Knit Red Panda Circle Cushion Toy Free Pattern

Knit Red Panda Circle Cushion Toy – Free Pattern

Introduction

This little red panda cushion is the perfect first toy for anyone who has mastered knit and purl and wants to make something with real personality. Worked as a flat, slightly domed disc in linen stitch, the velvet yarn gives it a dense, soft, almost velvety feel that is lovely to squish and hold. Concentric rings of rust, ocean blue and light blue create an art deco sunburst around the face, with a white muzzle, a tiny black nose and two little stuffed ears on top. It is small enough to finish in a weekend and cute enough to keep for yourself.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight velvet yarn (100% polyester, approx. 150 yards/100g):
  • Color A (Rust): 80 yards
  • Color B (Ocean Blue): 40 yards
  • Color C (Light Blue): 20 yards
  • Color D (Black): 5 yards
  • Color E (White): 5 yards
• Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle with a 40 cm cable, and a set of 4 double-pointed needles in the same size
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, small amount of toy stuffing, scissors
• Finished size: Approx. 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter

Abbreviations

• CO – cast on
• k – knit
• p – purl
• sl1 – slip one stitch from the left needle to the right needle without working it
• wyif – with yarn in front (hold the working yarn toward you before slipping)
• wyib – with yarn in back (hold the working yarn away from you before slipping)
• k2tog – knit two stitches together (a decrease)
• RS – right side (the outside of the cushion)
• R / Rnd – row / round
• sts – stitches

Gauge

16 stitches and 32 rows = 10 cm in linen stitch. Knit a small swatch in linen stitch, lay it flat without stretching, and count the stitches and rows over 10 cm to check before you begin.

Tips Before You Start

• Linen stitch is dense, so keep your tension relaxed; if your fabric feels stiff, go up one needle size.
• Always carry the slipped stitch yarn loosely across the back so the disc stays flat and does not pucker.
• When you change colors, give the old and new yarn a gentle tug so the ring edge stays neat and even.
• Stuff the cushion only lightly — a flat disc should stay slightly domed, not round like a ball.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cushion Base (Color A, B, C)

Using the circular needle, CO 80 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker.

R1 (RS): [k1, sl1 wyif] around (80 sts).

R2: [p1, sl1 wyib] around (80 sts).

Rows 3–14: Repeat R1–R2 (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 2 cm from CO.

Change to Color B.

Rows 15–28: Work in linen stitch (repeat R1–R2) (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 4 cm.

Change to Color C.

Rows 29–42: Work in linen stitch (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 6 cm.

Change to Color A.

Rows 43–56: Work in linen stitch (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 8 cm.

Change to Color C.

Rows 57–70: Work in linen stitch (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 10 cm.

Change to Color B.

Rows 71–84: Work in linen stitch (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 12 cm.

Change to Color A.

Rows 85–98: Work in linen stitch (80 sts). Piece measures approx. 14 cm total.

Next Rnd: [k2tog] around (40 sts).

Next Rnd: [k2tog] around (20 sts).

Next Rnd: [k2tog] around (10 sts).

Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 10 sts, pull tight, and fasten off. Stuff lightly. Sew the CO edge closed.

Ears (make 2, Color A)

With the double-pointed needles, CO 10 sts. Join to work in the round.

R1–4: k all sts (10 sts).

R5: [k2tog] around (5 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining 5 sts, pull tight, and fasten off. Stuff lightly.

Muzzle (Color E)

With the double-pointed needles, CO 20 sts. Join to work in the round.

R1–3: k all sts (20 sts).

R4: [k2tog] around (10 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining 10 sts, pull tight, and fasten off. Stuff lightly.

Nose (Color D)

With the double-pointed needles, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round.

R1: k all sts (6 sts).

R2: [k2tog] around (3 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining 3 sts, pull tight, and fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the ears to the top of the cushion at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, using Color A and small, neat stitches. Sew the muzzle to the center front of the disc. Sew the nose to the center of the muzzle. Using Color D, embroider the eyes with satin stitch above the muzzle. Using Color E, embroider small white highlights inside the eyes. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping the disc flat; do not press with a hot iron, as velvet yarn can crush.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the ocean blues for any two contrasting colors to make a fox, badger or cat version of the same disc.
• Add a small hanging loop of Color A at the top so the cushion can be hung on a wall or bag.
• Use a slightly larger needle for a softer, floppier cushion, or a smaller one for a firmer, more sculptural toy.