Knit Folk Art Pig in a Moss Stitch Bonnet Free Pattern

Knit Folk Art Pig in a Moss Stitch Bonnet – Free Pattern

Introduction

This little folk-art pig is the perfect project for anyone who loves soft, squishy toys with a handmade, heirloom feel. Worked in pastel velvet yarn, the body has a wonderfully bumpy moss-stitch texture that looks like a tiny quilted blanket, while the mint garter-stitch bonnet adds a sweet pop of contrast. At about 6 inches tall, it fits in the palm of your hand and makes a charming shelf companion, baby-shower gift, or first knitted doll. The construction is simple and forgiving: a few flat rectangles, a little seaming, and a light stuffing turn into a rounded, huggable pig with plenty of folk-art charm.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight velvet yarn, approximately 150 yards total.
  • MC (pastel pink): 100 yards
  • CC (pastel mint): 50 yards
• Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) knitting needles (straight or circular for working flat)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, a few stitch markers (optional), pins for holding pieces while seaming
• Finished size: Approximately 6 inches tall (including bonnet) and 5 inches wide

Abbreviations

• st(s): stitch(es)
• k: knit
• p: purl
• MC: main color (pastel pink)
• CC: contrast color (pastel mint)
• moss stitch (seed stitch): a textured pattern where you knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches, alternating every stitch and every row
• garter stitch: knitting every stitch on every row, which creates horizontal ridges
• BO: bind off

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in moss stitch. Knit a small swatch in moss stitch, measure a 4-inch section, and adjust your needle size if needed so your finished pig matches the listed size.

Tips Before You Start

• Velvet yarn can be slippery and shed. Work with slightly firmer tension than usual and keep your stitches even so the moss texture stays visible.
• Count your stitches every few rows. Moss stitch is easy to lose track of, so check that you still have the cast-on number before moving on.
• Stuff lightly. Overstuffing will stretch the moss stitch and distort the rounded shape; a light, even fill keeps the pig soft and folk-art-like.
• Pin before you seam. Velvet yarn hides stitches well, so pinning each piece in place first helps you line up the legs and snout evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (MC)

Row 1: Cast on 30 sts. (30 sts)

Row 2: [k1, p1] across to end. (30 sts)

Rows 3–41: Repeat Row 2, working knit stitches over purl stitches and purl stitches over knit stitches (moss stitch). (30 sts)

Row 42: Bind off in pattern. (30 sts bound off)

Body measures approximately 6 inches long by 4 inches wide before folding.

Legs (MC, make 4)

Row 1: Cast on 10 sts. (10 sts)

Row 2: [k1, p1] across to end. (10 sts)

Rows 3–11: Repeat Row 2 in moss stitch. (10 sts)

Row 12: Bind off in pattern. (10 sts bound off)

Each leg measures approximately 1½ inches long by 2 inches wide.

Snout (MC)

Row 1: Cast on 12 sts. (12 sts)

Row 2: [k1, p1] across to end. (12 sts)

Rows 3–7: Repeat Row 2 in moss stitch. (12 sts)

Row 8: Bind off in pattern. (12 sts bound off)

Snout measures approximately 1 inch long by 2½ inches wide.

Bonnet (CC)

Row 1: Cast on 40 sts. (40 sts)

Row 2: Knit across. (40 sts)

Rows 3–21: Repeat Row 2 in garter stitch. (40 sts)

Row 22: Bind off knitwise. (40 sts bound off)

Bonnet measures approximately 3 inches long by 8 inches wide before folding.

Assembly and Finishing

Body: Fold the body in half with right sides together so the 6-inch edges meet. Using MC and a tapestry needle, seam the two side edges and the top edge, leaving the bottom open. Turn right side out and stuff lightly and evenly with fiberfill. Sew the bottom opening closed.

Legs: Sew one leg to each bottom corner of the body, two at the front and two at the back, positioning them so the pig stands evenly. Use small, firm stitches and secure the corners well.

Snout: Center the snout on the front of the body, just below the middle, and sew it in place around all four edges.

Bonnet: Fold the bonnet in half with right sides together so the short edges meet. Seam the back edge, turn right side out, and place it on the pig's head. Tack the bonnet in place with a few small stitches at each side.

Finishing: Weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. Lightly steam-block the pig and bonnet to smooth the seams and even out the moss and garter textures, then reshape gently with your hands and let dry completely.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Color swap: Try a cream pig with a dusty rose bonnet for a different folk-art palette, or use a self-striping velvet for a subtle marled look.
• Weighted base: Place a small bag of plastic pellets inside the bottom before stuffing to help the pig sit upright on a shelf.
• Bonnet ties: Add two short crocheted or twisted-cord ties at the bonnet's front corners for a more traditional bonnet look.