My favorite subject is Ancient Runes! I have been studying the runes for over 25 years now and their mystery ever deepens for me. These smooth runes are knitted in the round and felted (so they are double sided). Then the markings are needle felted on afterwards by using a strand of plain wool. It’s SO EASY you won’t believe it. Don’t let that part intimidate you. Felting needles are inexpensive and a snap to order. Also, if you don’t like the idea of making runes you can do another alphabet or numbers of your choice. Kids (and cats) love to play with these little biscuits!

Owl Experience Level: Intermediate

Finished measurements: 2” tall x 1.25” wide.
Pre-felted measurements: 3” tall x 1.75” wide.

Yarns used: worsted weight 100% wool such as:
Cascade 220, 100 g - 220 yds - 200 m, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.
MC Olive drab, color #9563 - one skein.
CC1 Antiqued heather, color #9600 - one skein.
For this color you obviously won’t use a whole skein.
Just make sure to use 100% wool so the fibers will attach during needle felting! Choose high contrast for best results.

Tension/gauge:
Work 16 sts and 20 rows to measure 4 x4” in St stitch using US 9 or 5.5mm needles with MC.

Notions:
A set of US 9 (5.5 mm) dpns,
stitch markers, tapestry needle, felting needle. Felting needles are metal sticks with sharp barbs on the end. When you punch them into two pieces of wool, the wool frays and they stick together. You can get these at most knitting shops, craft stores or online. When you are using a felting needle, you’ll need to place something under your work that the needle can punch into. I use a magic eraser sponge. They work great for this project!

Tiny owl stitch dictionary:
CC 1: contrasting color 1
dpns: double pointed needles
k: knit
MC: main color
(RS): right side
St st: stockinette/stocking stitch. k a row, purl a row.
st(s): stitch(es)
(WS): wrong side