Socktopus

Socktopus.

I made another for my step dad, for his boat, but it was blind for a while (I misplaced the eye-giving needle). He has eyes now!

Anyways, here is, roughly, how I made them:

I use double points. Pick a yarn, and then use the right size needles for that yarn. Should work out fine. I used 4.5mm needles for the first and 6mm for the second.

Arms/Legs (make eight)
Cast on 4 sts.
1st round: Increase 1 st in each st (total 8 sts). Divide onto 3 needles.
2nd: Knit.
3rd: K1. Increase 1 st in next st. Repeat for all remaining sts (12 sts total).
4th: Knit.
5th: K2. Increase 1 st in next st. Repeat for all remaining sts (16 sts total).
6th: Knit.
7th: K3. Increase 1 st in next st. Repeat for all remaining sts (20 sts total).
Knit 10 rounds. Break colour.
With first stripe colour, K3. K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (16 sts total).
Knit 5 rounds. Break colour.
With second stripe colour knit 3 rounds. Break colour.
With main (body) colour knit until a pleasing length is reached (the total length for the first socktopus's legs was 6 inches, while the second was 6 inches from the top of the sock).
Stuff leg. Flatten the leg in order to put all stitches on one needle. When placing stitches onto the needle you are alternating a stitch from the front with a stitch from the back. Place sts on a contrasting colour yarn (8 sts total).
Note: If this makes no sense, just cast off and pick up 8 sts for each leg when making the body.

Body Part I
Place legs on three needles, and join in the round (64 sts total). Knit 1 round.
K6. K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (56 sts total).
Knit 4 inches.
K5. K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (48 sts total).
Knit 2 rounds.
K4. K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (40 sts total).
Knit 2 rounds.
K3. K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (32 sts total).
Knit 2 rounds.
K2. K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (24 sts total).
Knit 1 round.
K1 K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (16 sts total).
Knit 1 round.
K2tog. Repeat for all remaining sts (8 sts total).
Thread yarn through stitches, tighten and fasten.

Body Part II
On two needles, cast on 8 sts.
K1. M1. Knit to last 3 sts. M1. K1.
Purl.
Repeat previous two steps until you have 24 sts total.
Knit 1 round.
Purl 1 round.
Repeat previous two steps once more.
K1. ssk. Knit to last 3 sts. K2tog. K1.
Purl.
Repeat the last two steps until 8 sts remain.
Cast off.
Stuff the body. Sew the "patch" you just created on the underside of the body to hold the stuffing in place.
Sew on eyes and a mouth.


It may be tedious making those legs, but it is darn cute when you finish!
I would add that the scarf, at least, is essential.