Ribbed Red Panda Egg Free Knit Pattern
Introduction
Meet the Ribbed Red Panda Egg: a palm-sized, squishy little friend who looks like a red panda curled up into an egg. It is knit from the bottom up in 2x2 ribbing, which gives the whole toy a wonderfully stretchy, bouncy texture and makes the natural undyed body feel soft and cozy in the hand. Three narrow rusty-earth stripes divide the egg into natural bands, and a cream ribbed muzzle, two tiny ears, and a striped tail tucked at the back finish the look. It is a lovely first toy project for anyone comfortable with knit and purl, and a quick, satisfying gift for animal lovers of any age.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic. Main color (MC) natural undyed, approx 50 yd; contrast color 1 (CC1) rusty earth, approx 15 yd; contrast color 2 (CC2) cream, approx 10 yd.
- Needles: 4.0 mm (US 6) double-pointed needles (set of 4), or a circular needle if you prefer the magic loop method.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
- Finished size: Approx 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- k: knit
- p: purl
- k2tog: knit two stitches together (one decrease)
- p2tog: purl two stitches together (one decrease)
- MC: main color (natural undyed)
- CC1: contrast color 1 (rusty earth)
- CC2: contrast color 2 (cream)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- sts: stitches
- WS: wrong side
Gauge
24 sts and 28 rnds = 4 inches in 2x2 ribbing, unstretched. To check, knit a small swatch in [k2, p2] ribbing, lay it flat without stretching, and measure a 4-inch section; adjust needle size if needed.
Tips Before You Start
- Ribbing pulls in, so the egg looks narrow while you knit. Don't panic: it relaxes once stuffed. Gently stretch the piece as you go to check the shape.
- Change colors at the beginning of a round and give the yarns a small tug so the stripes stay neat and even.
- Stuff the body firmly but in small handfuls, so the ribbing keeps its texture instead of bulging.
- Keep your tension relaxed on the decrease rounds at the top; tight stitches there can pucker the egg's tip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (MC)
CO 36 sts with MC. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker at the start of the round.
Rnds 1-4: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Rnd 5: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Change to CC1.
Rnds 6-7: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Change to MC.
Rnds 8-11: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Change to CC1.
Rnds 12-13: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Change to MC.
Rnds 14-17: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Change to CC1.
Rnds 18-19: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Change to MC.
Rnds 20-23: [k2, p2] around (36 sts)
Shape top:
Rnd 24: [k2tog, p2] around (27 sts)
Rnd 25: [k1, p2] around (27 sts)
Rnd 26: [k1, p2tog] around (18 sts)
Rnd 27: [k1, p1] around (18 sts)
Rnd 28: [k2tog] around (9 sts)
Rnd 29: [k2tog] around (5 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.
Muzzle (CC2)
CO 12 sts with CC2. Work flat in 2x2 ribbing.
Row 1: [k2, p2] to end (12 sts)
Row 2: [p2, k2] to end (12 sts)
Rows 3-9: repeat Rows 1-2 three times, then repeat Row 1 once more, until piece measures 1.5 inches, ending with a WS row (12 sts)
Bind off in ribbing.
Ears (make 2, MC)
CO 8 sts with MC. Work flat.
Row 1: [k2, p2] to end (8 sts)
Row 2: [p2, k2] to end (8 sts)
Row 3: [k2tog, p2] to end (6 sts)
Row 4: [p2, k2] to end (6 sts)
Row 5: [k2tog, p2tog] to end (3 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.
Tail (CC1 and MC)
With CC1, CO 12 sts. Join to work in the round.
Rnds 1-4: [k2, p2] around (12 sts)
Change to MC.
Rnds 5-8: [k2, p2] around (12 sts)
Change to CC1.
Rnds 9-12: [k2, p2] around (12 sts)
Change to MC.
Rnds 13-16: [k2, p2] around (12 sts)
Change to CC1.
Rnds 17-20: [k2, p2] around (12 sts)
Bind off in ribbing.
Assembly and Finishing
Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill, working in small handfuls so the ribbing stays even. Sew the muzzle to the front of the body, centered vertically, using CC2 and mattress stitch, leaving the top edge open for stuffing. Stuff the muzzle lightly, then close the top edge. Sew the ears to the top of the head, approx 1 inch apart, using MC and a few small stitches at each base. Sew the tail to the base of the body at the back, curving it upwards, using matching yarn and small, secure stitches. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then gently steam or hand-wash and air-dry the finished egg to settle the ribbing and even out the stripes.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the rusty earth stripe for charcoal or deep brown for a different panda palette, or use a variegated yarn for the stripes.
- Add a small loop of yarn at the top before closing so the egg can hang as an ornament.
- Make a set in different stripe colors and sizes by casting on 24 or 48 sts and adjusting the decrease rounds to match.
