
Easy Plush Cat Knitting Pattern
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Flat Knit Plush Penguin Knitting Pattern
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Black (#4 worsted weight yarn) and in Linen, Loops & Threads Impeccable in Cherry
Needles: Size US 7 Single point knitting needles
Also needed: fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, plastic eyes
Gauge: not necessary for this project
Penguin measures approximately 10 inches tall
Pattern instructions:
For the penguin body:
(note- this piece starts at the head and works down)
With the black yarn (A), cast on 8 sts.
Row 1 (Right Side): K1, [kfb] 6 times, k1 (14 sts)
Row 2: Purl across.
Row 3: K1, [k1, kfb] 6 times, k1 (20 sts)
Row 4: Purl across.
Round 5: K1, [k2, kfb] 6 times, k1 (26 sts)
Row 6: Purl across
Row 7: K1, [k3, kfb] 6 times, k1 (32 sts)
Row 8: Purl across
Row 9: K1, [k4, kfb] 6 times, k1 (38 sts)
Row 10: Purl across.
(note- starting at row 11, begin working with the white yarn (B). Carry the color yarn not being used forward (stranded knitting technique)
Row 11: With A, k15; with B, k3; with A, k2; with B, k3; with A, k15.
Row 12: With A, p13; with B, p12; with A, p13.
Row 13: With A, k13; with B, k12; with A, k13.
Row 14: With A, p13; with B, p12; with A, p13.
Row 15: With A, k13; with B, k12; with A, k13.
Row 16: With A, p13; with B, p12; with A, p13.
Row 17: With A, k13; with B, k12; with A, k13.
Row 18 (Decrease row): With A, p1, [p4, p2tog] twice; with B, [p4, p2tog] twice; with A, [p4, p2tog] twice, p1 (32 sts)
Row 19: With A, k11; with B, k10; with A, k11.
Row 20: With A, p11; with B, p10; with A, p11
Body:
Row 1: With A, k11; with B, k10; with A, k11
Row 2: With A, p11; with B, p10; with A, p11.
Row 3 (Increase): With A, k1, [kfb, k4] twice; with B, kfb, k8, kfb; with A, [k4, kfb] twice; k1 (38 sts)
Row 4: With A, p13; with B, p12; with A, p13.
Row 5: With A, k13; with B, k12; with A, k13.
Row 6: With A, p13; with B, p12; with A, p13.
Row 7: With A, k13; with B, k12; with A, k13.
Row 8: With A, p13; with B, p12; with A, p13.
Repeat Rows 5-8 5 more times; work Rows 5 and 6 one more time. Cut B; continue with A.
Work 2 rows even in St st.
Row 1: K1, [k4, k2tog] 6 times, k1 (32 sts)
Row 2: Purl across.
Row 3: K1, [k3, k2tog] 6 times, k1 (26 sts).
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: K1, [k2, k2tog] 6 times, k1 (20 sts)
Row 6: Purl across.
Row 7: K1, [k1, k2tog] 6 times, k1 (14 sts).
Row 8: Purl across.
Row 9: K1, [k2tog] 6 times, k1 (8 sts)
Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Pull to gather. See step-by-step instructions below for assembly.
For the wing pieces:
(make 2)
With the black yarn, cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette stitch until the piece 4 inches from the cast-on edge.
See step-by-step instructions below for assembly.
For the scarf:
Cast on 8 sts. Work in stockinette stitch and alternate yarn color between the red and the white on every right side row to create knit stripes. Carry the yarn you are not using up the side of the scarf. Work in stockinette stitch until the scarf measures 17 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off and weave in ends.
How to assemble the knit penguin
Fold the penguin over and sew the back seam leaving 2-3 inches open so it can be stuffed.
Stuff the penguin with fiberfill and finish sewing the seam. Secure with a small knot.
Wrap the scarf around the neck and stitch at the cross over section to secure.
Fold the wing over and sew the seam along the side.
Sew the wings on below the scarf. Add the eyes and embroider on a beak using yellow yarn.
Looking for more free Christmas knitting patterns like this penguin softie?
How to Knit Easy Mini Christmas Stockings
Easy Candy Cane Swirl Hat- Women and Kids Sizes
Easy Christmas Tree Knitting Pattern
Looking for holiday crafts?
How to Make Scented Scrap Fabric Christmas Trees- 2 Ways.
How to Make Yarn Wrapped Christmas Ornaments
Easy Wood Burned Gift Tags or Christmas Ornaments
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this Flat Knit Plush Penguin Knitting Pattern or any of my other free Christmas knitting patterns, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, just tag me @ginamicheleblog. Happy holiday knitting!
