This pattern was inspired by the Kirin, a chimera that appears in mythologies from several Asian cultures including China (qilin 麒麟), Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Although each culture has its own spin on this creature, it is typically depicted as a four-legged creature with the body of a deer or other ungulate and may have dragon-like features like horns, scales, and flowing manes. In Chinese mythology, they are said to appear with the arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler.

In worsted weight yarn with a 4mm hook, the finished Kirin is 9-10” tall.

TUTORIAL VIDEO for short rows: https://youtu.be/B3TUW99UdTw

Materials

• This pattern is made in a single weight of yarn, so it can easily be adapted for a lighter or chunkier yarn as you wish. Just be sure to use the right hook to make your stitches nice and tight so no stuffing shows through. The examples in this pattern are made in worsted yarn, with some variation in thickness.

• I recommend using a length of scrap yarn as a stitch marker. Remember that the marker will naturally spiral around your work as you go, so don’t mistake it for the center of the creature!

• At least 240yds of medium or worsted weight yarn for Body, Legs, Head, Tail, and Ears (pattern testers used between 200 and 255 yards)

• 8yds of yarn for antlers

• ~40 yards of an accent color yarn for optional scale pieces and tail frill

• 4mm hook

• 3mm hook (recommended for antlers)

• Plastic stitch markers for marking specific stitches

• Polyfill stuffing

• Safety eyes (I used 16mm when using worsted yarn and a 4mm hook)

• Armature or floral wire for tail and legs I prefer to use armature wire (usually 12 gauge), but many other makers use floral wire stems.

• Needle for sewing pieces together – I prefer to use a sharp one, others prefer a blunt darning needle.

Optional Materials

• 20mm round glass cabochon to put in the bottom of the hooves for stability

• Roving-style yarn (e.g. Loops and
  Threads Facets, Lion Brand Landscapes, or Red Heart Unforgettable) for the
  tail, hoof floof, and optional mane.

• Pet slicker brush for combing out
  tail/mane yarn

• Needlefelting needle for attaching
  hoof floof or doing other decorations

• 3D printed horns and other accessories like those available from
  Bextraordinary Creatures

• Other embellishments like rhinestones, fabric paint, embroidery thread, or
  whatever you like!