Why a knitted snowman?
In the first 3 months of life, babies have underdeveloped optic nerves and see the world in black, white and shades of grey.
Simpson with its black mouth, eyes and buttons will be attractive to young babies. It has a purple scarf and hat which is the colour of the SSCB charity and also of World Prematurity Day.
Encourage young people to learn to knit, starting with his scarf and then they can help you stuff and dress it after watching the video. It can be knitted in 3 sizes and there is also a challenge for the experienced knitter to make an even larger snowman for display.
Requirements
• Please use new yarn and 100% polyester filling.
• While we appreciate that knitters have different abilities and as these are gifts for babies and families who have gone through so much, we would appreciate a high quality of knitting and sewing up.
• All sewing MUST be fastened securely.
Where to donate your knitted Snowman
Please ONLY donate if you have used our free knitting patterns and adhere to our requirements. PlPlease enclose with your package your name, email address and/or home address with the quantity made. This will allow us to contact you with our thanks:
Simpsons Special Care Babies
PO Box 12258
North West DO
Comely Bank Road
Edinburgh
EH4 1YB
Thank You
Knitted in garter stitch
Newborns up to 3 months have sight limited to white, black and shades of grey because the optic nerves are not fully developed.
Our free knitting pattern for Simpson the Snowman is knitted using white, black and purple which is the SSCB charity colour and also that of World Prematurity Day, celebrated each year on 17 November.
Worldwide 1 in 10 babies is born premature.
Making your snowman
Our snowman comes in 3 sizes, knitted in garter stitch and to make him you will need:
Materials
• White DK yarn
• Purple DK yarn
• Soft toy filling
• Small amount of orange and black DK yarn
• Size 3.25 knitting needles
• Wool or tapestry needle
Body & Head
Body and head knitted in one piece
Using white cast on 12 (18, 22) stitches
Knit 1 row
Row 2 Knit and increase into every stitch 24 (36, 44) sts
Work 36 (50, 70) rows in garter stitch
Next row *K 2 tog, repeat from * to end of row
Next row *K 2 tog, repeat from * to end of row
Draw up these stitches, secure and sew back seam together to cast on edge
Fill with stuffing, gather up cast on edge and fasten securely. This is the top of the head
To create the head, count down approx 12 (18, 26) rows from cast on edge and firmly tie a length of yarn round and round, fasten securely
Arms (make 2)
Using white cast on 10 (14, 20) sts
Work 14 (18, 26) rows in garter stitch
Next row *K2 tog, repeat from * to end of row
Draw up stitches and join seam, stuff softly and sew to side of body just below neck and at wrist, fasten securely
Hat
Using purple cast on 26 (38, 46) sts
Row 1 purl
Row 2 Knit
Row 3 Purl - these 3 rows allow the hat brim to curl up
In garter stitch, work 14 (22, 30) rows
Next row * K 2 tog, repeat from * to end of row
Next row * K 2 tog, repeat from * to end of row
Gather stitches on to yarn and sew back seam. Put a small amount of stuffing into hat but do not sew on at this stage
Scarf
Using purple cast on 38 (46, 65) sts
In garter stitch work 2 (4, 6) rows and cast off
How to Make
Watch our time lapse video or steps below
• Tie scarf round neck and sew down onto body at back and front.
• On face with hat in position, mark and sew 2 eyes in black and a nose in orange using French Knots and a black mouth in a wide V.
• Sew 2 (3, 3) French Knots down front using black yarn.
• All embroidery should be started and finished through top of head.
• Put hat on and sew all the way round, fasten securely.
