Amigurami Racoon Free Pattern Step By Step Tutorial

Amigurami Racoon – If you know my designs, you will understand why my racoon is knitted flat on two straight needles linked as you go! As you work on building to the last structure, there are basic short rows and little seaming required. I simply find it to create an intriguing knit.

FINISHED SIZE Approx. 30cm/ 12in long (from tip of nose but not incl. tail)

NEEDLES Pair 3.50mm/ size 4 needles and pair 3.75mm/ size 5 needles

YARN Unless otherwise stated, multiple strands of yarn are used together throughout this pattern. The exact combinations of yarn to be used are indicated by multiple letters:

The amount required is listed next to the shade number and name:

• A beige mohair Drops Kid-silk shade 12 Beige x 2
• B white DK Drops Sky shade 01 Off-white x 1
• C dark brown mohair Drops Kid-silk shade 15 Dark Brown x 1
• D black DK Drops Sky shade shade 05 Black x 1
• E off-white mohair Drops Kid-silk shade 01 Off-White x 2
• F grey DK Drops Sky shade 04 Grey Mix x 1
• G ochre mohair Drops Kid-silk shade 30 Curry x 1 (only a tiny amount is req. although you may substitute with yarn A)

TENSION 17 rows and 15 stitches over 5cm with 3.5mm needles

NOTE: **There is an alternate yarn list at the end of the pattern**

EYES Pair black or brown 12mm toy eyes either with metal or plastic backs

EXTRAS Toy filling; locking type stitch markers; and stitch holders or large safety pins for holding stitches when not in use

NOTE: The use of mohair yarn and toy eyes make this knitting project unsuitable for very young chidren and babies

Pattern notes:

• Use Cable Cast-on throughout . General knitting abbreviations can be found at the end of the pattern

COLOURED MARKER GUIDE

This guide is here to pull out and use together with the pattern should to wish to use similar coloured guides to mine for ease of following especially at the making-up stage:

FACE AND HEAD

• GREEN MUZZLE
• YELLOW NOSE
• TURQUOISE UPPER JAW
• BABY PINK NECK
• BABY PINK LOWER NECK
• PINK FRONT TO NECK

BELLY

• ORANGE INSIDE LEG
• BLUE INSIDE THIGH
• LIME INSIDE FORELEG
• PALE TURQUOISE INSIDE FORELEG TOP
• PINK THROAT
• TURQUOISE LOWER JAW
• GREEN CHIN

BODY

• PALE TURQUOISE FORELEG
• LIME TOP FORELEG SEAM
• LIME BOTTOM FORELEG SEAM
• BLUE TOP HIND LEG SEAM
• RED HIND LEG SPLIT
• BLUE BOTTOM HIND LEG SEAM
• ORANGE TAIL SEAM
• ORANGE HIND LEG TO TAIL
• PINK INNER HIND LEG
• TURQUOISE HIND LEG

Special instructions:

W+Tk bring working yarn to the front of the work, slip next stitch knit-wise onto the RH needle, take working yarn to the back, slip the slipped stitch back onto the LH needle, turn the knitting = W+Tk (wrap and turn knit)

W+Tp take working yarn to the back of the work, slip next stitch purl-wise onto the RH needle, bring working yarn to the front, slip the slipped stitch back onto the LH needle, turn the knitting = W+Tp (wrap and turn purl)

MUZZLE

With yarn AB (mohair and DK held together) and size 3.50mm needles cast on 10 sts

Row 1 inc) Kfb, (k2, kfb) three times – 14sts

Row 2 Purl

Row 3 inc) Kfb, k4, kfb, k2, kfb, k to last st, kfb – 18sts

Row 4 Purl

Cut yarn A, join yarn E, continue as follows:

Work short rows to shape Racoon’s Left Muzzle as follows:

Short Row 1 K7, W+Tk (see page 2 for ‘wrap and turn’ instructions)

Short Row 2 P7

Short Row 3 K6, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P6

Row 5 inc) Kfb, k6, kfb, k2, kfb, knit to end – 21sts

Work short rows to shape Racoon’s Right Muzzle as follows:

Short Row 1 P7, W+Tp

Short Row 2 K7

Short Row 3 P6, W+Tp

Short Row 4 K6

Cut yarn BE, join yarn CD continue as follows:

Row 6 inc) Pfb, purl to end – 22sts

PM (place marker) at each end of last row for left and right Muzzle Markers

CHEEK

Row 7 inc) Kfb, k1, kfb, k8, turn work so purlside faces, continue to work on stitches for Left Cheek only as follows:

Left Cheek

Row 1 WS) inc) PM for Left Nose Marker, pfb, purl to end – 14 Left Cheek sts

Row 2 inc) Kfb, k1, kfb, k11 – 16 Left Cheek sts

Row 3 inc) Pfb, purl to end – 17 Left Cheek sts

Work short rows to shape Racoon’s Left Cheek as follows:

Short Row 1 K11, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P11

Short Row 3 K10, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P10

Short Row 5 K9, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P9

Short Row 7 K8, W+Tk

Short Row 8 P8

Cut yarn, slip all 17 Left Cheek sts only onto a large safety pin whilst you continue with the 11 Right Cheek as follows:

