This PDF knitting is written in English for intermediate knitters knitting flat on two needles. It comes in two parts:

1. General instructions, which include: Body and leg variations, assembly instructions, special stitch and technique instructions
2. Specific animal instructions for shaping animal heads and tails, and adding animal-specific details

The leopard is fairly simple, and gives a chance to practice duplicate stitch (or Swiss darning) to add the spots and facial features after the basic body, head, arms, and legs are sewn. While the pattern is the same for either leopard (only the colors change), the attributes are different.

You need to have…
• Yarn in desired color(s) and weight (~3oz/50g for sport weight; ~12oz/350g for worsted)
• Medium dark and dark contrast yarn for embroidering spots
• Darker contrast yarn for eyes and nose
• Knitting needles at least 2 sizes smaller than those recommended for the yarn being used
• Stuffing
• Tapestry needle

You need to know (or learn)…
• Stockinette stitch
• Increase and decrease stitches
• Mattress stitch for sewing seams
• Duplicate stitch, or Swiss darning

© Sherri Sagers, Painted Cricket, 2015, All rights reserved