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  7. / Bernat® Baby Blanket™ Knit Ballerina Elephant
Time Required :
Over an hour
Intermediate
Intermediate
You're somewhat experienced with the skills necessary to complete this project, but you haven't mastered all the elements, yet.

bernat® baby blanket™ knit ballerina elephant

Knit this lovely little Bernat® Baby Blanket™, Ballerina Elephant is as soft and squishy as they come. Her head is constructed in one single piece, worked from the top down, using simple afterthought techniques to pick up stitches for the ears and trunk before it is stuffed to create a defined head. Her body is worked separately, using raglan increases and slipped stitches to create her adorable arm definition, while her ruffled tutu is picked up and knit around here tummy. Her floppy rag-doll body remains unstuffed to create the perfect toy for little-ones to cuddle.
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Step 1

MEASUREMENT: Approx 15" [38 cm] tall.
GAUGE: 9 sts and 16 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stocking st.
SPECIAL STITCH(ES) EXPLANATION(S):
- Kfb (Knit Into Front and Back of Stitch): Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch.
- Kfbf (Knit Into Front, Back, Front of Stitch): Increase 2 stitches by knitting into front and back and front of next stitch.
- Pfb (Purl Into Front and Back of Stitch): Increase 1 stitch by purling into front and back of next stitch.
- Sl1Pwyib (Slip Stich Purlwise With Yarn In Back): Slip next stitch purlwise with yarn in back of work.
NOTES:
- Head and Body are worked separately and seamed together.
- Head is stuffed, but Body remains unstuffed.
- Beg work on double-pointed needles switching to circular needle as necessary.
- On knit and purl rows, slip markers as necessary.

Step 2

INSTRUCTIONS:
HEAD
With MC and set of double-pointed needles, cast on 6 sts leaving a tail approx 8" [20.5 cm] for seaming. Divide sts evenly onto 3 needles. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Inc Section:
Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. 12 sts.
Rnd 2 and alt rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *Kfb. K1. Rep from * around. 18 st.
Rnd 5: *Kfb. K2. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 7: *Kfb. K3. Rep from * around. 30 sts.
Rnd 9: *Kfb. K4. Rep from * around. 36 sts.
Rnds 10 to 12: Knit.
Note: Ear and Trunk openings are created by knitting sts with waste yarn (use contrast A), then knitting them again with working yarn (MC). Waste yarn will be removed later, and sts will be picked up and worked to add ears and trunk.
Rnd 13: K1. Drop MC. With A, K3 – ear opening made. Slip 3 sts just worked back onto left-hand needle. Break A. Cont with MC, knit same 3 sts. K3. Drop MC. With A, K4 – trunk opening made. Slip 4 sts just worked back onto left-hand needle. Break A. Cont with MC, knit same 4 sts. K3. Drop MC. With A, K3 – ear opening made. Slip 3 sts just worked back onto left-hand needle. Break A. Cont with MC. Knit same 3 sts. Knit to end of rnd.
Rnds 14 and 15: Knit.

Step 3

ABBREVIATIONS:
Alt = Alternate(ly)(ing)
Approx = Approximately
Beg = Begin(ning)
Cont = Continue(ity)
Dec = Decrease(ing)
Inc = Increase(ing)
K = Knit
Kfb = Knit Into Front and Back of Stitch
Kfbf = Knit Into Front, Back, Front of Stitch
K2tog = Knit Next 2 Stitches Together
P = Purl
PM = Place Marker
Pfb = Purl Into Front and Back of Stitch
Rem = Remain(ing)
Rep = Repeat
Rnd(s) = Round(s)
RS = Right side
Sl1Pwyib = Slip Stich Purlwise With Yarn In Back
SM = Slip Marker
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Tog = Together
WS = Wrong Side

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Step 4

Dec Section:
Rnd 1: *K2tog. K4. Rep from * around. 30 sts.
Rnd 2 and alt rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K2tog. K3. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 5: *K2tog. K2. Rep from * around. 18 sts.
Rnd 7: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * around. 12 sts.
PM at beg of next rnd to mark rnd.
Rnd 8: Knit.
Slip rem 12 sts to waste yarn. Break MC, leaving approx 36" [91.5 cm] tail.

