Know Your Needles

When you're knitting a 3D item such as a hat, garment or toy, broadly-speaking there are two main ways that an item can be made – either it is knitted seamlessly in one piece or it is knitted flat and seamed.

To knit a piece seamlessly, you need to work with either DPNs (double-pointed needles) or circular needles, so that you are knitting in continuous rounds to form a tube of knitting. In circular knitting, ever round you work is the "right side" of the work - the side which will be facing outwards when the piece is finished.

When knitting flat, you usually use straight needles and work back and forth in rows. You alternate between "right side" and "wrong side" rows. When all of the knitting is finished, you will then have to sew up all of the pieces.

Many people don't enjoy knitting on DPNs or circular needles and so you might find yourself looking exclusively for patterns which are designed to be worked flat on two straight needles. That's where this list comes in!

Bagpuss & the Mice

Most of the Bagpuss pieces are knitted in stripes; to save space in writing up the pattern the stripe sequence is given at the start of each pattern piece. You may find it handy to use different coloured markers or waste yarn, and make a note of the colours used so you can identify them when making up.

Edward Bear

With adorable features, a traditional bear look and a whole bundle or charm, this Edward Bear pattern is the perfect companion to knit for people of all ages. You can use safety eyes or embroider features and why not add a ribbon bow tie to complete his look!

Knit Your Own Gromit

This quick and easy pattern is fun to knit and makes a great gift for any fans of the Aardman duo!

The Princess & The Frog

This delightful fairytale duo would make the perfect gift for your little ones. Both toys are knitted flat on two needles and seamed. The princess's dress and the frog's cape are worked separately and attached at the end.

Clara the Cat

Knit this adorable Clara the Cat designed by Amanda Berry. Clara has a cute summery outfit and is ready for a day at the beach. Use safety eyes or simply embroider Clara's features to create her charming face.

The Tortoise and the Hare

Knit these fable characters, designed by Sachiyo Ishii, and recreate this classic tale of endurance over speed. Knitted flat then sewn up, this free knitting pattern is a great first toy project for newer knitters while being engaging enough for more experienced knitters.

Official Cuddly Paddington Bear

Say hello to everyone’s favourite bear, from darkest Peru, and knit in fluffy yarn to make him extra lovable! This toy uses fluffy yarn worked in garter stitch for the Body. Paddington’s distinctive blue duffle coat and red hat are worked flat in stocking stitch. The suitcase uses a simple box made from card and covered in knitted fabric to complete his outfit.

Flora the Easter Bunny

This has got to be one of the cutest knitted toys EVER! Raid your stash for some little bits of yarn and get knitting right away.

Shaun the Sheep

This simple pattern is easy to knit in chunky yarn – it’s the perfect pattern for teaching your little ones to knit. We've even filmed a full tutorial to show you how to sew him up!

Dexter the Christmas Dog

Follow this pattern to knit a charming dog in a festive outfit! All pieces are knitted flat on a pair of straight knitting needles, and seamed using mattress stitch. Unless otherwise specified, use the long tail cast on for all pieces. Dexter is knitted flat to make the pattern more accessible as knitting in the round can be tricky, but most of the toy pieces could be converted to knitting in the round if you prefer.

Cuthbert the Caterpillar

We called him Cuthbert. M&S call theirs Colin. Whatever name you use, this sweet little rainbow caterpillar is a quick and easy knit, perfect for beginners!

Alice in Wonderland

Knit this adorable Alice in Wonderland set from Sachiyo Ishii, complete with pocket watch to remind the White Rabbit that he is late for a very important date!

Sooty Christmas Pals Puppets

Sooty and his friends Soo and Sweep are wearing their favourite Christmas outfits to put on a festive puppet show! Each puppet is knitted flat and seamed. The costumes are knitted separately and attached after the work has been finished. Only the head is stuffed, leaving the body and the arms free for your hands.

Penny the Penguin

If you’re looking to cast on a new project tonight, try this adorable pattern by one of our favourite toy designers.

Knit the Clangers

This family favourite, produced by the much loved team of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, has made a welcome return to our screens in recent years so we’re excited to bring you some fun patterns to celebrate some of our favourite characters.

Finlay Fox

This adorable little character is quick and easy to knit, and with his body being made in just one piece, it's the perfect pattern for beginners.

Labradoodle Toy Dog

This gorgeous labradoodle is knitted in super-soft yarn so you won’t be able to resist cuddling him! The dog is worked using needles several sizes smaller than suggested on the yarn band to ensure a dense fabric so the stuffing cannot be seen. Working the body in Rev St st makes sure the outside is even fluffier!

Sweet Christmas Reindeer Toys

This cute couple is quick and easy to make and make perfect stocking fillers.

Katie the Koala

Knit this sweet cuddly koala toy for your little ones using less than one ball of yarn! The shapes are all very simple and each piece is knitted flat on two needles, making it easy and fun to knit.

Santa and his Elf

Step into Christmas with these festive friends! Both Santa and his little elf pal are knit on straight needles. This is a quick and easy knit which makes for a perfect stocking stuffer.

King Charles the Royal Spaniel

Celebrate the coronation of King Charles with this royal puppy. This regal puppy is worked flat on single pointed needles; the DPNs are used to make i-cord tubes for the cushion trim and the base of the crown. Use an ordinary knitted cast-on throughout unless instructed otherwise.

Little Hen and Her Chicks

These tiny toys are a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or Easter – and you can knit them up in no time!

Quick & Easy Dinosaur Pattern

This adorable dinosaur pattern is perfect for using up your stash! It can be easily knitted on two needles, using any DK yarn.

Knitted Gingerbread House Pattern

This fantastic Gingerbread House display will make a super knitted centrepiece for your festive dinner table, buffet or mantlepiece! The roof of the Gingerbread House uses a 2-colour honeycomb slip stitch pattern to make the textured icing. Most pieces are worked flat on straight needles; the DPNs are used to knit i-cord tubes for the icing trims on the house. Use an ordinary knitted cast on throughout unless instructed otherwise.

Summer Swimming Elephant Toys

This adorable elephant duo is off on their holidays - and you're invited! The pattern includes instructions to make an inflatable ring and beach ball too. This pattern is worked flat in pieces and seamed.

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