Roly Poly Pill Bug by Joan Rowe

Roly Poly Pill Bug

Knitting
February 2015
Light Fingering ?
26 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches
in unblocked stockinette
US 4 - 3.5 mm
205 yards (187 m)
all sizes from mini toy to cushion
English
This pattern is available for $6.90 USD buy it now

This very versatile pill bug can be a favorite toy, a neck pillow or a throw cushion, and will delight kids and adults alike. Just change the size of the yarn and needles to get the size you want.

This is an intermediate level pattern and you will need to know how to do several techniques: picking up sts, wrap and turn (w&t), knitted cast-on, Kitchener st closure, 3-needle bind-off, circular knitting on dp needles, I-cord. However there are detailed instructions and lots of photographs.

Use any yarn, but yarn that includes at least 50% wool will hold the shape better. I used Noro Kureyon sock yarn, however, you may use any weight yarn, so long as you use a needle size to give a tight enough weave that the stuffing does not show through.

For a mini pill bug, use laceweight yarn (465yds/100g). You will need about 85yds/18g. Final size: 5.5”/14cm when rolled up.
For the Roly Poly Pill Bug toy use sock yarn (400yds/100g). You will need about 205yds/51g. Final size: 7”/18cm when rolled up.
For a neck pillow use heavy worsted yarn (170yds/100g). You will need about 300yds/175g. Final size: approx 10”/25cm diameter when rolled up.
For a throw cushion use bulky yarn (123yds/100g). You will need about 430yds/350g. 14”/35cm diameter when rolled up.