Possum Scarf Knitting Pattern
A cozy scarf designed to look like a possum draped around your neck, complete with head, tail, and little paws!
Materials Needed
Yarn:
- Main Color (MC): 400-500g worsted weight yarn in gray or brown
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 50g cream or light pink for belly and inner ears
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Small amount of black for nose and eyes
- Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Small amount of pink for inner ears
Needles:
- Size 8 (5mm) knitting needles
- Double-pointed needles (DPNs) size 8 for small parts
- Cable needle (optional)
Notions:
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Safety eyes (optional, or embroider)
Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Finished Size
Approximately 60 inches long, 6 inches wide at body, tapering to 3 inches at tail
Pattern Instructions
Main Scarf Body (Possum's Body)
Cast On: Using MC, cast on 27 stitches
Setup Row: K1, P1, K1 repeat to end
Pattern Stitch (Seed Stitch Border with Stockinette Center):
- Row 1 (RS): K1, P1, K1, knit to last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1
- Row 2 (WS): K1, P1, K1, purl to last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1
Continue in pattern for 240 rows (approximately 40 inches)
Belly Panel (Optional Detail)
Using CC1, work a separate panel:
- Cast on 15 stitches
- Work in stockinette stitch for 200 rows
- Bind off
Tail Section
Decrease for tail:
- Row 1: K1, P1, K1, ssk, knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, K1, P1, K1 (25 sts)
- Row 2: K1, P1, K1, purl to last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1
Repeat decrease rows every 4th row until 15 stitches remain
Continue straight for 80 rows
Final tail taper:
- Decrease 1 stitch each side every other row until 7 stitches remain
- Work I-cord for 20 rows
- Bind off
Head Section
Cast on 35 stitches using MC
Work in stockinette stitch for 30 rows
Shape head:
- Row 31: K10, place marker, K15, place marker, K10
- Row 32: Purl
- Row 33: K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk, K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk, K to end
- Row 34: Purl
Repeat rows 33-34 until 15 stitches remain
Bind off
Ears (Make 2)
Outer ear (MC):
- Cast on 12 stitches
- Work in stockinette for 16 rows
- Decrease 1 stitch each end every row until 4 stitches remain
- Bind off
Inner ear (CC3):
- Cast on 8 stitches
- Work in stockinette for 12 rows
- Decrease 1 stitch each end every row until 2 stitches remain
- Bind off
Front Paws (Make 2)
Using DPNs and MC:
- Cast on 16 stitches, divide among 3 needles
- Work in stockinette in the round for 20 rounds
- Stuff lightly
- Decrease rapidly: K2tog around until 4 stitches remain
- Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight
Back Paws (Make 2)
Using DPNs and MC:
- Cast on 18 stitches, divide among 3 needles
- Work in stockinette in the round for 24 rounds
- Stuff lightly
- Decrease rapidly: K2tog around until 4 stitches remain
- Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight
Assembly Instructions
- Sew belly panel to the center of the main scarf body using mattress stitch
- Attach head to one end of the scarf, stuffing lightly before closing
- Sew ears by placing inner ear on outer ear and sewing together, then attach to head
- Add facial features:
- Embroider nose with CC2 in satin stitch
- Add safety eyes or embroider eyes with CC2
- Embroider small mouth with CC2
- Attach paws:
- Sew front paws approximately 12 inches from head
- Sew back paws approximately 24 inches from head
- Position so paws will drape naturally when worn
- Finish tail by ensuring it tapers smoothly
Wearing Instructions
Drape the scarf around your neck with the possum's head resting on one shoulder and the tail hanging down your back or wrapping around to the front. The paws should hang naturally at your sides.
Variations
- Add stripes: Work alternating rows of MC and CC1 for a striped possum
- Longer scarf: Add more rows to the main body section
- Baby possum: Make a smaller version using DK weight yarn and smaller needles
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed.
This pattern creates a whimsical and cozy scarf that's sure to be a conversation starter! The possum will keep you warm while adding a touch of woodland charm to your winter wardrobe.