Introduction
If you’re looking for a heartwarming knitting project that combines charm, creativity, and a touch of personality, this knitted mouse in a hoodie is perfect for you. With its round little face, expressive eyes, and cozy hoodie, this project makes a wonderful handmade gift for children, friends, or even as a decorative collectible.
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner—this tutorial will guide you through every step. We’ll work on knitting simple body shapes, adding details like ears and a tail, and finally crafting the miniature hoodie to bring everything together. By the end, you’ll have a soft, huggable toy that looks just like the one in the photo.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
Yarn:
- Main body (mouse): Light brown or gray DK weight yarn (100% wool or acrylic blend for softness).
- Ears (inner color): Light pink yarn (DK weight).
- Face details: White yarn (for snout) and black embroidery thread or yarn (for nose and mouth).
- Hoodie: Purple DK weight yarn (or any color you like for clothing).
- Tail: Same yarn as body.
Needles & Tools:
- Knitting needles: Size 3.0 mm (US size 2.5–3).
- Darning/tapestry needle: For sewing parts together.
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers: To keep track of rounds.
- Toy stuffing (polyester fiberfill).
- Safety eyes (8–10 mm) OR black yarn for embroidered eyes.
Optional: A small wooden stand if you’d like your mouse to stand upright like in the photo.
Abbreviations & Techniques
Here are the abbreviations you’ll see in this pattern:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- m1 = make 1 (increase by picking up the bar between stitches)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
Techniques Used:
- Knitting in the round (on double-pointed needles or circulars with magic loop).
- Basic increases and decreases.
- Simple embroidery for the face.
- Picking up stitches for clothing.
Step-by-Step Pattern
1. The Head
- CO 6 sts using the main body yarn. Divide evenly across 3 needles.
- Rnd 1: Knit all.
- Rnd 2: k1, m1 repeat around (12 sts).
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: k2, m1 repeat around (18 sts).
- Continue increasing every other round until you have 42 sts.
- Knit straight (no increases) for 10 rnds.
- Begin decreases: k5, k2tog around (36 sts).
- Next rnd: Knit.
- Continue decreasing (k4, k2tog; then k3, k2tog; etc.) until 12 sts remain.
- Stuff head firmly with fiberfill.
- Continue decreasing until 6 sts, then cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.
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2. The Body
- CO 12 sts.
- Rnd 1: Knit all.
- Increase evenly until you have 36 sts.
- Knit straight for 20 rnds (or until desired body length).
- Begin shaping: k4, k2tog around.
- Knit 1 rnd plain.
- k3, k2tog around.
- Continue decreases until 8 sts remain.
- Stuff firmly.
- Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.
3. Arms (Make 2)
- CO 6 sts.
- Knit in the round for 10 rows.
- Slightly stuff the arms.
- BO and leave tail for sewing.
4. Legs (Make 2)
- CO 8 sts.
- Knit for 12 rows.
- Stuff lightly.
- BO and leave tail for sewing.
5. Ears (Make 2)
Using main body yarn:
- CO 10 sts.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: k2tog at each end (8 sts).
- Row 3: Knit.
- Row 4: k2tog at each end (6 sts).
- Row 5: Knit.
- Row 6: k2tog at each end (4 sts).
- BO.
Repeat using pink yarn for inner ear if desired, then sew layers together.
6. Tail
- CO 4 sts.
- Knit i-cord until length is 10–12 cm.
- BO.
7. Hoodie Sweater
This hoodie is worked separately and then slipped onto the mouse.
Front & Back Panel:
- CO 30 sts with purple yarn.
- Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) for 20 rows.
- BO loosely. Make 2 panels.
Sleeves (Make 2):
- CO 12 sts.
- Work stockinette for 15 rows.
- BO loosely.
Hood:
- CO 20 sts.
- Work in stockinette stitch for 25 rows.
- BO and fold in half.
Assembly of Hoodie:
- Sew side seams of body panels, leaving armholes.
- Attach sleeves.
- Sew hood to neckline.
- Add i-cord or small knitted string as the drawstring.
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Assembly
- Sew head to body securely.
- Attach arms and legs to body.
- Sew ears to top of head.
- Embroider nose and mouth with black yarn.
- Insert safety eyes or embroider eyes.
- Sew tail to back.
- Slip hoodie onto the mouse and adjust fit.
Finishing Touches
- Make sure all seams are secure, especially if gifting to a child.
- Use a small blush of fabric paint or embroidery to add rosy cheeks.
- You can also embroider tiny whiskers using black thread.
Optional Tips & Variations
- Color Play: Try making the hoodie in seasonal colors (red for Christmas, orange for fall, or pastel shades for Easter).
- Accessories: Add a tiny knitted backpack, scarf, or hat.
- Yarn Substitutes: Cotton yarn works well for summer toys, while wool makes the mouse extra cozy.
- Size Variation: Use thicker yarn and bigger needles for a larger plushie.
- Child-Safe Version: Embroider all features instead of using safety eyes for very young children.
Conclusion
Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve just created your very own knitted Mouse in a Hoodie. This project is not only fun but also teaches valuable knitting skills like shaping, sewing, and working small garments. With practice, you can adapt this design to create an entire wardrobe of tiny outfits for your mouse, or even knit a whole family of mice in different colors.
This pattern is beginner-friendly but leaves plenty of room for creativity. Whether you keep it for yourself, gift it to a loved one, or even sell your finished pieces at craft fairs, your knitted mouse will surely bring joy wherever it goes.