This fun little lion has lots of character and a full-bodied mane that gives the shampoo models a run for their money. Knit almost entirely in the round with no seaming at all, he knits up quickly and requires little finishing. Details such as shaped foot and paw pads and a sassy little tail make this a fun and interesting project as well as a great gift for any kid or adult.

Techniques used in this pattern beyond knit and purl include increasing, decreasing, figure eight cast-on and a small amount of short rowing.

Finished dimensions Finished lion measures approximately 12” in length, excluding mane
Gauge 32 sts and 38 rows = 4” in stst worked in the round
Recommended needles US size 2 (2.75mm) set of 5 double pointed needles (DPNs), or size required to obtain gauge

Materials
150 yards of fingering weight yarn in main color (MC)
200 yards fingering weight yarn in contrast color (CC)
8 stitch markers
1 stitch holder (or use scrap yarn)
1 yard scrap yarn, ideally in a contrasting color
tapestry needle
1-2 oz (30-60 g) stuffing
piece of 2in (5cm) wide cardboard, wood, or metal, at least 10in (25cm) long
size F crochet hook

Pattern includes a supplemental pictorial for making the fringed mane.