Step 5

Trunk
With RS facing, carefully remove waste yarn for trunk opening. Place 8 released sts onto double-pointed needles.
Row 1: (RS). Join MC to first st along top edge of trunk opening. K4 from top edge. Pick up and knit 1 st in corner of opening. Turn, leaving rem 4 sts from bottom edge of Trunk Opening unworked. 5 sts.
Row 2: (WS). P5. Pick up and purl 1 st in corner of opening. Turn. 6 sts.
Row 3: (RS). K6. Pick up and knit 1 st in corner of opening. Turn. 7 sts.
Row 4: (WS) P7. Pick up and purl 1 st in corner of opening. Turn. 8 sts
Proceed in rnds as follows:
Rnd 1: (RS). K7. Knit tog next st and 1st st from bottom row of Trunk opening. K2. Knit tog last st from bottom row of Trunk opening with first st of next rnd. 10 sts. PM to mark beg of rnd.
Rnds 2 to 11: Knit.
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 10 sts, pull tight to close hole and fasten securely.
Weave tail from head cast-on through 1st rnd of head, pull tight to close hole and fasten securely.
Stuff head and trunk making sure trunk is facing down, head is round, and being careful not to overstuff.
Slip 12 sts from waste yarn back onto needles.
Cont dec head as follows:
Rnd 9: With MC (using tail), (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
Break yarn. leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 6 sts, pull tightly to close hole and fasten securely.

Step 6

Left Ear
With RS facing, carefully remove scrap yarn for left ear opening. Place 6 released sts onto double-pointed needles.
Inc Section:
Rnd 1: (RS). Join MC to first st along top edge of ear opening, leaving a long tail. *(Kfb) twice. K1. Pick up and knit 1 st in corner of opening. Rep from * once more. 12 sts. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 2 and Alt Rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *Kfb. K1. Rep from * around. 18 sts.
Rnd 5: *Kfb. K2. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 7: *Kfb. K3. Rep from * around. 30 sts.
Rnds 8 to 11: Knit.

Step 7

Dec Section:
Rnd 1: *K2tog. K3. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 2 and alt rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K2tog. K2. Rep from * around. 18 sts.
Rnd 5: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * around. 12 sts.
Rnd 7: *K2tog. Rep from * around. 6 sts.
Break yarn. leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 6 sts, pull tightly to close hole and fasten securely.
Flatten ear, pushing one side into the other, noting ear will naturally cup forward. With tail from 1st rnd sew through first rnd of ear through both thicknesses to seam ear opening closed along same curve as head.

Step 8

Right Ear
Work as for left ear across right ear opening.
BODY
Note: Beg of rnd is side seam and first 6 sts of 1st rnd form front of body.
Top
With A, cast on 12 sts leaving a tail approx 24" [61 cm] long for seaming. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 1: P1. PM. P4. PM. P2. PM. P4. PM. P1.
Rnd 2: Pfb. SM. P1. (Pfb) twice. P1. SM. (Pfb) twice. SM. P1. (Pfb) twice. P1. SM. Pfb. 20 sts.
Rnd 3: (Purl to next marker. SM. K1. Purl to 1 st before next marker. K1. SM) twice. Purl to end of rnd.
Rnd 4: P2. SM. Sl1Pwyib. P4. Sl1Pwyib. SM. P4. SM. Sl1Pwyib. P4. Sl1Pwyib. SM. P2.
Rnd 5: As 3rd rnd.
Rnd 6: (Purl to 1 st before marker next marker. Pfb. SM. Sl1Pwyib. Pfb. Purl to 2 sts before next marker. Pfb. Sl1Pwyib. SM. Pfb) twice. Purl to end of rnd. 28 sts.
Rnd 7: (Purl to next marker. SM. K1. Purl to 1 st before next marker. K1. SM) twice. Purl to end of rnd.
Rnd 8: (Purl to next marker. SM. Sl1Pwyib. Purl to 1 st before next marker Sl1Pwyib. SM) twice. Purl to end of rnd.
Rnd 9: As Rnd 7.
Rnds 10 to 21: Rep Rnds 6 to 9 twice more. 52 sts at end of Rnd 21.
Rnd 22: Knit. Break A.

