Free Knitting Patterns for Baby Toys

Handmade knitted baby toys make wonderful gifts for newborns or a special treat for your little ones. With our straightforward knitting patterns, you can create toys that will captivate any child and potentially turn into cherished family heirlooms.

Create your own adorable knitted baby toys using these free knitting patterns.

Barnyard Finger Puppets

E-I-E-I-O! These farmer and animal puppets bring a fresh twist to the classic Old McDonald song.

Felted Block Set

Ideal for sorting, stacking, and playful tumbling, these felted blocks engage a baby's senses with their vibrant colors and soft, tactile surfaces.

Teddy Bear

This adorable teddy bear is irresistibly cuddly, and the kids in your life will eagerly embrace it with open arms.

Turn to the next page to discover how to knit our charming barnyard finger puppet set.

For additional knitting advice and creative pattern ideas, explore:

Free Barnyard Finger Puppets Knitting Pattern

In today's world, handmade toys are a rare treasure. Create a set of charming finger puppets as a heartfelt gift that will be adored by both parents and children alike. Parents will appreciate your creativity, while kids will cherish the playful toys!

Techniques

Binding Off -- BO

Casting On -- CO

Crochet Chain

Duplicate Stitch

I-Cord

Joining Yarns

Knit 2 Together -- k2tog

Make 1 Increase -- m1

Purl 2 Together -- p2tog

Slip Slip Knit Decrease -- ssk

Slip Stitch

Stockinette Stitch -- St st

Working with 2 Colors

Size

2.5" to 3" (6.5cm to 7.5cm) per piece

Gauge

22 stitches and 36 rows equal 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch

Materials You'll Need

Yarn: Worsted weight wool: 15 yards (14m) of the main color for each puppet; 5 yards of contrasting colors as required; scrap yarn

We used: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 (100% wool) 5-15 yards (5-9m) in white, brown, red, black, orange, navy; Dale of Norway Dale Baby Ull (100% wool) used doubled, 15 yards (14m) in yellow, pink, beige

Needles: US size 3 (3.25mm) straight needles; 2 US size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles

Notions: Tapestry needle; US size D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook

Note: When using lighter yarns like Baby UII, use two strands held together as one. For worsted weight yarn, use a single strand.

Create the Duck

Using yellow yarn, cast on 15 stitches and knit 12 rows in stockinette stitch.

Craft the Bill

Row 1: (right side) Using yellow yarn, knit 5 stitches. Switch to orange yarn and knit the next 5 stitches. Leave the rest of the stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Shape the piece by working short rows as described below:

Row 2: Slip 1 stitch, purl 3, then leave the remaining stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Row 3: Slip 1 stitch, knit 2, then leave the remaining stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Row 4: Slip 1 stitch, purl 1, then leave the remaining stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Row 5: Slip 1 stitch, knit 1, then leave the remaining stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Row 6: Slip 1 stitch, purl 2, then leave the remaining stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Row 7: Slip 1 stitch, knit 3, then leave the remaining stitches on the needle and turn your work.

Row 8: Slip 1 stitch, purl 4. Switch to yellow yarn and purl across the entire row.

Continue with 5 additional rows of stockinette stitch.

Shape the Top of the Head

Row 1: (right side) Knit 1, then [knit 2 together] 7 times. (8 stitches remaining)

Row 2: Purl across the row.

Row 3: [Knit 2 together] 4 times. (4 stitches remaining)

Cut the yarn, leaving a 6" (15cm) tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and pull it through the last 4 stitches to secure the top.

Create the Eyes

Using a small piece of black yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, stitch 2 duplicate stitches above the beak to form the eyes.

Finishing the Duck

Using the yellow yarn tail at the top of the head, fold the puppet in half, thread the tapestry needle, and sew the back seam using mattress stitch. Weave in any loose ends on the wrong side and secure them.

Create the Pig

Using pink yarn, cast on 15 stitches and knit 12 rows in stockinette stitch, finishing with a wrong-side row.

Shape the Snout

Row 1: (right side) Knit 10 stitches, then turn your work.

Row 2: Slip 1 stitch, purl 3, then turn your work.

Row 3: Slip 1 stitch, knit 3, then turn your work.

Row 4: Slip 1 stitch, purl 3, then turn your work.

Row 5: Slip 1 stitch, knit to the end of the row.

Continue with 5 additional rows in stockinette stitch.

Shape the Top of the Head

Follow the head-shaping instructions provided for the duck (above).

Create the Ears

Using pink yarn, cast on 5 stitches.