Right Cheek

Row 1 inc) PM for Right Nose Marker, K8, kfb, k1, kfb – 13 Right Cheek sts

Row 2 inc) Purl to last st, pfb – 14sts

Row 3 inc) K11, kfb, k1, kfb – 16sts

Work short rows to shape Racoon’s Right Cheek as follows:

Short Row 1 P11, W+Tp

Short Row 2 K11

Short Row 3 P10, W+Tp

Short Row 4 K10 Short Row 5 P9, W+Tp Short Row 6 K9

Short Row 7 P8, W+Tp

Short Row 8 K8

Row 4 inc) Purl to last st, pfb – 17sts

Cut yarn, slip all 17 Right Cheek sts onto a large safety pin.

FOREHEAD

Left Side

RS (knit side) of the knitting together you, slip the 17 Left Cheek sts from the safety pin onto LH needle, still with RS together you with size 3.50mm needles and yarn BE continue as follows:

Row 1 inc) Kfb, k1, kfb, k14, then pick up and knit 3 sts along row ends down to the Left Nose Marker (see Fig 1, dotted line from A to B) – 22sts Row 2 Purl

Row 3 inc) Kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 24sts

Work short rows to shape Racoon’s Left Brow as follows:

Short Row 1 P4, W+Tp

Short Row 2 K4

Short Row 3 P3, W+Tp

Short Row 4 K3

Short Row 5 P2, W+Tp

Short Row 6 K2

Row 4 Purl

PM at end of the last row for left Upper Jaw Marker Cut yarn B, join yarn F continue with yarn EF as follows:

Row 5 dec) Knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 23sts

Row 6 Purl

Rows 7-8 dec) Repeat last two rows once – 22sts

Cut yarn, slip all 22 Left Side Forehead sts onto a large safety pin.

Right Side

RS facing you, slip the 17 Right Cheek sts from the safety pin onto LH needle, with size 3.50mm needles and yarn BE pick up and knit 3 sts from racoon’s Right Nose Marker along to stitches on the LH needle (see Fig 1 dotted line, pick up from C to D) – 20sts, still with RS facing you continue as follows:

Row 1 inc) Knit to last 3 sts, kfb, k1, kfb – 22sts

Row 2 Purl

Work short rows to shape Racoon’s Right Brow as follows:

Short Row 1 K4, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P4

Short Row 3 K3, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P3

Short Row 5 K2, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P2

Row 3 Knit to last 3 sts, kfb, k1, kfb – 24sts

Row 4 Purl

PM at beginning of the last row for right Upper Jaw Marker Cut yarn B, join yarn F continue with yarn EF as follows: Row 5 dec) K2tog, knit to end – 23sts

Row 6 Purl

Rows 7-8 dec) Repeat last two rows once – 22sts

Cut yarn, slip all 22 Right Side Forehead sts onto a large safety pin.

NOSE BAND DETAIL

With yarn DG and with size 3.50mm needles cast on 4 sts

Row 1 WS) Purl

Row 2 dec) K1, k2tog, k1 – 3sts

Rows 3-5 Beginning with a purl row work three rows stocking stitch

Row 6 inc) Kfb three times – 6sts

Rows 7 & 9 Purl

Row 8 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 8sts

Row 10 dec) K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 6sts

Row 11 dec) P2tog three times – 3sts

Row 12 Knit

Row 13 P3tog

Fasten off for Top Nose Point (see Fig. 2).

Note: In this section you are working with two different yarn combinations in the same rows. The yarn not in use should be carried across the back on the work to the next place it is needed:

….continue with size 3.50mm needles

TOP OF HEAD

With RS together you, return to the 22 sts from racoon’s Left Side Forehead, slip the 22 left side forehead sts from the safety pin onto LH needle, with yarn EF k20; with yarn AD k2; with RS of Nose Band Cast On Edge facing pick up and knit 3 sts into cast-on edge; slip the 22 Right Side Forehead sts from the safety pin onto LH needle with RS facing you and with yarn AD, k2, then with yarn EF k20 (see Fig. 2) – 47sts

Row 1 With yarn EF – p19, with yarn AD – p9, with yarn EF – purl to end

Row 2 With yarn EF – k19, with yarn AD – k9, with yarn EF – knit to end

Row 3 With yarn EF – p18, with yarn AD – p11, with yarn EF – purl to end

Row 4 With yarn EF – k18, with yarn AD – k11, with yarn EF – knit to end

Row 5 With yarn EF – p17, with yarn AD – p13, with yarn EF – purl to end

Row 6 With yarn EF – k17, with yarn AD – k13, with yarn EF – knit to end PM at each end of last row for left & right Neck Markers

Row 7 dec) With yarn EF – cast off 6 sts purl-wise for Right Head Side, purl next 9 sts, with yarn AD – p15, with yarn EF – purl 10, cast off the last 6 sts purl-wise for Left Head Side – 35sts

NOTE: Leave all your yarn endings – use them for stuffing later!

