In all cultures of the world, in almost every kind of environment, people keep chickens. They are easy to look after, provide nutritious eggs daily and are very friendly and cooperative. The knitted cockerel in this little family of chickens would probably find himself high up the pecking order with his magnificent tail of green and red, made out of chainstitched yarn - perfect for showing off to rivals.

To make the texture on each piece, you’ll need to work in moss stitch. The chickens are very quick to make, and the chicks even quicker, so you may soon find yourself with a whole flock. If you’re making this toy for a small child, sew eyes from black thread, and don’t make pipe-cleaner feet. Instead, leave out the feet completely, so the chicken looks like it’s roosting.

Materials
For the cockerel or chicken: The pattern requires for a small amount (less than 10g) DK in chestnut brown, and scraps of DK in mid brown and red, with a little additional green for the cockerel’s tail.

Additional materials:
Two small black beads for eyes, but black stitches would also be appropriate. One 7-inch yellow pipe-cleaner (optional), sewing needle, black thread, washable polyester toy stuffing.