Row 1: Perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 1, then knit 2 together. (3 stitches remaining)

Row 2: Purl 3 together. Cut the yarn and pull it through the last stitch to secure.

Repeat the process to create the second ear.

Create the Eyes and Nose

Using black yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, embroider 2 short straight lines for the nostrils. Add 2 duplicate stitches above the nose to form the eyes.

Finishing the Pig

Thread a tapestry needle with the pink yarn tail from the head shaping, fold the puppet in half, and sew the back seam using mattress stitch. Attach the ears in place. Weave in all loose ends on the wrong side and secure them.

Create the Horse

Using brown yarn, cast on 15 stitches and knit 12 rows in stockinette stitch.

Shape the Nose

Starting on the right side, knit 10 stitches, then [turn work, slip 1, purl 4, turn, slip 1, knit 4] 3 times. Knit 5 stitches. Continue with 5 more rows in stockinette stitch. Follow the head-shaping instructions for the duck.

Create the ears and eyes: Using a double strand of brown yarn and a crochet hook, form a slipknot. Make 2 more chain stitches, pulling the yarn tail through the last loop. Thread the end onto a tapestry needle and sew the ear in place. Repeat to make the second ear. Using a 10" (25.5cm) piece of black yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, embroider 2 straight lines for nostrils and add 2 duplicate stitches for the eyes.

Finishing the Horse

Fold the puppet in half and sew the back seam using mattress stitch.

Add the Mane

Cut 7 strands of black yarn, each about 4" (10cm) long. Fold one strand in half and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through a stitch on top of the horse's head, between the ears. Pull the loose ends through the folded loop and tighten to form a knot. Repeat this process for the remaining 6 strands, spacing them evenly along the back seam, about one stitch apart. Weave in all loose ends on the wrong side and secure them.

Create the Farmer

Using blue yarn, cast on 15 stitches and knit 7 rows in stockinette stitch, finishing with a right-side row.

Row 8: (wrong side) Purl 6 stitches with red yarn, purl 3 with blue yarn, and purl 6 with red yarn.

Row 9: Knit 6 stitches with red yarn, knit 3 with blue yarn, and knit 6 with red yarn.

Row 10: Repeat the instructions for row 8.

Row 11: Using red yarn, knit 4 stitches; perform a slip slip knit decrease; knit 3; knit 2 together; knit 4. (13 stitches remaining)

Row 12: Purl the entire row with red yarn.

Row 13: With red yarn, knit 4 stitches; perform a slip slip knit decrease; knit 1; knit 2 together; knit 4. (11 stitches remaining). Cut the yarn.

Shape the Head

Row 14: Continuing on the same stitches, join beige yarn and purl the entire row.

Row 15: Using beige yarn, [knit 2, make 1] 5 times, then knit 1. (16 stitches)

Rows 16-22: Starting with a purl row (wrong side), work in stockinette stitch. Finish with a purl row.

Row 23: [Knit 2 together] 8 times. (8 stitches remaining)

Row 24: Purl across the row.

Row 25: [Knit 2 together] 4 times. (4 stitches remaining)

Cut the yarn, leaving a 4" (10cm) tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and pull it through the last 4 stitches to close the top of the head. Weave the tail to the wrong side and secure it.

Create the Arms

Using red yarn and a double-pointed needle, cast on 3 stitches. Knit an I-cord for 5 rows, then switch to beige yarn and knit 3 more rows of I-cord. Cut the yarn, thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, and pull it through the remaining I-cord stitches to close the end. Secure all loose ends inside the arm. Repeat to make the second arm.

Shape the Ears

Thread a tapestry needle with a 4" (10cm) piece of beige yarn. Insert it through the bottom of one stitch halfway up the side of the head, then through the upper part of the same stitch to form a loop for the ear. Repeat on the opposite side for the second ear. Weave the yarn tails to the wrong side and secure them.

Create the Mouth and Eyes

Using black yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, stitch 2 duplicate stitches for the eyes. Embroider a slight curve of 3 stitches with red yarn to form the mouth.

Finishing the Farmer

Weave all loose ends to the wrong side and secure them. Fold the puppet in half and sew the back seam using mattress stitch. Attach the arms in place.

Add Hair

Using black yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, create several long stitches across the top center of the head (refer to the photo). Weave in any remaining loose ends on the wrong side.

Create the Cow

Using white yarn, cast on 15 stitches and knit 4 rows in stockinette stitch.

Row 5: Knit 4 stitches with white yarn, knit 3 with black yarn, and knit 8 with white yarn.

Row 6: Purl 7 stitches with white yarn, purl 5 with black yarn, and purl 3 with white yarn.