HEAD BACK

RS facing, with size 3.75mm needles rejoin yarn AEF to 35 sts for Head Back, continue as follows:

Row 1 inc) Cast on 3 sts for Left Neck, k14, skpo, k9, k2tog, knit to end – 36sts

Row 2 inc) Cast on 3 sts for Right Neck, purl to end – 39sts

Row 3 dec) K13, skpo, k9, k2tog, knit to end – 37sts

Row 4 Purl

Row 5 dec) K12, skpo, k9, k2tog, knit to end – 35sts

Row 6 Purl

PM each end of last row for left and right Lower Neck Markers Row 7 dec) K11, skpo, k9, k2tog, knit to end – 33sts

Row 8 Purl

FRONT

Row 9 inc) Cast on 9 sts, PM for left Front to Neck Marker, k20, skpo, k9, k2tog, knit to end – 40sts

Row 10 inc) Cast on 9 sts, PM for right Front to Neck Marker, purl to end – 49sts

Row 11 dec) K2tog, k16, skpo, k9, k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 45sts

Rows 12 & 14 Purl

Row 13 dec) K17, skpo, k7, k2tog, knit to end – 43sts Row 15 dec) K16, skpo, k7, k2tog, knit to end – 41sts Row 16 Purl

FORELEGS

Row 17 inc) Cast on 16 sts for racoon’s Left Foreleg, k31, skpo, k7, k2tog, knit to end – 55sts

Row 18 inc) Cast on 16 sts for racoon’s Right Foreleg, purl to end – 71sts

PM at each end of the last row for left and right Foreleg Markers

Work short rows for racoon’s Left Shoulder as follows:

Short Row 1 K27, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P27

Short Row 3 K26, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P26

Short Row 5 K25, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P25

Short Row 7 K24, W+Tk

Short Row 8 P24

Short Row 9 K23, W+Tk

Short Row 10 P23

Short Row 11 K22, W+Tk

Short Row 12 P22

Short Row 13 K21, W+Tk

Short Row 14 P21

Short Row 15 K20, W+Tk

Short Row 16 P20

Short Row 17 dec) Cast off 8 sts, knit next 10sts, W+Tk

Short Row 18 P11

Short Row 19 dec) Cast off 4 sts, k5, W+Tk

Short Row 20 P6

Row 19 dec) Cast off 3 sts, knit to end – 56sts

Work short rows for racoon’s Right Shoulder as follows:

Short Row 1 P27, W+Tp

Short Row 2 K27

Short Row 3 P26, W+Tp

Short Row 4 K26

Short Row 5 P25, W+Tp

Short Row 6 K25

Short Row 7 P24, W+Tp

Short Row 8 K24

Short Row 9 P23, W+Tp

Short Row 10 K23

Short Row 11 P22, W+Tp

Short Row 12 K22

Short Row 13 P21, W+Tp

Short Row 14 K21

Short Row 15 P20, W+Tp

Short Row 16 K20

Short Row 17 dec) Cast off 8 sts purl-wise, p10, W+Tp

Short Row 18 K11

Short Row 19 dec) Cast off 4 sts purl-wise, p5, W+Tp

Short Row 20 K6.

Row 20 dec) Cast off 3 sts purl-wise, purl to end – 41sts

Foreleg Seams

Row 21 dec) PM for left Top Foreleg Seam Marker, cast off 6 sts for racoon’s Left Foreleg Seam, knit next 28sts, cast off last 6 sts for Right Foreleg Seam, PM for right Top Foreleg Seam Marker – 29sts

WS facing rejoin yarn AEF to 29sts, continue as follows:

Row 22 inc) Working into the first stitch on LH needle cast on 7 sts for racoon’s Right Foreleg Seam, PM for right Bottom Foreleg Seam Marker, purl to end – 36sts

Row 23 inc) Working into the first stitch on LH needle cast on 7 sts for Left Foreleg Seam, PM for left Bottom Foreleg Seam Marker, knit to end – 43sts

BACK

Row 24 Purl

Row 25 inc) K20, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 45sts

Cut yarn A, join on yarn C, continue with yarn CEF as follows:

Rows 26, 28, 30 & 32 Purl

Row 27 inc) K21, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 47sts Row 29 inc) K22, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 49sts Row 31 inc) K23, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 51sts Row 33 inc) K24, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 53sts Row 34 Purl

Cut yarn C, join on yarn A, continue with yarn AEF as follows:

Row 35 inc) Kfb, k24, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb – 57sts

Rows 36, 38, 40, 42 Purl

Row 37 inc) K27, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 59sts

Row 39 inc) Kfb, k27, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb – 63sts

Row 41 inc) Kfb, k29, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb – 67sts

Row 43 inc) K32, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 69sts

Cut yarn A, join on yarn C, continue with yarn CEF as follows:

Rows 44, 46 & 48 Purl

Row 45 inc) K33, kfb, k1, kfb, knit to end – 71sts Row 47 inc) K33, kfb, k3, kfb, knit to end – 73sts Row 49 inc) K34, kfb, k3, kfb, knit to end – 75sts

