The Whimsical Woodland Fox Squish: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Cozy, Textured Plush Toy
Introducing the Whimsical Woodland Fox Squish
Get ready to knit the coziest, most huggable plush toy you've ever made! The Whimsical Woodland Fox Squish is a free knitting pattern designed to create a soft, textured fox with a gentle gradient and a unique seed stitch body. This modern heirloom toy is perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike, offering a satisfying project that results in a squishy, lovable friend. With its rich burnt orange, creamy white, and charcoal details, this fox will bring warmth and whimsy to any home.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Gauge is not critical for this plush, but consistency in tension will ensure a neat finish.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
- Color A (Burnt Orange): 150 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland)
- Color B (Cream): 50 yards
- Color C (Charcoal): 20 yards
- Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (or size to match gauge)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, polyfill stuffing, stitch markers (optional), scissors
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit flat). Gauge is not critical, but consistency is key.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Note: This pattern is worked flat in pieces and seamed together. The body uses a simple seed stitch for a cozy, nubby texture. Read all instructions before beginning.
Body (Make 2 identical pieces)
With Color A (Burnt Orange), cast on 20 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.
- Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.
- Repeat Rows 1-2 for seed stitch until piece measures 6 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Head:
- Next Row (RS): K1, P1, k2tog, work in seed stitch to last 4 stitches, k2tog, P1, K1. (18 sts)
- Next Row (WS): Work even in seed stitch (no decreases).
- Repeat these 2 rows 3 more times. (12 sts)
- Next Row (RS): K1, P1, k2tog, work to last 4 sts, k2tog, P1, K1. (10 sts)
- Next Row (WS): Work even.
- Repeat last 2 rows once more. (8 sts)
- Bind off all stitches loosely. Weave in ends.
Ears (Make 2)
With Color A, cast on 6 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 3: K1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1. (4 sts)
- Row 4: Purl all.
- Row 5: K2tog twice. (2 sts)
- Row 6: P2tog. (1 st)
- Cut yarn, pull through last stitch. Weave in ends.
Tail
With Color A, cast on 10 stitches.
- Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) for 4 inches.
- Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1. (8 sts)
- Next Row (WS): Purl all.
- Next Row: K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1. (6 sts)
- Next Row: Purl all.
- Next Row: K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1. (4 sts)
- Next Row: Purl all.
- Bind off. Weave in ends.
Face Details
With Color B (Cream), cut a small oval shape (approx 1.5 x 1 inch) from felt or use duplicate stitch to create a white muzzle on one body piece. With Color C (Charcoal), embroider a small triangle nose and two closed eyes (using backstitch) on the muzzle. For a cleaner look, use a tapestry needle and yarn to duplicate stitch the muzzle directly onto the knitted fabric.
Assembly
- Place the two body pieces together with right sides facing out (or in, for a neater seam). Using a tapestry needle and Color A yarn, whipstitch around the edges, leaving a 3-inch opening at the bottom.
- Turn right side out (if seamed inside) and stuff firmly with polyfill. Sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch or whipstitch.
- Sew the ears to the top of the head, about 1 inch apart. Position them slightly angled outward for a playful look.
- Sew the tail to the back bottom edge of the body, centered or slightly to one side.
- Weave in all remaining ends securely.
Your Whimsical Woodland Fox Squish is now complete! Enjoy your cozy, textured plush toy, perfect for cuddling or gifting.