Row 7: Knit 3 stitches with white yarn, knit 5 with black yarn, and knit 7 with white yarn.

Row 8: Purl 7 stitches with white yarn, purl 4 with black yarn, and purl 4 with white yarn.

Row 9: Knit 5 stitches with white yarn, knit 2 with black yarn, and knit 8 with white yarn.

Row 10: Purl 4 stitches with white, purl 2 with black, purl 3 with white, purl 1 with black, purl 5 with white.

Row 11: Knit 8 stitches with white, knit 4 with black, knit 3 with white.

Row 12: Purl 4 stitches with white, purl 2 with black, purl 9 with white.

Row 13: Continue in white only: Knit 10, [turn work, slip 1, purl 4, turn work, slip 1, knit 4] 3 times. Knit 5.

Row 14: Purl.

Row 15: Perform a knit row.

Row 16: Execute a purl row.

Row 17: Knit 6 stitches, [turn the work, slip 1, purl 1, turn the work, slip 1, knit 1] repeat 3 times, knit 5, [turn the work, slip 1, purl 1, turn the work, slip 1, knit 1] repeat 3 times, knit 4.

Row 18: Complete a purl row.

Refer to the head-shaping steps provided for the duck (mentioned earlier).

Create Nostrils, Eyes, and Ears

Using a 12-inch (30.5 cm) piece of black yarn threaded through a tapestry needle, stitch two straight lines, each approximately the length of a stitch, to form nostrils. Add duplicate stitches for the eyes and craft two French knots to represent horns on the head (refer to the photo for guidance).

Finalizing the Cow

Secure all loose ends on the wrong side. Use the yarn tail from the top with a tapestry needle and close the back seam using the mattress stitch technique.

Toy blocks are an essential item in every nursery. Proceed to the next page to access our complimentary pattern for a set of felted blocks.

Explore additional knitting advice and captivating patterns by checking out:

Free Knitting Pattern for Felted Block Set

Create this charming set of soft, felted baby blocks in vibrant primary colors.

The trio of varying sizes is ideal for throwing, building, and toppling over.

Dimensions

Small-sized block

Measures roughly x5 inches (9x12.5 cm) prior to felting

Measures approximately 3x3 inches (7.5x7.5 cm) post-felting

Medium-sized block

Measures roughly 5x6.5 inches (12.5x16.5 cm) before felting

Measures approximately 4x4 inches (10x10 cm) after felting

Large-sized block

Measures roughly 6x8 inches (15x20.5 cm) prior to felting

Measures approximately 5x5 inches (12.5x12.5 cm) after felting

Materials Required

Yarn: 100% wool worsted weight yarn, approximately 93 yards (85 m) for the small block, 152 yards (139 m) for the medium block, and 247 yards (226 m) for the large block

Our choice: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% wool; 110 yards [101 m] per 50g ball): small block #23440 Blue Bonnet, 1 ball; medium block #23436 Daffodil, 2 balls; large block #23431 Tomato, 3 balls

Needles: US size 8 (5 mm)

Additional Supplies: Tapestry needle; sewing needle and thread matching the yarn color(s); fiberfill stuffing

Gauge Measurement

18 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch before felting

Important Notes

Create the Blocks Begin by casting on 17 [22, 27] stitches. Rows 1-5: Knit all stitches. Row 6 (wrong side): Knit 3, purl 11 [16, 21], knit 3. Row 7: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rows 6 and 7 an additional nine [14, 19] times. Knit 2 more rows. Bind off loosely. Secure yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. Repeat this process to create 6 pieces for each block size. Felting

Felt the pieces using a washing machine.

Finalizing the Felted Block Set

Using a sewing needle and thread, whipstitch 5 of the 6 pieces for each block into a cube shape. Attach 3 of the 4 edges of the final piece to the cube, then fill the block with fiberfill stuffing. Sew the last edge. If necessary, gently brush the edges with a toothbrush to conceal the stitches.

A handcrafted teddy bear is a delightful gift that will bring joy to both parents and baby. Proceed to the next page for our teddy bear knitting pattern.

Discover more useful knitting advice and captivating patterns by exploring:

Free Knitting Pattern for Teddy Bear

The joy of seeing your child's wide smile will be your ultimate reward for knitting this soft and huggable teddy bear. Don't wait any longer!

