Teal Chenille Linen Stitch Fox - Free Knit Pattern

Introduction

This little teal fox is the perfect project for anyone who wants a soft, huggable friend without a complicated pattern. Worked almost entirely in the round with simple increases and decreases, it comes together quickly in squishy worsted chenille yarn. The nubby linen stitch belly panel and coral snout add just enough texture and contrast to make it special. At about 6 inches tall, it fits in your hands and is made to be cuddled.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight chenille yarn (approx. 150 yds/100g). Teal (A): 100 yds. Coral (B): 30 yds.
• Needles: 4.0 mm (US 6) circular needle, 40 cm long, and a set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for small circumferences.
• Notions: Stitch marker, stitch holder or scrap yarn, tapestry needle, small amount of toy stuffing.
• Finished size: Approx. 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 5 inches (13 cm) wide.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch (makes one extra stitch)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decreases by one)
• sl1 wyif: slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn held in front of the work
• RS: right side (the outside of the work)
• WS: wrong side (the inside of the work)
• Rnd: round
• st(s): stitch(es)

Gauge

16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round. Knit a small swatch in the round and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches, go up a needle size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Chenille yarn sheds and can be slippery, so keep your tension relaxed and avoid tugging the working yarn.
• Count your stitches at the end of every increase and decrease round; the counts in this pattern are your safety net.
• When joining to work in the round, give the cast-on edge a gentle twist check so it does not spiral.
• Stuff the body firmly but not tightly before closing the top, so the fox holds its shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Yarn A)

Using the circular needle, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.

Rnd 1: kfb in each st (16 sts).

Rnd 2: [k1, kfb] x8 (24 sts).

Rnd 3: [k2, kfb] x8 (32 sts).

Rnd 4: [k3, kfb] x8 (40 sts).

Rnd 5: [k4, kfb] x8 (48 sts).

Rnds 6-20: k all sts (48 sts).

Set the body aside and work the belly panel.

Belly Panel (Yarn A, linen stitch, worked flat over 16 sts)

Work the panel flat on 16 sts, leaving the remaining body stitches resting on the needle or a holder.

Row 1 (RS): k1, sl1 wyif, [k1, sl1 wyif] to last st, k1.

Row 2 (WS): p1, sl1 wyif, [p1, sl1 wyif] to last st, p1.

Rows 3 and on: repeat Rows 1-2 until the panel measures 2 inches (5 cm), ending with a WS row.

Break yarn, leaving a tail. Place the panel sts on a holder.

Continue Body (Yarn A)

Rnd 21: k all sts (48 sts).

Rnd 22: [k6, k2tog] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 23: k all sts (42 sts).

Rnd 24: [k5, k2tog] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 25: k all sts (36 sts).

Rnd 26: [k4, k2tog] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 27: k all sts (30 sts).

Rnd 28: [k3, k2tog] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 29: k all sts (24 sts).

Rnd 30: [k2, k2tog] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 31: k all sts (18 sts).

Rnd 32: [k1, k2tog] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 33: k all sts (12 sts).

Rnd 34: k2tog x6 (6 sts).

Break yarn, thread through the remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Snout (Yarn B, linen stitch, worked flat)

CO 12 sts.

Row 1 (RS): k1, sl1 wyif, [k1, sl1 wyif] to last st, k1.

Row 2 (WS): p1, sl1 wyif, [p1, sl1 wyif] to last st, p1.

Rows 3 and on: repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 1.5 inches (4 cm), ending with a WS row.

Bind off all sts.

Ears (Make 2, Yarn A)

CO 6 sts. Divide onto 3 DPNs (2 sts each). Join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: k all sts (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [k1, kfb] x3 (9 sts).

Rnd 3: k all sts (9 sts).

Rnd 4: [k2, kfb] x3 (12 sts).

Rnd 5: k all sts (12 sts).

Rnd 6: [k2, k2tog] x3 (9 sts).

Rnd 7: k all sts (9 sts).

Rnd 8: [k1, k2tog] x3 (6 sts).

Break yarn, thread through the remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Tail (Yarn A)

CO 8 sts. Divide onto 3 DPNs (2, 3, 3 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 1-12: k all sts (8 sts).

Rnd 13: [k2, k2tog] x2 (6 sts).

Break yarn, thread through the remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Edging (Optional, Yarn B)

With Yarn B, work a round of slip stitch around the snout and around each ear if desired. Keep the slip stitches loose so the edges stay soft.

Assembly and Finishing

1. Sew the belly panel to the front of the body using mattress stitch, aligning the bottom edge with the body bottom.

2. Sew the snout to the front of the body above the belly panel, stuffing it lightly as you go.

3. Sew the ears to the top of the head, approx. 1 inch apart.

4. Sew the tail to the back of the body, approx. 1 inch from the bottom.

5. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping with your hands; do not press chenille with a hot iron.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the coral snout for cream or blush chenille for a softer, more neutral fox.
• Add a small pom-pom to the tail tip for extra texture and charm.
• Work the belly panel in a contrasting color to make the linen stitch texture stand out.