PM at each end of the last row for left and right Top Hind Leg Seam Markers

HInd Leg Seams

Row 50 dec) Cast off 16 sts purlwise for Right Hind Leg Seam, purl to end – 59sts

Row 51 dec) Cast off 16 sts for Left Hind Leg Seam, knit next 17sts, kfb, k5, kfb, knit to end – 45sts

Row 52 Purl

PM at each end of last row for left and right Hind Leg Split Markers

Row 53 inc) Working into the first stitch on LH needle cast on 18 sts for racoon’s Left Hind leg Seam, PM for left Bottom Hind Leg Seam Marker knit to end – 63sts

Row 54 inc) Working into the first stitch on LH needle cast on 18 sts for Right Hind leg Seam, PM for right Bottom Hind Leg Seam, purl to end -81sts

Work short rows for racoon’s Left Thigh as follows:

Short Row 1 K27, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P27

Short Row 3 K26, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P26

Short Row 5 K25, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P25

Short Row 7 K24, W+Tk

Short Row 8 P24

Short Row 9 K23, W+Tk

Short Row 10 P23

Short Row 11 K22, W+Tk

Short Row 12 P22

Short Row 13 K21, W+Tk

Short Row 14 P21

Short Row 15 K20, W+Tk

Short Row 16 P20

Short Row 17 K19, W+Tk

Short Row 18 P19

Short Row 19 K18, W+Tk

Short Row 20 P18

Row 55 dec) K36, skpo, k5, k2tog, knit to end – 79sts

Work short rows for racoon’s Right Thigh as follows:

Short Row 1 P27, W+Tp

Short Row 2 K27

Short Row 3 P26, W+Tp

Short Row 4 K26

Short Row 5 P25, W+Tp

Short Row 6 K25

Short Row 7 P24, W+Tp

Short Row 8 K24

Short Row 9 P23, W+Tp

Short Row 10 K23

Short Row 11 P22, W+Tp

Short Row 12 K22

Short Row 13 P21, W+Tp

Short Row 14 K21

Short Row 15 P20, W+Tp

Short Row 16 K20

Short Row 17 P19, W+Tp

Short Row 18 K19

Short Row 19 P18, W+Tp

Short Row 20 K18

Cut yarn C, join on yarn A, continue with yarn AEF as follows:

Rows 56, 58, 60 Purl

Row 57 dec) K2tog, k33, skpo, k5, k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 75sts

Row 59 dec) K2tog, k32, skpo, k3, k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 71sts

Row 61 dec) K2tog, k30, skpo, k3, k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 67sts

Row 62 Purl

Work short rows to shape the Back

Short Row 1 dec) K30, skpo, k3, k2tog, k18, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P41, W+Tp

Short Row 3 dec) K17, skpo, k3, k2tog, k16, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P37, W+Tp

Short Row 5 dec) K15, skpo, k3, k2tog, k14, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P33, W+Tp

Short Row 7 dec) K13, skpo, k3, k2tog, k12, W+Tk

Short Row 8 P29, W+Tp

Short Row 9 dec) K11, skpo, k3, k2tog, knit to end

Row 63 Purl – 57sts

Separate Back from Hind Legs

Row 64 dec) K25, skpo, k3, k2tog, k12, Turn (flip work over so that WS/ purl side faces)

Row 65 P27, Turn (flip work over so that RS/ knit side faces)

TAIL

Continue to work on 27 Tail sts as follows (slip the two sets of Hind Leg sts onto safety pins if it’s easier):

Row 66 dec) K10, skpo, k3, k2tog, k10, Turn – 25 Tail sts

Row 67 P25, Turn

Row 68 dec) K9, skpo, k3, k2tog, k9, Turn – 23 Tail sts

Row 69 P23, Turn

PM at each end of tail sts for Tail Seam Markers

Cut yarn A, join on yarn E (use the other end of the ball), continue with yarn EEF as follows:

Continue to work the Tail alternating yarn EEF with yarn ACD working yarn EEF over six rows and yarn ACD every four rows

Row 70 inc) With yarn EEF cast 11 sts for Under Tail, knit to end – 34sts

Row 71 inc) Cast 11 sts for Under Tail, purl to end – 45sts

Row 72 dec) K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 43sts

Rows 73-75 Beginning with a purl row work three rows stocking stitch

Change to yarn ACD for next 4 rows, then EEF for next 6 and so on whilst working the pattern as set and so ending with yarn ACD:

Rows 76-117 With yarn ACD repeat last 4 rows 11 times – 21stsRow 118 dec) With yarn ACD K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 19sts

With yarn ACD work short rows for Tail Tip Short Row 1 P18, W+Tp

Short Row 2 K17, W+Tk

Short Row 3 P16, W+Tp

Short Row 4 K15, W+Tk

Short Row 5 P14, W+Tp

Short Row 6 K13, W+Tk

Short Row 7 P12, W+Tp

Short Row 8 K11, W+Tk

Short Row 9 K10, W+Tk

Short Row 10 P9, W+Tp

Short Row 11 K8, W+Tk

Short Row 12 P7, W+Tp

Short Row 13 K6, W+Tk

Short Row 14 P5, W+Tp

Short Row 15 K4, W+Tk

Short Row 16 P3, W+Tp

Short Row 17 K2, W+Tk

Short Row 18 Purl to end Cast off all Tail Tip sts.