Dimensions

Length: 12 inches (30.5 cm) from head to toe

Width: 11 inches (28 cm) from one arm's end to the other

Materials Required

Yarn: Light worsted weight yarn, approximately 175 yards (160 m); black scrap yarn for facial features

Our choice: Knit One Crochet Too Paint Box (100% wool; 100 yards [91.5 m] per 50g skein): #12 Tandoor, 2 skeins

Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed, 2 sets of 4

Additional Supplies: Open-ring stitch markers; 4 safety pins; stitch holders; tapestry needle; long sewing pins; fiberfill stuffing

Gauge Measurement

20 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Create the Bear

Leg Section

Cast on 15 stitches. Distribute stitches evenly across 3 needles and join into a circle, ensuring stitches are not twisted. Place a marker.

Round 1: Knit all stitches.

Round 2: (Knit 1, increase 1) repeat 14 times, knit 1. (29 stitches total; 9 stitches on the first needle, 10 stitches each on the second and third needles)

Rounds 3-7: Knit all stitches.

Round 8: Knit 10, knit 2 together, knit 5, perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 10. (27 stitches remaining)

Round 9: Knit 9, knit 2 together, knit 5, perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 9. (25 stitches remaining)

Round 10: Knit 8, knit 2 together, knit 5, perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 8. (23 stitches remaining)

Round 11: Knit 7, (perform a double-centered decrease: slip 2 stitches as if to knit them together, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitches over) repeat 3 times, knit 7. (17 stitches remaining)

Rounds 12-16: Knit all stitches.

Round 17: Knit 5, increase 1, knit 6, increase 1, knit 6. (19 stitches total)

Rounds 18-21: Knit all stitches.

Round 22: Knit 3, increase 1, knit 6, increase 1, knit 6, increase 1, knit 4. (22 stitches total)

Rounds 23-26: Knit all stitches.

Knit 3, transfer the next 5 stitches to a safety pin (for the inner thigh join). Cut the yarn, leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail to weave in later. Keep the remaining stitches on 3 needles. (17 stitches total)

Second Leg Section

Using the second set of double-pointed needles, create the second leg following the same steps as the first leg up to round 26. Place a marker.

Connecting the Legs

Continue with the second leg by knitting 14 stitches, then place the next 5 stitches on a safety pin. Position the first leg so the safety pins are adjacent where the legs meet. Ensure both feet are facing the same direction. Do not cut the yarn; using the same working yarn, knit across the 17 stitches from the needles holding the first leg's stitches, then knit the remaining 3 stitches from the second leg up to the marker. This will form a circle with 34 stitches on the needles and 2 safety pins, each holding 5 stitches in the center.

Transfer each set of 5 stitches onto a double-point needle. With the right sides together, use a third needle to bind off the two sets of 5 stitches using the 3-needle bind-off method. Cut the yarn and secure the last stitch.

Body Section

Round 1: Attach the yarn, (knit 4, increase 1) repeat 4 times, knit 2, (increase 1, knit 4) repeat 4 times. (42 stitches total)

Rounds 2 and 3: Knit all stitches.

Round 4: Knit 1, (knit 10, increase 1) repeat 4 times, knit 1. (46 stitches total)

Rounds 5-15: Knit all stitches.

Round 16: (Knit 9, knit 2 together, knit 10, knit 2 together) repeat 2 times. (42 stitches remaining)

Rounds 17-19: Knit all stitches.

Round 20: Knit 4, (knit 2 together, knit 9) repeat 3 times, knit 2 together, knit 3. (38 stitches remaining)

Rounds 21 and 22: Knit all stitches.

Keep the 38 body stitches on their needles to use as temporary stitch holders.

Arm Section (Create 2)

Using the second set of double-pointed needles, cast on 6 stitches. Distribute the stitches evenly across 3 needles and join into a circle, ensuring stitches are not twisted. Place a marker.

Round 1: Knit all stitches.

Round 2: (Knit 1, increase 1) repeat to the end of the round. (12 stitches total)

Round 3: Knit all stitches.

Round 4: (Knit 2, increase 1) repeat 6 times. (18 stitches total)

Round 5: Knit all stitches.

Round 6: (Knit 3, increase 1) repeat 6 times. (24 stitches total)

Rounds 7-10: Knit all stitches.

Round 11: Knit 2, (knit 2 together) repeat 10 times, knit 2. (14 stitches remaining)

Rounds 12-15: Knit all stitches.

Round 16: Knit 1, (knit 4, increase 1) repeat 3 times, knit 1. (17 stitches total)

Rounds 17-19: Knit all stitches.

Round 20: Knit 3, (increase 1, knit 5) repeat 2 times, increase 1, knit 3. (20 stitches total)

Rounds 21-23: Knit all stitches.

Round 24: Knit 1, (knit 6, increase 1) repeat 3 times, knit 1. (23 stitches total)

Rounds 25 and 26: Knit all stitches.

