Why knit tiny hens? Because they are so cute! These little gals are quick to work up with inexpensive yarn or leftover stash and make great gifts for young and old alike. Think pocket pal for a young child, decoration, ornament, or even a cat toy. (Naturally, please don’t use beads for eyes if you intend to gift to a small child or animal as a toy.)

This pattern has been professionally tech edited and test knit to reduce the potential for error.

CONSTRUCTION

Hen is worked in the round with worsted weight yarn from the tail forward to the beak; using a combination of increases, decreases and short rows for shaping. The body is stuffed as it is worked. The comb and wattle are crocheted onto the knit body, while the feet are crocheted separately and then sewn on. The comb, wattle and feet are worked with fingering weight yarn.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knit stitches
• Slip stitches
• Increase and decrease stitches - M1L, M1R, K2TOG, SSK
• Crochet: Chain, Slip Stitch, SC, HDC (All crochet abbreviations reference US terms.)
• Hand or machine sewing.

INSTRUCTIONS

The pattern includes complete written directions. There is NO chart.

YARN NOTES

Select a sturdy worsted that will stand up to stuffing and, if being worked as a toy, handling. I suggest natural fibers if using for a pet toy.

ADDITIONAL NOTIONS

You will also need:
Tapestry/blunt yarn needle
2 2 mm black glass beads for eyes (Only if NOT for
children or pets! Please stitch yarn eyes for them!)
1 spool black buttonhole thread
1 sewing needle w/large eye to accommodate 2 strands
of buttonhole thread for sewing on bead eyes
1 sewing needle with standard eye to sew beanbag
closed or sew entire beanbag, if hand sewing
1 2”x6” (6 cm x 15 cm) rectangle of fabric (samples used muslin) for bean bag
1 spool cotton/polyester sewing thread to match beanbag fabric
Sewing machine (optional), if machine stitching beanbag
1 bag Polyester Fiber Fill (Samples used Poly-fil brand. A
good-sized handful per hen.)
1 bag weighted stuffing beads (Samples used Poly-fil Poly
Pellets. Approx .4 oz/12 gr per hen.)