To join Tail Seam

WS together, fold the tail at the Tail Tip cast-off edge and mattress stitch both tail cast-off edge halves together.

Continue to work mattress stitch down to the Tail Underside cast-on edges leaving those cast-on edges open (it’s across these edges that you’ll pick up for the Belly – the seam lies at the underside of the Tail and my racoon’s tail is only stuffed lightly with the yarn endings.See Fig. 3 for finished tail.

INNER LEFT HIND LEG

WS facing and tail facing you, with size 3.75mm needles rejoin yarn

ABE to 14 sts to the left of the tail (see Fig. 4, rejoin at A)

Rows 1-5 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch PM at beginning of last (purl) row for left Hind Leg to Tail Marker Rows 6-19 Work 14 rows stocking stitch

PM at beginning of last (purl) row for left Inner Hind Leg Seam Marker

Row 20 Knit

PM at beginning of last (knit) row for left Hind Leg Marker

Cast off all 14 left Inner Hind Leg sts purlwise.

INNER RIGHT HIND LEG

RS facing and head facing you, rejoin yarn ABE to the 14 sts for inner right hind (see Fig. 4, rejoin at B)

Rows 1-4 Work four rows stocking stitch

PM at beginning of last (purl) row for right Hind Leg to Tail Marker Rows 5-18 Work 14 rows stocking stitch

PM at end of last (purl) row for right Inner Hind Leg Seam Marker Row 19 Knit

PM at end of last (knit) row for right Hind Leg Marker

Cast off all 14 right Inner Hind Leg sts purlwise.

LEFT HIND LEG

RS facing, with AEF and size 3.75mm needles starting at left Bottom Hind Leg Seam Marker, pick up and knit 25 sts along to Left Hind Leg Marker (see Fig. 5, A to B).

Row 1 Purl

*Row 2 inc) k10, kfb, k3, kfb, knit to end – 27sts

Row 3 Purl

Row 4 K4, k2tog, k5, kfb, k3, kfb, k5, k2tog, k4

Rows 5-16 Repeat last 2 rows six times

Row 17 Purl

Row 18 dec) K4, k2tog, k15, k2tog, k4 – 25sts

Rows 19-21 Beginning with a purl row work three rows stocking stitch

Row 22 dec) K4, k2tog, k13, k2tog, k4 – 23sts

Row 23 Purl

Row 24 dec) K4, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k4 – 21sts

Row 25 Purl

Work short rows to shape Heel Short Row 1 K14, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P7, W+Tp

Short Row 3 K6, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P5, W+Tp

Short Row 5 K4, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P3, W+Tp

Short Row 7 Knit to end

Row 26 Purl

Foot

Row 27 inc) Cast on 5 sts for Foot Upper Side A, knit to end

Row 28 inc) Cast on 5 sts for Foot Upper Side B, purl to end – 31sts

Row 29 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 33sts

Row 30 Purl

Row 31 Kfb, k12, skpo, k3, k2tog, k to last st, kfb

Rows 32-33 Repeat last 2 rows once

Rows 34-36 Beginning with a purl row work three rows stocking stitch Cast off all 33 sts for Sole Seam**

RIGHT HIND LEG

RS facing, with yarn AEF, and with size 3.75mm needles starting at right Hind Leg Marker, pick up and knit 25 sts along to right Bottom Hind Leg Seam Marker (see Fig. 6, A to B).

Row 1 Purl Continue as Left Hind Leg from * to **.

Join Neck Seam

RS together, working on one side at a time, match Neck Marker with Lower Neck Marker ease the head side cast-off edge together with the neck cast-on Edge and back stitch along from markers to the split (see Fig. 8, join dotted lines).

Remove lower neck markers.

Join Front to Neck Seam

RS together, working on one side at a time, match the Neck Marker with Front to Neck Marker ease the row end together with the front cast on edge and back stitch along from markers to the split (see Fig. 9, join dotted lines).

Remove neck markers.

Join Foreleg Seam

Working on side at a time, RS together, match Top Foreleg Seam Marker to Bottom Foreleg Seam Marker ease the cast-on/ cast-off edges together and back stitch along from markers to the split (see Fig. 10, join dotted lines).

Remove bottom foreleg markers. Turn out to RS.

Join Hind Legs

Working on leg at a time, WS together, fold the foot in half at the cast-off edge.

Work mattress stitch to join both halves of the cast-off edge so joining the sole of the foot.

Mattress sew the row ends for the foot upper. Smooth out the seam with your fingers.

At the top of the hind leg, WS together, match the Inner Hind Leg Marker (A) with the Hind Leg Split Marker (B) (see Fig. 11 & 12), then match the Hind Leg Marker (C) with the Bottom Hind Leg Seam Marker (D)and ease and mattress stitch the cast-on/ cast-off edges together

in between the pairs of markers so joining the top of the front of the hind leg for Thigh Seam (you may find it easier to pin first as there is a bit of easing to fit involved with this thigh seam) (see Fig. 11 & 13, join dotted lines).

