Click here to see a 360-degree video view of Panda!

The brand new Panda pattern and kits have just been released and I know I say this often, but this truly is one of my favorite designs. I’ve only designed one other panda and it was a hand puppet found in my book Itty-Bitty Toys. I was excited to revisit this character after over 10 years. I feel like the new Panda has a sense of humor for some reason, maybe it’s the sweet expression or the size. Panda is a larger size than most of my recent designs, measuring in at close to 12-inches in length including the legs. And of course, the hooded cardigan makes everything cozy and charming. 

The toy is worked completely seamlessly and in the round, and really, it is quite simple as far as toy-knitting goes. Panda is worked from the bottom-up. There are purl bump markers added along the way for the placement of the arms, legs, ears and tail. I tell you the exact stitches to place the safety eyes and where to place the face embroidery. The hooded cardigan is worked separately, and seamlessly from the top-down. I’ve included many photo tutorials in the pattern to help you along the way. 

Panda is a joy to knit! I think you’re going to fall in love with this project. 

Yarn
Barrett Wool Co. Wisconsin Woolen Spun Fingering Weight, 100% American Wool; (450 yards/100 grams), 1 skein each in Birch, Jam and Inkwell.

The sample used 50 grams of Birch (white), 50 grams of Jam (red), and 25 grams of Inkwell (black).

Needles
Panda: US size 3 double-pointed needles
Sweater: US size 7, 24-inch circular needles and a set of double-pointed needles
Adjust needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge
Panda: 7 sts per inch in stockinette stitch
Sweater: 5 sts per inch in stockinette stitch with fingering weight held doubled

Materials
Stitch locking stitch markers
Fiberfill
Poly pellets - Please note that poly pellets are considered a choking hazard for infants and young children. If this is a concern, please use fiberfill only.
Two 6mm safety eyes – Please note that safety eyes are considered a choking hazard for infants and young children. If this is a concern, please embroidery eyes.
Yarn needle
Waste yarn
Three ¾-inch buttons
Sewing needle and thread to attach buttons