Ice Blue Seed Stitch Spider Knit Free Pattern
Introduction
Meet the Ice Blue Seed Stitch Spider, a friendly little friend who is far more charming than creepy. This pattern is written for beginners who are ready to knit in the round, work simple seed stitch, and try their first i-cord. The body is a straight cylinder with no shaping at all, so there is nothing to increase or decrease, and the silver band around the middle gives it a neat, modern look. Worked in sport weight cotton, it feels firm and smooth in the hand, holds its round shape well when stuffed, and finishes at a palm-sized 3 inches tall with eight 3-inch legs. Two silver French knots and a curved smile turn it into a sweet desk companion or a handmade gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Sport weight (category 2) cotton. Ice blue (MC): about 50 yd. Silver (CC): about 15 yd.
- Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3) double-pointed needles, set of 4 or 5.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, scissors.
- Finished size: Body 3 inches tall and 2.5 inches in diameter; each leg 3 inches long.
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- BO: bind off
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- k: knit
- p: purl
- MC: main color (ice blue)
- CC: contrast color (silver)
- seed st: seed stitch, worked in the round as (k1, p1) around, with knits over purls and purls over knits on the following rounds
- i-cord: a narrow knitted tube worked on a few stitches
Gauge
24 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches in seed stitch. Knit a small swatch in the round in seed stitch, then measure a 4-inch section without stretching it to check your gauge before you begin.
Tips Before You Start
- Seed stitch in the round means you knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches of the round below. Check each stitch as you go so the bumpy texture stays even.
- Because the body has no shaping, the cast-on edge and the bound-off edge become the top and bottom of the spider. Keep both edges neat and even so they close smoothly.
- Stuff the body firmly but in small pieces, adding fiberfill a little at a time so the cylinder stays round and does not dent.
- Work the i-cord legs a bit snugly so they hold their shape and do not flop when the spider sits on a shelf.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (MC and CC)
With MC, CO 36 sts. Divide evenly over 3 or 4 double-pointed needles, place a marker, and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Rnds 1-24: Seed st (k1, p1) around (36 sts).
Change to CC.
Rnds 25-30: Seed st around (36 sts).
Change back to MC.
Rnds 31-36: Seed st around (36 sts).
BO all sts. Stuff the body firmly. Sew the top and bottom closed with the tapestry needle.
Legs (MC) — make 8
With MC, CO 3 sts onto one double-pointed needle.
Row 1: K3, then slide the stitches to the other end of the needle without turning (3 sts).
Rows 2-3 inches: Repeat Row 1 until the i-cord measures 3 inches.
BO all sts. Make 8 legs total.
Eyes and Smile (CC embroidery)
With CC and the tapestry needle, embroider two French knots on the upper body above the silver band for the eyes. Then embroider a curved line below the eyes for the smile.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew 4 legs to each side of the body at the silver band, spacing them evenly and securing each end firmly with a few small stitches. Weave in all ends on the inside of the body and along the legs. Lightly steam or damp-block the finished spider, shaping the body into a neat cylinder and smoothing the legs flat, then let it dry completely before displaying it.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the silver band for a soft gray or pale lilac to change the spider's personality while keeping the same construction.
- Use a slightly larger needle for the legs if you want them longer and more relaxed, or a smaller one for a tighter, stiffer look.
- Add a small loop of yarn at the top of the body so the spider can hang from a hook or bag.