Complete the sewing of the hind leg by mattress stitching the ‘shin’ from the bottom hind leg/ hind leg markers to the foot upper seam. Remove hind leg and inner hind leg markers.

Stuff the feet the legs.

Embroider straight lines for toes in yarn C or D.

Join Hind Leg Seam

Working on leg at a time, RS (knit-side) facing you, match the Top Hind Leg Marker with the Bottom Hind Leg Marker and pin the cast-off edge to the Thigh Seam. Carefully work mattress stitch to join the hind leg seam from top hind leg/ bottom hind leg markers along to Hind Leg Split Marker so joining cast-off edge to thigh seam (see Fig. 14, join dotted lines).

Remove bottom hind leg and hind leg split markers.

Join Hind Leg to Tail Seam

Working on leg at a time, RS together, match the Tail Seam Marker with the Hind Leg To Tail Marker and mattress stitch the seam to join the back of the hind leg to the beginning of the tail so joining row ends from markers to the split (see Fig. 15 & 16, join dotted line A to dotted line B).

Turn out to RS. Remove tail seam and hind leg to tail markers.

BELLY

RS of knitting and tail seam facing you, with yarn ABE and size 3.75mm needles begin at racoon’s Left Tail Marker pick up and knit 9 sts along Under Tail Under Cast-On Edge along to the Tail Seam; from the seam pick up and knit 9 sts along cast on edge to racoon’s Right Tail Marker (see Fig. 17, pick up from A to B) – 18sts

Row 1 Purl

Row 2 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 20sts

Rows 3-7 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

Row 8 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 22sts

Rows 9-13 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

Row 14 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 24sts

Rows 15-19 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

PM at each end of last (purl) row for left and right Inside Leg Markers

Work short rows for Belly

Short Row 1 K23, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P22, W+Tp

Short Row 3 K21, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P20, W+Tp

Short Row 5 K19, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P18, W+Tp

Short Row 7 K17, W+Tk

Short Row 8 P16, W+Tp

Short Row 9 K15, W+Tk

Short Row 10 P14, W+Tp

Short Row 11 K13, W+Tk

Short Row 12 P12, W+Tp

Short Row 13 K11, W+Tk

Short Row 14 P10, W+Tp

Short Row 15 K9, W+Tk

Short Row 16 P8, W+Tp

Short Row 17 Knit to end

Rows 20-22 Beginning with a purl row work three rows stocking stitch

PM at each end of last (purl) row for left and right Inside Thigh Markers

Row 23 dec) K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 22sts

Rows 24-28 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

Row 29 dec) K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 20sts

Rows 30-34 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

Row 35 dec) K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 18sts

Rows 36-40 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

Row 41 dec) K2tog, k3, skpo, k4, k2tog, k to last 2, k2tog – 14sts

PM at each end of last row for left and right Inside Foreleg Markers Row 42 Purl

INNER FORELEGS

Row 43 inc) Cast on 14sts for Left Inner Foreleg, knit to end – 28sts

Row 44 inc) Cast on 14sts for Right Inner Foreleg, purl to end – 42sts

Row 45 dec) K17, skpo, k4, k2tog, knit to end- 40sts

Row 46 Purl

Row 47 dec) K16, skpo, k4, k2tog, knit to end- 38sts

Rows 48-60 Beginning with a purl row work 13 rows stocking stitch

PM at each end of last (purl) row for left and right Inside Foreleg Top Markers

Row 61 dec) Cast off 10 sts for left Inside Foreleg Edge, knit to end – 28sts

Row 62 dec) Cast off 10 sts purlwise for right Inside Foreleg Edge, purl to end – 18sts

Row 63 dec) K2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog – 16sts

Rows 64-68 Beginning with a purl row work five rows stocking stitch

THROAT

Work short rows for Throat Short Row 1 K15, W+Tk

Short Row 2 P14, W+Tp

Short Row 3 K13, W+Tk

Short Row 4 P12, W+Tp

Short Row 5 K11, W+Tk

Short Row 6 P10, W+Tp

Short Row 7 K9, W+Tk

Short Row 8 P8, W+Tp

Short Row 9 Knit to end

Row 69 Purl

PM at each end of last row for left and right Throat Markers

Switch to 3.50mm needles, cut yarn A and continue working with yarn

BE for the remainder of the throat and chin as follows:

Row 70 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 18sts

Row 71 Purl

Rows 72-79 inc) Repeat last 2 rows four times – 26sts

PM at each end of last (purl) row for left and right Lower Jaw Markers Row 80 dec) K2tog, k8, skpo, k2, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 22sts Rows 81, 83 & 85 Purl

Row 82 dec) K2tog, k6, skpo, k2, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 18sts Row 84 dec) K2tog, k4, skpo, k2, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 14sts Row 86 dec) K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 12sts

Rows 87-89 Beginning with a purl row work three rows stocking stitch

Row 90 dec) K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 10sts

PM at each end of last row for left and right Chin Markers Row 91 Purl

Row 92 dec) K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 8sts

Work short rows to create racoon’s Chin

Short Row 1 P7, W+T

Short Row 2 K6, W+T

Short Row 3 P5, W+T

Short Row 4 K4, W+T

Short Row 5 Purl to end

Row 93 dec) K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog – 6sts

Row 94 dec) P2, p2tog, p2 – 5sts

Cut yarn, thread end through all 4 Chin sts, pull up and fasten off at Chin Point.

