Denim Ghost with Cream Eyes Knit Free Pattern
Denim Ghost with Cream Eyes Knit Free Pattern
Introduction
This little denim ghost is the perfect project for an advanced beginner who wants something quick, satisfying, and just a touch spooky. Worked in sport weight cotton, it has a soft, slightly crisp hand that holds its bell shape beautifully, and the allover seed stitch gives it a bumpy, cozy texture that looks wonderful on a shelf or mantel. At about 4 inches tall, it's a small, friendly ghost with two simple cream circular eyes and no fussy details, so it comes together in an evening or two. Whether you're decorating for Halloween or just love a minimalist handmade toy, this ghost is a charming little make you'll want to knit again and again.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Sport weight (CYC 2) cotton. Approximately 50 yards (46 m) in denim blue (Color A) and 5 yards (4.5 m) in cream (Color B).
- Needles: 3.5 mm (US 4) knitting needles, plus a set of double-pointed needles or a long circular needle for working small circumferences in the round.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and a small amount of polyester fiberfill if you'd like to stuff the ghost lightly (optional).
- Finished size: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide at the base.
Abbreviations
- k — knit
- p — purl
- k2tog — knit two stitches together (a decrease)
- p2tog — purl two stitches together (a decrease)
- sts — stitches
- Rnd(s) — round(s)
Gauge
24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in seed stitch. To check your gauge, knit a small seed stitch swatch, block it lightly, and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your needle size if needed.
Tips Before You Start
- Seed stitch means you knit the purls and purl the knits as they appear, so keep an eye on your stitch pattern as you work in the round.
- When joining to work in the round, double-check that your cast-on edge isn't twisted before you knit the first stitch.
- Because the body is small, use the magic loop method or double-pointed needles to keep your rounds comfortable.
- Leave a generous 6-inch tail when you close the top so you have plenty of yarn to pull the opening tight and weave in securely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (Color A)
Cast on 36 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Rnds 1-2: [k1, p1] around (36 sts).
Rnds 3-4: [p1, k1] around (36 sts).
Repeat Rnds 1-4 until the piece measures 3.5 inches (9 cm) from the cast on, ending after a Rnd 4.
Shape top:
Rnd 1: [k2tog, p2tog] around (18 sts).
Rnd 2: [k1, p1] around (18 sts).
Rnd 3: [k2tog, p2tog] around (9 sts).
Rnd 4: [k1, p1] around (9 sts).
Rnd 5: [k2tog, p2tog] around (5 sts).
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the ends.
Eyes (Color B) — make 2
With Color B, cast on 6 sts.
Row 1: purl (6 sts).
Row 2: knit (6 sts).
Row 3: purl (6 sts).
Row 4: knit (6 sts).
Bind off. Sew the cast-on and bind-off edges together to form a small circle. Weave in the ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Place the eyes on the front of the ghost, about 1 inch apart and about 1 inch below the top. Sew them in place using Color B and a tapestry needle, taking small, neat stitches around the edge of each circle. Weave in all remaining ends. If you'd like the ghost to hold its shape a little more firmly, lightly stuff the body with a small amount of fiberfill before closing the top. Block gently by misting with water and shaping the ghost into a nice bell shape, then let it dry completely.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Try a soft gray or off-white yarn for a classic ghost, or a bright color for a playful twist.
- Swap the cream eyes for tiny black buttons or embroidered French knots for a different expression.
- Make a set in different sizes by using a heavier yarn and larger needles for a bigger ghost.
