Here’s a toy, which is also home remedy, because it can be used as an hot-and-cold pack and teether!

My samples are about 5x5x2 inches (13x13x2.5 cm) in worsted weight yarn. You can use thinner yarn double-threaded. But, please, make sure it’s microwaveable and washable, if you want to use it as home remedy. You will need approx. 50 yards of red-ish and dark (blue or black worsted weight yarn (little more dark than red) and some dark scrap yarn, 1-2 cups of dry corn, beans or lentils.

I recommend to fill it with dry lentils, because are very pliable and soft, but dry corn or beans, or a mix of these will work as well. The pattern gives tips for easy reopening.

The body is knit flat, there are instructions for knitting head and feet flat or in-the-round. Otherwise the making of this toy requires knitting skills like knit, purl, increase, decrease, and some seaming and embroidery. Crocheting, adding velcro or a cotton liner are optional.

This is a pattern suitable for ambitious beginners. It will take about 3 hours to make on average.

Please check out my other “well tempered patterns” - proceeds are going towards yarn and other supplies, like beans for example. My charity knitting group “craft around corners” makes toys and other hand-knit items, which are donated to various good causes. With the proceeds of only one of the patterns we can make about ten toys!