Step 9

Tummy
Rnd 1: (RS). Slip last 6 sts and first 6 sts of last round to waste yarn.
Join MC at 1st st after first marker to work around. Remove markers as you work. K14. Slip next 12 sts to waste yarn. K14. 28 sts rem on needle. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 2: Kfb. K12. Kfb. PM. Kfb. K12. Kfb. 32 sts.
Rnds 3 to 5: Knit.
Rnd 6: (Kfb. Knit to 1 st before marker. Kfb) twice. 36 sts.
Rnds 7 to 18: Rep 3rd to 6th rnds 3 times more. 48 sts after 18th rnd.
Rnd 19: Knit. Break MC.
Cast-Off Rnd: Slip last 5 sts and first 5 sts of last round to waste yarn.
Rejoin MC at next st of rnd. Cast off next 14 sts. K10 (including st rem from cast-off). Slip last 10 sts to waste yarn. Cast off rem sts. Break MC leaving a tail approx 24" [61 cm] long for seaming.

Step 10

FINISHING
Left Hand
With RS facing, transfer first set of 12 sts from waste yarn from 1st rnd of tummy onto double-pointed needles.
Rnd 1: Join MC to first st. Knit. Join in rnd, PM on first st
Rnds 2 to 6: Knit.
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 12 sts, pull tight to close hole and fasten securely.
Right Hand
Work as for left hand around second set of 12 sts from waste yarn from 1st rnd of tummy.
Left Foot
With RS facing, transfer first set of 10 sts from waste yarn from cast-off rnd of tummy onto double-pointed needles.
Rnd 1: Join A to first st. Knit. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnds 2 to 10: Knit.
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 10 sts, pull tightly to close hole and fasten securely.
Right Foot
Work as for left foot around second set of 10 sts from waste yarn from cast off rnd of tummy.

Step 11

Tutu
Rnd 1: With RS of front facing and A, beg at side seam, pick up and knit 30 sts around 22nd rnd of top, skipping sts that were worked for hands (work around sts that were reserved for Tummy). Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 2: Kfbf in each st around. 90 sts.
Rnds 3 to 5: Knit.
Cast off.
Assembly
With tail sew cast-on edge of top to bottom of head around 8th rnd of head dec.
With A, seam underarms closed.
With tail, seam bottom cast-off edge closed between feet.

Supplies
Materials
Materials
 
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Loops & Threads® Carabiner Stitch Markers, 20ct.

    Item # 10154196 
    Save 40% off One Regular Price Item with code 12112340 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $8.49
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    The Original Poly-fil® Premium Fiber Fill Bag, 20oz.

    Item # 10509852 
    Save 40% off One Regular Price Item with code 12112340 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $14.99
 
Tools
Tools
 
  • img
    809187846
    You’ll Need: 1

    36" Circular Knitting Needles by Loops & Threads®

    Item # 10632865 
    Save 40% off One Regular Price Item with code 12112340 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program; clearance; buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; craft technology machines; Cricut, Silhouette. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for details.
    $11.99
    • Color: Assorted
    • Size: US 10.5 / 6.5mm
    • Color: Assorted
    • Size: US 10.5 / 6.5mm
    +More Sizes
    • Color: Assorted
    • Size: US 10.5 / 6.5mm
    +More Sizes
    +More Options
 
You’ll Also Need
  • 1 - Bernat® Orange Flamingo Baby Blanket™ Yarn (10654292)
  • 1 - Bernat® Strawberry Sprinkle Baby Blanket™ Yarn (10654306)
  • 1 - Bernat® Orange Flamingo Baby Blanket™ Yarn (10655936)
Instructions
Step 1

MEASUREMENT: Approx 15" [38 cm] tall.
GAUGE: 9 sts and 16 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stocking st.
SPECIAL STITCH(ES) EXPLANATION(S):
- Kfb (Knit Into Front and Back of Stitch): Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch.
- Kfbf (Knit Into Front, Back, Front of Stitch): Increase 2 stitches by knitting into front and back and front of next stitch.
- Pfb (Purl Into Front and Back of Stitch): Increase 1 stitch by purling into front and back of next stitch.
- Sl1Pwyib (Slip Stich Purlwise With Yarn In Back): Slip next stitch purlwise with yarn in back of work.
NOTES:
- Head and Body are worked separately and seamed together.
- Head is stuffed, but Body remains unstuffed.
- Beg work on double-pointed needles switching to circular needle as necessary.
- On knit and purl rows, slip markers as necessary.

