Opossums are an often misunderstood species. It may have something to do with their rat-like tails and long maws full of needle teeth, but in truth they are gentle creatures who are here to live and let live. They are North America’s only marsupial, eat ticks as snacks, and have a low body temperature that prevents rabies. Once their babies are big enough to leave the pouch, a mama opossum will carry her brood around on her back. The result looks like the Cat Bus from Totoro at rush hour. Any opossum pattern would be incomplete with the option to add one or a dozen babies. Make as many as your heart desires!

Difficulty
Advanced

Skills and Techniques

• Working in the round in small circumferences
• I-cord
• Short Row Shaping
• Kitchener Stitch
• French Knots

Yarn
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted (100%
Peruvian Highland Wool, 110 yds/100.5 m per 50g
skein) or another worsted weight yarn

MC - Dove Heather

• Mama: 100 yards/92 meters (partial skein)
• Baby: 20 yards/19 meters (partial skein)

CC1 - White

• Mama: 40 yards/37 meters (partial skein)
• Baby: 10 yards/9meters (partial skein)

CC2 - Pink Cheeks

• Mama: 30 yards/27 meters (partial skein)
• Baby: 2 yards/2meters (partial skein)

CC3 - Onyx Heather

• Mama: 45 yards/41 meters (partial skein)
• Baby: 10 yards/9 meters (partial skein)

Needles

• US 5/3.75mm needles for working small pieces in the round: DPNs or 1 long circular
• US 5/3.75mm needles for working flat (This is a small section that can be knit with DPNs or circulars)
• US 5/3.75mm DPNs for working I-cord

Notions

• Stitch marker - removable
• Tapestry needle
• Two 12mm animal safety eyes in black
• Four 6mm animal safety eyes in black (Two per baby)
• Polyester fiber fill
• Stitch holder
• Pins

Finished Measurements

Mama Opossum (One Size):

• 8 inches/20 cm tall from top of head to tips of feet
• 15 inches/37.5 cm long from nose to tail

Baby Opossum (One Size):

• 2 inches/5 cm tall
• 4 inches/10 cm long from nose to tail