Buttoneyes Owl

Buttoneyes Owl

A little yarn, little time project

Materials:
US6 needles (2 dpns work well as this is a small project)
20 yards worsted/aran weight yarn (Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool used in example)
2 small buttons
contrasting yarn for decoration
2 darning needles

Cast on 20 stitches. Row-by-row knitting instructions:
1) *Knit 1, Purl 1* for entire row.
2 and all even rows through row 18) Purl.
3) Knit.
5) K3, SSK, K2Tog, K6, SSK, K2Tog, K3 (16 stitches)
7) K7, P2, K7.
9) K6, P4, K6.
11) K2, SSK, K2Tog, P4, SSK, K2Tog, K2 (12 stitches)
13) Knit.
15) Knit.
17) K1, SSK, K2Tog, K2, SSK, K2Tog, K1

Making foofy ears

After purling row 18, make foofy ears: cut yarn, leaving a generous tail (tail will be used for seaming owl as well as making ears). Thread the first darning needle with tail, then pass the darning needle through the first four loops, then slip them gently off the knitting needle. Take a stitch back at the base of the first loop to bring the first and fourth loop together, but do not draw the loops tight. Wrap the yarn once or twice around the base of the loops to make the ear, and take a stitch or two as needed to secure. Repeat the process for the second ear. Leave the yarn on the darning needle.

Whoo's adorable?

Make the face: thread contrasting yarn onto a second darning needle (check to make sure this needle will go through the holes in the buttons you’re using for eyes). Sew on eyes, and make a small V between the eyes for a beak. Add eyebrows if you like them. Secure and cut the yarn.

Seam the body: Returning to the first darning needle, seam the back of the owl with mattress stitch, making sure bottom edges match up. Secure yarn ends.

Winging it

Add wings: Pick up four stitches on side of the body, half way between the top and bottom of the owl. Knit four rows, then K2Tog twice (2 stitches on needle), turn, K2Tog (1 stitch on needle), break yarn, and secure yarn ends. Repeat on the other side, making sure wings are even.

Now what?

The owl makes a fine fingerpuppet, or it will stand on its own on a shelf. You could stuff it and sew up the bottom, maybe with catnip for a cat toy, or add a pinback or keyring.

This is probably not a useful purpose.