Step 2

INSTRUCTIONS:
HEAD
With MC and set of double-pointed needles, cast on 6 sts leaving a tail approx 8" [20.5 cm] for seaming. Divide sts evenly onto 3 needles. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Inc Section:
Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. 12 sts.
Rnd 2 and alt rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *Kfb. K1. Rep from * around. 18 st.
Rnd 5: *Kfb. K2. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 7: *Kfb. K3. Rep from * around. 30 sts.
Rnd 9: *Kfb. K4. Rep from * around. 36 sts.
Rnds 10 to 12: Knit.
Note: Ear and Trunk openings are created by knitting sts with waste yarn (use contrast A), then knitting them again with working yarn (MC). Waste yarn will be removed later, and sts will be picked up and worked to add ears and trunk.
Rnd 13: K1. Drop MC. With A, K3 – ear opening made. Slip 3 sts just worked back onto left-hand needle. Break A. Cont with MC, knit same 3 sts. K3. Drop MC. With A, K4 – trunk opening made. Slip 4 sts just worked back onto left-hand needle. Break A. Cont with MC, knit same 4 sts. K3. Drop MC. With A, K3 – ear opening made. Slip 3 sts just worked back onto left-hand needle. Break A. Cont with MC. Knit same 3 sts. Knit to end of rnd.
Rnds 14 and 15: Knit.

Step 3

ABBREVIATIONS:
Alt = Alternate(ly)(ing)
Approx = Approximately
Beg = Begin(ning)
Cont = Continue(ity)
Dec = Decrease(ing)
Inc = Increase(ing)
K = Knit
Kfb = Knit Into Front and Back of Stitch
Kfbf = Knit Into Front, Back, Front of Stitch
K2tog = Knit Next 2 Stitches Together
P = Purl
PM = Place Marker
Pfb = Purl Into Front and Back of Stitch
Rem = Remain(ing)
Rep = Repeat
Rnd(s) = Round(s)
RS = Right side
Sl1Pwyib = Slip Stich Purlwise With Yarn In Back
SM = Slip Marker
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Tog = Together
WS = Wrong Side

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Step 4

Dec Section:
Rnd 1: *K2tog. K4. Rep from * around. 30 sts.
Rnd 2 and alt rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K2tog. K3. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 5: *K2tog. K2. Rep from * around. 18 sts.
Rnd 7: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * around. 12 sts.
PM at beg of next rnd to mark rnd.
Rnd 8: Knit.
Slip rem 12 sts to waste yarn. Break MC, leaving approx 36" [91.5 cm] tail.

Step 5

Trunk
With RS facing, carefully remove waste yarn for trunk opening. Place 8 released sts onto double-pointed needles.
Row 1: (RS). Join MC to first st along top edge of trunk opening. K4 from top edge. Pick up and knit 1 st in corner of opening. Turn, leaving rem 4 sts from bottom edge of Trunk Opening unworked. 5 sts.
Row 2: (WS). P5. Pick up and purl 1 st in corner of opening. Turn. 6 sts.
Row 3: (RS). K6. Pick up and knit 1 st in corner of opening. Turn. 7 sts.
Row 4: (WS) P7. Pick up and purl 1 st in corner of opening. Turn. 8 sts
Proceed in rnds as follows:
Rnd 1: (RS). K7. Knit tog next st and 1st st from bottom row of Trunk opening. K2. Knit tog last st from bottom row of Trunk opening with first st of next rnd. 10 sts. PM to mark beg of rnd.
Rnds 2 to 11: Knit.
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 10 sts, pull tight to close hole and fasten securely.
Weave tail from head cast-on through 1st rnd of head, pull tight to close hole and fasten securely.
Stuff head and trunk making sure trunk is facing down, head is round, and being careful not to overstuff.
Slip 12 sts from waste yarn back onto needles.
Cont dec head as follows:
Rnd 9: With MC (using tail), (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
Break yarn. leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 6 sts, pull tightly to close hole and fasten securely.

Step 6

Left Ear
With RS facing, carefully remove scrap yarn for left ear opening. Place 6 released sts onto double-pointed needles.
Inc Section:
Rnd 1: (RS). Join MC to first st along top edge of ear opening, leaving a long tail. *(Kfb) twice. K1. Pick up and knit 1 st in corner of opening. Rep from * once more. 12 sts. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 2 and Alt Rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *Kfb. K1. Rep from * around. 18 sts.
Rnd 5: *Kfb. K2. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 7: *Kfb. K3. Rep from * around. 30 sts.
Rnds 8 to 11: Knit.

