8 Best Knitting Pattern Books for Toys

If you are looking for the best knitting pattern books for toys, you are in the right place. Below, you will find some of the best knitting patterns for toys. They are absolutely adorable!  I want to knit them all…

A few years after I taught myself how to knit, I received the incredible news that I was going to be a Mimi! You can only imagine my excitement. Naturally, I wanted to knit everything cozy and cute for my first grandbaby—baby toys, blankets, clothes—you name it, I wanted to create it.

Despite having picked up knitting just a year earlier, my curiosity was piqued when I discovered knitting pattern books for toys. I was still a novice, but I’ve always loved a good challenge. And oh, what fun it turned out to be!

I got my hands on a few of these books, and that’s when my adventure truly began. The first project I tackled was knitting these adorable, squishy balls from soft cotton yarn. They were a hit, but it was just the beginning.

Then came Rufus, lovingly named by my husband. Rufus, my first knit stuffed animal, wasn’t as daunting as I had anticipated. Rufus the Rabbit became a cherished companion, even helping to document my grandson’s growth milestones.

When my second grandson arrived, the tradition continued with a knit fox, another of my husband’s naming masterpieces, he named him Freddy the Fox. Watching my grandbabies grow alongside these stuffed animals I knit with such love has been nothing short of magical.

So maybe next time you’re thinking of a baby gift, consider knitting a toy, or perhaps both a toy and a blanket. I’m certain whichever you choose, it will be loved and treasured deeply.

Now, let me share with you some of my favorite knitting pattern books for toys that might inspire your next project.

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Why Knit Toys?

When you think about knitting, you might first picture cozy scarves or maybe a soft blanket, but there’s something truly special about knitting toys. It’s like each stitch is infused with a bit of love and personality, making these little creations perfect for gifting or keeping as cherished keepsakes.

Knitting toys allows you to explore a world of creativity. Whether you’re crafting a floppy-eared bunny like Rufus the Rabbit or a whimsical dragon for a fantasy-loving friend, the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to personalize each piece. Imagine seeing a loved one’s face light up when they receive something made just for them—there’s nothing quite like it.

And let’s talk about the skill levels—knitting toys is wonderfully inclusive. If you’re a beginner, starting with a simple pattern can help you learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. For the more advanced knitters, intricate patterns with unique stitches can be a delightful challenge. It’s all about growing at your own pace and having a whole lot of fun along the way. So, why not grab those needles and explore the joyful world of knitting toys?

Okay, so Freddy the Fox didn’t come from a book, but I have to share this pattern! Isn’t he the cutest? I found his pattern design on Etsy. A quick note: If you don’t find something special in these books, go to Etsy. There are some really talented pattern designers on there, and I love supporting those artists.

Top Knitting Pattern Books for Toys

Itty Bitty Toys

Snuggling up with a freshly knitted toy from “Itty-Bitty Toys” brings a sense of accomplishment. This knitting pattern book is where Rufus the Rabbit and those cute knit squishy toy balls, came from. The array of patterns in this book offers something adorable for every knitter to bring to life.

Nothing beats flipping through a well-organized knitting pattern book and planning your next project. This book’s spiral-bound design stays open on a table or lap, making it super handy while you’re in the middle of a complex stitch sequence. As you progress, the clear, step-by-step instructions take the guesswork out of the process.

If you’re big on knitting and even bigger on smiles, the Itty-Bitty Toys book adds that spark to your creative bonfire. While the larger projects may eat up quite a bit of yarn, they’re worth it. Remember, while aimed at intermediate to advanced knitters, newcomers with patience can tackle these friendly creatures, too. Just take your time, and soon you’ll have a bevy of adorable animals and delightful playthings to show off.

Knitted Farm Animals

After following these patterns to create a cozy collection of farm animals, the experience feels incredibly fulfilling. It’s the sort of project that warms your heart and scatters a smile across your face every time you see the completed figures.