Transfer all 23 stitches to a stitch holder.

Repeat the steps to create the second arm.

Attach Arms to the Body

Starting at the center back of the body, knit across 7 body stitches; transfer the next 5 body stitches (underarm) to a safety pin. Working with one arm at a time, move 5 stitches from the arm to another safety pin for the underarm, knit across the remaining 18 arm stitches, knit across 14 body stitches, then place the next 5 body stitches on another safety pin for the underarm. Repeat the process with the second arm: place 5 stitches on a safety pin and knit across the remaining 18 stitches. Finally, knit across the last 7 body stitches. (64 stitches on the needle and 4 safety pins, each holding 5 stitches)

Bind off the underarm stitches using the 3-needle bind-off technique.

Next round: Knit 3, *knit 9, knit 2 together; repeat from * 5 more times, knit 4. (58 stitches remaining)

Shaping the Shoulders

Round 1: Knit 6, slip the next 2 stitches as if to knit them together, knit 1, then pass the slipped stitches over the just-worked stitch (double decrease), knit 11, perform a double decrease, knit 12, perform a double decrease, knit 11, perform a double decrease, knit 6. (50 stitches remaining)

Round 2: Knit 5, perform a double decrease, knit 9, perform a double decrease, knit 10, perform a double decrease, knit 9, perform a double decrease, knit 5. (42 stitches remaining)

Round 3: Knit 4, perform a double decrease, knit 7, perform a double decrease, knit 8, perform a double decrease, knit 7, perform a double decrease, knit 4. (34 stitches remaining)

Round 4: Knit 3, perform a double decrease, knit 5, perform a double decrease, knit 6, perform a double decrease, knit 5, perform a double decrease, knit 3. (26 stitches remaining)

Round 5: Knit 2, perform a double decrease, knit 6, perform a double decrease, knit 4, perform a double decrease, knit 6, perform a double decrease, knit 2. (18 stitches remaining)

Rounds 6 and 7: Knit all stitches.

Head Section

Round 1: (Knit 1, increase 1) repeat 17 times,

knit 1. (35 stitches total)

Rounds 2 and 3: Knit all stitches.

Round 4: (Knit 4, increase 1) repeat 4 times, knit 3, (increase 1, knit 4) repeat 4 times. (43 stitches total)

Rounds 5-7: Knit all stitches.

Round 8: Knit 21, increase 1, knit 22. (44 stitches total)

Round 9: Knit all stitches.

Round 10: Knit 20, increase 1, knit 3, increase 1, knit 21. (46 stitches total)

Rounds 11 and 12: Knit all stitches.

Round 13: Knit 19, knit 2 together, knit 4, perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 19. (44 stitches remaining)

Round 14: Knit all stitches.

Round 15: Knit 18, knit 2 together, perform a double decrease, execute a slip slip knit decrease, knit 19. (40 stitches remaining)

Rounds 16-19: Knit all stitches.

Round 20: Knit 3, knit 2 together, knit 4, perform a double decrease, (knit 4, knit 2 together) repeat 2 times, knit 4, perform a double decrease, knit 4, knit 2 together, knit 3. (32 stitches remaining)

Round 21: Knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 4, perform a double decrease, (knit 2, knit 2 together) repeat 2 times, knit 4, perform a double decrease, knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 2. (24 stitches remaining)

Round 22: (Knit 2 together) repeat 12 times. (12 stitches remaining)

Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, pull it through the remaining stitches, and secure it.

Ear Section (Create 2)

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1: Knit into the front and back of the first and second stitches, then knit 1. (5 stitches total)

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: Knit into the front and back of the first stitch, knit 2, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, knit 1. (7 stitches total)

Row 5: Knit all stitches.

Row 7: Perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 3, then knit 2 together. (5 stitches remaining)

Row 9: Perform a slip slip knit decrease, knit 1, then knit 2 together. (3 stitches remaining)

Row 11: Knit the 3 stitches together.

Cut the yarn and secure the end.

Repeat the steps to create the second ear.

Fold the ears in half. Pin them in place at the top of the head, aligning the loose edges. Using yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, whipstitch the ears securely.

Fill the bear evenly with fiberfill stuffing, inserting it through the openings in the feet. Whipstitch the feet closed. Using black yarn on a tapestry needle, embroider an "X" for each eye, a diamond shape for the nose, and two lines for the mouth to complete the facial features.

These simple knitting patterns are enjoyable to make, and children will love the charming final result.

For additional knitting tips and engaging patterns, explore:

Designers: Lucie Sinkler and Chrissy Gardiner