Step 7

Dec Section:
Rnd 1: *K2tog. K3. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Rnd 2 and alt rnds: Knit.
Rnd 3: *K2tog. K2. Rep from * around. 18 sts.
Rnd 5: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * around. 12 sts.
Rnd 7: *K2tog. Rep from * around. 6 sts.
Break yarn. leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 6 sts, pull tightly to close hole and fasten securely.
Flatten ear, pushing one side into the other, noting ear will naturally cup forward. With tail from 1st rnd sew through first rnd of ear through both thicknesses to seam ear opening closed along same curve as head.

Step 8

Right Ear
Work as for left ear across right ear opening.
BODY
Note: Beg of rnd is side seam and first 6 sts of 1st rnd form front of body.
Top
With A, cast on 12 sts leaving a tail approx 24" [61 cm] long for seaming. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 1: P1. PM. P4. PM. P2. PM. P4. PM. P1.
Rnd 2: Pfb. SM. P1. (Pfb) twice. P1. SM. (Pfb) twice. SM. P1. (Pfb) twice. P1. SM. Pfb. 20 sts.
Rnd 3: (Purl to next marker. SM. K1. Purl to 1 st before next marker. K1. SM) twice. Purl to end of rnd.
Rnd 4: P2. SM. Sl1Pwyib. P4. Sl1Pwyib. SM. P4. SM. Sl1Pwyib. P4. Sl1Pwyib. SM. P2.
Rnd 5: As 3rd rnd.
Rnd 6: (Purl to 1 st before marker next marker. Pfb. SM. Sl1Pwyib. Pfb. Purl to 2 sts before next marker. Pfb. Sl1Pwyib. SM. Pfb) twice. Purl to end of rnd. 28 sts.
Rnd 7: (Purl to next marker. SM. K1. Purl to 1 st before next marker. K1. SM) twice. Purl to end of rnd.
Rnd 8: (Purl to next marker. SM. Sl1Pwyib. Purl to 1 st before next marker Sl1Pwyib. SM) twice. Purl to end of rnd.
Rnd 9: As Rnd 7.
Rnds 10 to 21: Rep Rnds 6 to 9 twice more. 52 sts at end of Rnd 21.
Rnd 22: Knit. Break A.

Step 9

Tummy
Rnd 1: (RS). Slip last 6 sts and first 6 sts of last round to waste yarn.
Join MC at 1st st after first marker to work around. Remove markers as you work. K14. Slip next 12 sts to waste yarn. K14. 28 sts rem on needle. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 2: Kfb. K12. Kfb. PM. Kfb. K12. Kfb. 32 sts.
Rnds 3 to 5: Knit.
Rnd 6: (Kfb. Knit to 1 st before marker. Kfb) twice. 36 sts.
Rnds 7 to 18: Rep 3rd to 6th rnds 3 times more. 48 sts after 18th rnd.
Rnd 19: Knit. Break MC.
Cast-Off Rnd: Slip last 5 sts and first 5 sts of last round to waste yarn.
Rejoin MC at next st of rnd. Cast off next 14 sts. K10 (including st rem from cast-off). Slip last 10 sts to waste yarn. Cast off rem sts. Break MC leaving a tail approx 24" [61 cm] long for seaming.

Step 10

FINISHING
Left Hand
With RS facing, transfer first set of 12 sts from waste yarn from 1st rnd of tummy onto double-pointed needles.
Rnd 1: Join MC to first st. Knit. Join in rnd, PM on first st
Rnds 2 to 6: Knit.
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 12 sts, pull tight to close hole and fasten securely.
Right Hand
Work as for left hand around second set of 12 sts from waste yarn from 1st rnd of tummy.
Left Foot
With RS facing, transfer first set of 10 sts from waste yarn from cast-off rnd of tummy onto double-pointed needles.
Rnd 1: Join A to first st. Knit. Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnds 2 to 10: Knit.
Break yarn, leaving a tail. Thread tail through rem 10 sts, pull tightly to close hole and fasten securely.
Right Foot
Work as for left foot around second set of 10 sts from waste yarn from cast off rnd of tummy.

Step 11

Tutu
Rnd 1: With RS of front facing and A, beg at side seam, pick up and knit 30 sts around 22nd rnd of top, skipping sts that were worked for hands (work around sts that were reserved for Tummy). Join in rnd, PM on first st.
Rnd 2: Kfbf in each st around. 90 sts.
Rnds 3 to 5: Knit.
Cast off.
Assembly
With tail sew cast-on edge of top to bottom of head around 8th rnd of head dec.
With A, seam underarms closed.
With tail, seam bottom cast-off edge closed between feet.

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