As someone relatively new to the world of knitting toys, I found the instructions in this book notably clear and easy to follow. Sarah Keen’s design shines in the simplicity of creating shapes yet doesn’t trade off the personality and charm you’d want in handcrafted toys.

Even when taking on more challenging patterns, like the horse with its unique mane, persistence pays off. It’s a pure delight to see friends and family marvel at the finished work, whether it’s on a shelf for display or nestled in the arms of a child, becoming a loved companion.

Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys

Crafting toys from yarn can truly be a whimsical journey, and with “Topsy-Turvy Knit Toys,” it feels like you’re not just knitting but bringing characters to life. Flipping a cuddly penguin to reveal a cracking egg, or a serene frog that turns into a crowned prince, provides an element of surprise not just for the knitter but for the endearing recipient of your handcrafted toy.

The book’s format is a knitter’s ally, especially when you’re in the middle of a complex stitch and need to reference a step or diagram—no more battling to keep a book open to the right page. As you flip through the vibrant photos and dive into a project, the excitement grows; each toy feels like an adventure, ending with the rewarding sight of a child’s face brightening with joy at the magical transformation of the toy in their hands.

Knitters know the drill: that feeling of anticipation when starting a new project and the satisfaction of the final stitch. “Topsy-Turvy Knit Toys” amplifies that joy with its engaging projects. As you knit and purl, not only are you perfecting your craft, but you feel the love that will be literally turned inside out with these toys. The touchable textures, the delighted giggles, and the countless hours of play these toys will endure making every knit and purl utterly worthwhile. After all, isn’t that what knitting for others is all about—those stories told through the loops and threads of our love?

Magical Woodland Knits

Embarking on your knitting journey with “Magical Woodland Knits” will be a delight. The book is populated with a variety of creatures that seem to jump off the pages, begging to be knit into reality. It’s as if you’re not just reading a pattern book but also discovering a hidden forest filled with enchanting animals every time you turn the page.

As you start following the patterns, you appreciate the level of detail Claire Garland puts into her work. Each stitch feels like it has a purpose, contributing to the life-like quality of the finished toys. The instructions are well laid out, although it’s clear that these designs expect a certain level of knitting expertise.

You can’t help but admire the versatility offered. Whether you stick to the recommended yarn or experiment with materials from your own stash, each creature you create is unique. This adaptability makes the knitting process much more personal and inventive; it’s more than just following instructions, it’s about bringing your own artistic vision to life.

Knitting from “Magical Woodland Knits” feels like you’re crafting more than just toys; you’re creating keepsakes. Despite some of the complexities, the sense of accomplishment when you complete an animal is unparalleled. This book can easily become the prized possession of those who enjoy knitting animal figures with a charming touch of realism.

My Knitted Doll

Creating toys with yarn can be quite a magical process. As you knit, what was once a skein of wool transforms into a character with personality. “My Knitted Doll” provides an excellent guide to knitting over 12 dolls as well as an extensive wardrobe for them. 

It’s always refreshing to see the variety of outfits you can create, and the sense of achievement that comes with each completed doll is immensely satisfying.

Patterns in the book are well-explained, which has helped me turn a bundle of yarn into a charming new friend. 

The options for customization are fantastic; you can match your creation to a child’s appearance or make a fantasy doll. 

Matching the intricate garments and accessories, each knitted doll starts to develop their own character right under your fingertips.

What I particularly like is that despite the intricacy of some garments, the patterns remain clear. 

For knitters who’ve dabbled in projects a few times, the directions offer just enough challenge without being overwhelming. 

It’s worth noting, though, that the delicate details in some clothes might require a bit more focus, but the end results are well worth the effort.

Remember that as delightful as “My Knitted Doll” is, if knitting needles are still new to you, you might want to start with something simpler before tackling these projects.

However, for those with even moderate experience, the book is a gold mine of inspiration. 

Enjoy the satisfaction of knitting not just a toy, but a keepsake that could be cherished for generations.

60 Quick Knitted Toys

Knitting toys is a joyful endeavor, but having a solid pattern to start from makes all the difference. 