Join Belly to Inner Hind Leg

Working on one Inner Hind Leg at a time, RS (knit-side) facing you, match the Inside Leg Marker to the top of the Thigh Seam and mattress stitch from the marker/ seam along to the beginning of the tail, so joining belly row ends to inner hind leg row ends.

Stuff the thigh through the opening (see Fig. 18, join dotted lines).

Join Inner Thigh to Inner Hind Leg

Working on one Inner Hind Leg at a time, RS (knit-side) facing you, match the Top Hind Leg Seam Marker with the Inside Thigh Marker and mattress stitch from the top hind leg/ inside thigh markers along to the Inside Leg Marker – so joining inner hind leg short row ends with thigh seam – it’s a bit of a strange seam because you a joining an aready sewn seam to row ends – but stick with it and watch the video if you’re confused (see Fig. 19, ease together and join dotted lines A to B).

Remove inside leg marker and top hind leg seam marker.

Join Belly to Foreleg Back

Working on one side at a time, match Bottom Foreleg Seam Marker with Inside Foreleg Marker and join belly to back by working mattress stitch joining row ends from bottom foreleg seam/ inside foreleg seam markers along to Inside Thigh Marker (see Fig. 20) Remove inside foreleg marker and inside thigh marker.

Join Foreleg Top Seam

Working on one upper foreleg seam at a time, WS together, match Foreleg Marker to Inside Foreleg Top Marker, then matching Throat Marker to Front to Neck Marker. ease together (and pin together if it’s easier) and mattress stitch along the row ends and cast-on and cast- off edges to join the seam between the throat/ front to neck markers and foreleg/ inside foreleg top markers (see Fig. 21, ease together and join dotted lines).

Remove inside foreleg top marker and front to neck markers

NOTE – you must leave the back seam of foreleg unsewn at the moment!!

LOWER FORELEGS & FRONT PAWS

Left Foreleg and Paw

RS facing you, with yarn AFG and 3.75mm needles, pick up and knit 7 sts across the row ends from racoon’s corner of Left Inner Foreleg Cast- On Edge across to left Foreleg Marker; then pick up and knit 7 sts from left foreleg marker to corner of racoon’s Left cast-off edge for Foreleg Back (see. Fig 22, pick up from A to B) – 14sts

Remove left foreleg marker

*Rows 1-11 Beginning with a purl row work 11 rows stocking stitch

Row 12 K7, slip very next seven stitches onto a safety pin.

PAW Side A

Working on the first 7 sts:

Row 1 WS) inc) Cast on 12 sts for Paw Side A Upper, p19

Rows 2-5 Work four rows stocking stitch Cast off all 19 sts for Paw Side A Sole.

Side B

RS facing, slip 7 stitches off the safety pin onto LH needle, rejoin yarn

CG, continue as follows:

Row 1RS) inc) Cast on 12 sts for Paw Side B Upper, knit – 19sts Rows 2-5 Beginning with a purl row work four rows stocking stitch Cast off all 19 sts purlwise for Paw Side B Sole.**

Right Foreleg and Paw

RS facing you, with yarn AFG pick up and knit 7 sts across the row ends from racoon’s corner of Right cast-off edge for Foreleg Back across to right Foreleg Marker; then pick up and knit 7 sts from right foreleg marker to corner of racoon’s Right Inner Foreleg Cast-On Edge

(see. Fig 22, pick up from C to D) – 14sts Remove right foreleg marker

Work Right Foreleg & Paw as Left Foreleg & Paw from * to **.

Join Paw and Foreleg Back Seams

Working on one foreleg seam at a time, WS together, match Paw Sole Sides A & B Cast-Off Edges together and mattress stitch to join both edges; bring seam edge at toe end up to front of foreleg

split to create a triangle for paw upper and join the two edges from Paw Upper Sides A & B together – shape, stuff and flatten with your fingers. Mattress stitch the Back Of Foreleg Seam from sole seam along to Top Foreleg Marker – at the same time stuffing the paw and the foreleg (see. Figs 23 & 24).

Remove top foreleg marker. Stuff the feet well.

Embroider 5 x straight lines for toes in yarn C or D.

Join Nose Band

Match the fastened-edge from the Nose Band to the split above the muzzle, near Nose Markers and work a few stitches to hold in place whilst you join the edges to the eye brows as follows:

With RS together match the row ends from the nose band to the edge of the eye brows and working on one side at a time work back stitch to join the edges of the nose band to the eye brows. top of head and row ends above the muzzle at Nose Markers (see. Figs 25 & 26).

Remove nose markers.

