Introduction

If you’re looking for a cozy, beginner-friendly toy project, this knitted mouse plushie is the perfect choice! 🐭 With its big round ears, sweet embroidered face, and a little sweater, this project combines charm and simplicity. You can knit it for children, use it as a gift, or even make it as a collectible decoration for your home.

This tutorial will guide you step by step through the process, from knitting the body and sweater to adding the ears and embroidery details. You’ll learn basic shaping techniques, how to change colors for the sweater, and how to assemble a soft toy neatly.

Even if you’re new to knitting, don’t worry—I’ll explain every step in detail so you can enjoy making your mouse without stress. By the end, you’ll have your own handmade mouse toy dressed in a snug sweater, ready to be cuddled or gifted.

Materials Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

• Yarn (DK / Light Worsted Weight, acrylic or cotton blend recommended):
  1. White (for mouse body and ears)
  2. Pink (for inside of ears and nose)
  3. Red (for sweater)
  4. Small amount of gray or black yarn (for embroidery: eyes and whiskers)
• Needles:
  1. US size 3 (3.25 mm) straight needles or DPNs (toy can be knit flat and seamed, or in the round).
• Stuffing:
  1. Polyester fiberfill or soft toy stuffing.
• Tools:
  1. Yarn needle (for sewing pieces together and embroidery).
  2. Scissors.
  3. Stitch markers (if working in the round).
• Optional:
  1. Safety eyes instead of embroidery (not recommended for very young children).
  2. Small bell or ribbon for decoration.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• CO = Cast On
• BO = Bind Off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• k2tog = knit 2 together (decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• kfb = knit front and back (increase)
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• MC = main color (white)
• CC = contrast color (red sweater)

Pattern Instructions

We’ll knit the mouse in sections: body and head (as one piece), ears, sweater design, and finishing details.

Step 1: Body & Head (worked in one piece)

Using white yarn (MC):

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1–2: Knit across. (12 sts)
3. Row 3: kfb in each st. (24 sts)
4. Row 4–14: Work in stockinette (knit RS, purl WS). Keep stitch count 24.
5. Switch to red yarn (CC) for the sweater.

➡ This begins the sweater section.

6. Row 15–22: Continue in stockinette with red. Add simple design (white “V” shapes) by duplicate stitching after knitting if colorwork feels too advanced.
7. Row 23: [k2tog] across. (12 sts)
8. Row 24: Knit across. (12 sts)

➡ Now shaping the head.

9. Switch back to white yarn (MC).
10. Row 25: [kfb] across. (24 sts)
11. Row 26–32: Stockinette. (24 sts)
12. Row 33: [k2tog] across. (12 sts)
13. Row 34: Knit across. (12 sts)
14. Row 35: [k2tog] across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

➡ Stuff firmly as you go—start from the body and continue through the head.

Step 2: Legs (Optional Shaping)

To create the split effect between the legs:

• With a yarn needle, sew a few stitches vertically from the bottom center of the body upward about 1 inch.
• Pull gently to indent, shaping the body into two legs.

Step 3: Ears (Make 2)

Outer Ear (white yarn):

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
3. BO and leave a tail for sewing.

Inner Ear (pink yarn):

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in stockinette.
3. BO.

Sew pink circle onto white ear. Fold slightly and stitch to the sides of the head.

Step 4: Nose & Face

• Embroider a small pink triangle nose at the center.
• Embroider black eyes (small horizontal stitches).
• Add whiskers with black yarn if desired.

(Tip: Safety eyes can be used, but embroidery is safer for small children.)

Step 5: Arms (Optional)

1. CO 6 sts in white.
2. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
3. BO, fold, and seam.
4. Sew arms to sides under the sweater section.

Step 6: Assembly

1. Ensure body is firmly stuffed but still squeezable.
2. Sew ears to the top of the head.
3. Embroider the face carefully.
4. Weave in all ends neatly.
5. Adjust stuffing if needed by working yarn needle through fabric and distributing evenly.

Your mouse plushie is complete! 🎉

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Styling Ideas & Variations

• Different Sweaters: Try stripes, polka dots, or even holiday-themed designs.
• Different Colors: Gray, brown, or cream mice look just as cute.
• Accessories: Add a tiny scarf, hat, or even a pocket.
• Bigger Mouse: Use thicker yarn and larger needles.
• Mini Mouse: Use sock yarn and smaller needles for a keychain-sized mouse.

Beginner Tips

• Use smaller needles than recommended for your yarn to avoid stuffing showing through.
• Always stuff gradually to avoid lumps.
• If new to colorwork, make the sweater plain and add designs later using duplicate stitch embroidery.
• Make sure ears are sewn symmetrically—this makes a big difference in appearance.

Conclusion

This Knitted Mouse Toy with Sweater is a heartwarming and beginner-friendly project. With just a few materials and some patience, you can create a delightful plushie that’s both fun to knit and adorable to display.

It’s also a fantastic project for using up leftover yarn. Once you’ve made one mouse, you’ll find it hard to stop—soon you’ll have a whole mouse family in different sweater designs!

Handmade toys carry a special charm, and your knitted mouse will surely bring joy to whoever receives it. 🧶🐭❤️