In “60 Quick Knitted Toys,” I found that even the intricate patterns had clarity that aided my creation process. 

The sense of accomplishment that comes from bringing joy to someone’s life through your craft is precious, and this book has been a reliable source for that.

While there’s an array of designs in this book, it surprised me that not all toys were pint-sized. Some patterns yielded larger toys than I expected, which wasn’t an issue for me, but could be for those looking for daintier projects. 

This variety, however, means there’s something for every knitter, regardless of their preferred project size.

For knitters seeking to improve their skills or challenge themselves, this book comes in handy. 

Each project seems to introduce or build upon a different technique, expanding your knitting vocabulary. 

But, beginners be warned: you might need to grow into some of the more complex patterns. 

Remember that patience and practice go a long way in knitting just as with any craft.

Perusing through “60 Quick Knitted Toys,” you can tell that it’s not just a book of patterns – it’s an invitation to create memories. 

While some designs might not resonate with everyone, the range ensures most knitters will find something they adore. 

And if you have a yarn stash to bust, this book offers a plethora of patterns perfect for that purpose. 

Knitted Animal Friends

Knitters are often on the lookout for exciting, new projects and this book delivers just that. 

‘Knitted Animal Friends’ brings a menagerie of creatures to life, each with its own personality and wardrobe. 

As you work your way through the pages, you’ll find the patterns well-organized, guiding you with precision. 

Captivating images illustrate each step, ensuring that you’re never left scratching your head in confusion.

Imagine the joy of crafting each animal and the love each stitch will carry. 

The book doesn’t just provide patterns; it serves as a companion in your knitting journey. 

As you progress, so does your mastery of various stitches and techniques. 

Your first animal friend may take some time, but with each new project, you’ll find your hands moving with greater confidence and ease.

You might face a hiccup or two, such as sourcing the exact yarn recommended by the author, but these are minor setbacks in the grand scheme of things. 

And while some patterns might test the patience of a knitting newbie, the end result is worth the effort.

Overall, ‘Knitted Animal Friends’ is a rewarding investment that promises hours of crafting pleasure and a delightful outcome.

Robyn Octopus and Friends

Knitting toys is a joy, especially when the patterns are as endearing as those found in “Robyn Octopus and Friends.” 

As soon as you open the book, the loveable animals leap out at you from the glossy pages, and you can’t help but want to start knitting straight away. 

Each project is thoughtfully presented with step-by-step guidance that’s easy to follow. The book seems to anticipate your questions, providing useful tips just when you need them.

The heavy paper and quality binding mean this book can withstand the rigors of frequent use. 

A recent endeavor of mine was the smaller octopus, and it turned out as adorable as promised. The detailed visuals were a huge help. 

I particularly enjoyed learning about the author’s journey; the personal touch added to the already charming collection of animals.

However, it’s worth noting that if you’re more accustomed to American knitting patterns, you may need to adjust to the British terms used throughout. 

Also, if you decide not to use the exact yarn suggested by the author, you might find yourself doing a bit of extra work to find suitable substitutes. 

It’s a small obstacle, but one that could trip up less experienced knitters.

In summary, “Robyn Octopus and Friends” is more than just a pattern book; it’s an invitation to create a zoo of chunky, huggable toys that will delight knitters and recipients alike. 

Each finished toy is sure to bring a smile, making any small challenges you might face along the way absolutely worth it.

Final Thoughts

Opening a knitting pattern book for toys is like opening a door to a world of creativity and warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, there’s something truly magical about bringing a bundle of yarn to life in the form of a cuddly friend. And remember, each stitch is not just a part of the toy but a stitch of love—something that can be passed down and cherished.

So, grab your needles, choose your favorite pattern, and let your imagination lead the way. It doesn’t matter if you’re knitting a mischievous little fox or a serene forest bunny, each project you complete is a chance to craft not just a toy, but a memory. And who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire you to try your hand at even more creative projects. After all, the joy of knitting is in the journey as much as the destination. Happy knitting!

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