Round 17: *K2 tog* in A only, repeat from * 3 times. Cut a length of yarn and thread a plastic darning needle. Pass stitches from needles to the yarn and pull tight to close the end of the tail. Fasten off and weave ends down inside tail. (Tail doesn’t need additional stuffing.)
PAWS (TWO)
CO 10 st in MC, divide between 2 dpns to give paws a flatter look. Connect in the round, making sure your stitches are not twisted.
Rounds 1–15: K all
Round 16: Skpo, K1, skpo twice, K1, skpo. Cut a length of yarn and thread a plastic darning needle. Pass stitches from needles to the yarn and pull tight to close the end of the paw. Fasten off. Stuff lightly to within a ½” from the closed end of the paw and shape paws around your thumb, giving them a slight downward curve. Sew paws to underside of body approx. 8–10 rows from neck opening. After paws are attached, stuff body to desired fluffiness.
HEAD/CHEST
Determine center of front neck opening, count 8 stitches to the right. This is where you will begin picking up stitches for the Head/Chest section. Pick up 26 stitches around the neck opening, moving clockwise as you look at the opening. Distribute the stitches on 3 dpns with 8 st each on left and right front sides (dpn1 on the right as you look at the opening, dpn 2 on the left) and 10 stitches on dpn3 across the back of the neck opening. Knit all of the stitches on dpn 1 (K8), which will bring you to the center of the neck opening, and begin the short rows. (The short row section will only be worked across dpn1 and dpn2.)
Rows 1&2: Dpn2: K2, w&t, P2; Dpn1: P2, w&t, K2
Rows 3&4: Dpn2: K3, w&t, P3; Dpn1: P3, w&t, K3
Rows 5&6: Dpn2: K4, w&t, P4; Dpn1: P4, w&t, K4
Rows 7&8: Dpn 2: K5, w&t, P5; Dpn 1: P5, w&t, K5
Rows 9&10, 11&12, 13&14**:
Continue adding a stitch each pair of rows until all 8 stitches on each dpn are wrapped and turned.
**Row 14—Note: You will end the 14th Row at the center of the chest, then K the next 8 stitches on dpn2 to make the front rows even on both sides. Transfer 1 st from the ends of dpn1 and dpn2 to dpn 3, giving you 7 st on dpn1 & dpn 2, and 12 on dpn3.**
Round 15: Begin knitting in rounds, starting with dpn3. Dpn3: K11 in MC, K1 in B (beginning of color work for ear section); Dpn1: K1 in B, K6 in MC; Dpn2: K7 in MC
Round 16: Dpn3: K10 in MC, K2 in B; Dpn1: K2 in B, K5 in MC; Dpn2: K7 in MC
Round 17: Dpn3: K9 in MC, K3 in B; Dpn1: K3 in B, K4 in MC; Dpn2: K7 in MC
Round 18: Dpn3: K8 in MC, K4 in B; Dpn1: K4 in B, K3 in MC; Dpn2: K7 in MC
Round 19: Dpn3: K7 in MC, K5 in B; Dpn1: K5 in B, K2 in MC; Dpn2: K7 in MC
Round 20: Dpn3: K6 in MC, K6 in B; Dpn1: K6 in B, slip last st on dpn1, K first st on dpn2 in MC and psso, K6 in MC (7 st on dpn1); Dpn2: K6 in MC (25 st)
Round 21: Dpn3: K6 in MC, K6 in B; Dpn1: K7 in B; Dpn2: K6 in MC (25 st)
NOTE: At this point you will need to stop and stitch the facial features and stuff the head and chest before seaming the top. Don’t forget to add a few whiskers!
Round 22: There are now 13 stitches on dpns1 & 2, and 12 stitches on dpn3. Turn work so that dpn3 is closest to you, and hold the front needles parallel to it. Starting with the first st on dpn2, double knit the front and back stitches (P st from dpn1 & 2, K st from dpn3), alternating until all stitches are on one needle. (1st 6 from each dpn will be in MC, remaining 7 will be in B).
Row 23: Turn work so the back of the neck is closest to you. K2tog, binding off the row as you go. Fasten off and weave in ends.
FINISHING TOUCHES:
Stitch along where ears meet the head and over the top seam between the ears to give them more definition. Tie off at back of head and weave ends in.
Tuck tail around the side of the body and stitch if desired, or let it hang naturally.
Add a “collar” of satin ribbon with a bell or charm on it for a sophisticated touch.
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Knit Your Own Murder Page 24