You want the eye brows to sit proud about the nose band so fuss around with the eye brow shaping a little.

Join Muzzle and Nose Seams

RS together fold the cast-on edge from the beginning of the pattern in half and back stitch to join the two halves together for Nose Seam (see. Fig 26, join dotted lines).

Join Muzzle to Chin

WS together, match the fastened-off Chin Point with the bottom end of the Muzzle Seam and work a couple of stitches to hold chin point to muzzle seam.

Working on one side at a time, match the Muzzle Marker to Chin Marker and mattress stitch to join muzzle to chin along row ends from nose/ chin point seam to markers (see. Fig 27).

Remove muzzle markers. Stuff the muzzle.

Join Cheeks to Throat

WS together, working on one side at a time match the Upper Jaw Marker with the Lower Jaw Marker and mattress stitch to join cheek to chin along row ends from chin marker to lower jaw, upper jaw markers (see. Fig 27).

Remove chin and lower jaw markers.

Add Eyes

Insert the eyes refering to the photos and video for placement.

Join Jaw to Neck

WS together, working on one side at a time match the Front to Neck Marker with Throat Marker and mattress stitch to join jaw to neck along row ends from upper jaw marker to front to neck/ throat marker

– NOTE – before completing the second side be aware that this is the last opportunity you have for completing the stuffing.

Remove upper jaw markers and throat markers.

NOSE

The nose is knitted independently from the rest of the knitting, and then sewn on, as follows:

With yarn CD and smaller 3.50mm needles cast on 5 sts for Bottom of Nose Edge

Row 1 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 7sts

Row 2 Purl

Rows 3-4 inc) Repeat last 2 rows once – 9sts Row 5 inc) Cast on 3 sts, knit across – 12sts Row 6 inc) Cast on 3 sts, purl across – 15sts Row 7 dec) K6, k3tog, knit to end – 13sts Row 8 Purl

Cast off for Top of Nose Edge.

To Join Nose

RS together, fold nose in half at the row ends matching A to A and B to B (see Fig. 30) and back stitch to join row end halves together.

Turn out to RS through the cast-on/ cast-off edges and slip the nose over the nose seam – the cast-off edge becomes the top and side of the nose.

The cast-off edge lies at the bottom of the nose and sits just above the seam where the chin joins the muzzle.

The nose is not stuffed.

Optional – Embroider a couple of small stitches onto the top of the nose in yarn B to create a highlight.

EARS

Make 2 alike

With yarn AB and smaller 3.50mm needles cast on 12 sts for Ear Outer Edge

Row 1 inc) Kfb, k to last st, kfb – 14sts

Row 2 Purl

Cut yarn B, join yarn F, continue with yarn AF as follows:

Rows 3-4 Work two rows stocking stitch

Row 5 dec) K4, skpo, k2, k2tog, knit to end – 12sts

Row 6 Purl

Cut yarn AF, join yarn CD, continue with yarn CD as follows:

Rows 7-8 Work two rows stocking stitch

Row 9 dec) K3, skpo, k2, k2tog, knit to end – 10sts

Row 10 Purl

Cut yarn D, join yarn F, continue with yarn CF as follows:

Row 11 dec) K2, skpo, k2, k2tog, knit to end – 8sts

Rows 12 & 14 Purl

Row 13 dec) K1, skpo, k2, k2tog, k1 – 6sts

Row 15 dec) Skpo, k2, k2tog – 4sts Cast off purlwise for Inner Ear.

To Join Ear

Trim the yarn endings a little – what remains will become light stuffing for the ears.

WS together, fold ear at the darkest colour change so that the centre of the cast-off edge at Inner Ear aligns just beneath and centrally at the Outer Ear cast-on edge (see Figs. 32 & 33, matching X to X).

Join the Outer Ear Cast-On Edge to the Inner Ear rows ends – this creates the back of the ear to curve inwards.Join Ear to Head refering to the photos and video for placement – the inner ear faces forwards towards the nose.

A NOTE ABOUT THE YARN

I have listed here an alternative to the yarn that I suggested

that is similar in weight, shade although the result will be a more greyer in colour racoon:

Alternative shades:

• A Rowan Kid Silk Haze shade 664 Steel x 2 balls
• B Rowan Alpaca Merino DK shade 100 Medbourne x 1
• C Rowan Kid Silk Haze shade 674 Bark x 1
• D Rowan Alpaca Merino DK shade 115 Black x 1
• E Rowan Kid Silk Haze shade 634 Cream x 2
• F Rowan Alpaca Classic shade 101 Feather Grey Melange x 1
• G Rowan Kid Silk Haze shade 680 Burnt Caramel x 1

ABBREVIATIONS

• K = knit; P = purl;
• inc = increase;
• dec = decrease;
• K2tog = knit two together;
• P2tog = knit two together;
• RH/LH = right hand/ left hand;
• RS/WS = right side/ wrong side;
• st/ sts = stitch/ stitches;
• Skpo = slip one stitch, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitch over knit stitch;
• Kfb = knit into front then into back of stitch to increase by one stitch;
• Pfb = Purl into front then into back of stitch to increase by one stitch