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Destroying Angel (R3)

knitted destroying angel

The Destroying Angel is a very poisonous fungus, it has a white cap and white gills. Our pattern has both of those but it is significantly less deadly. You could go for realism and dip the knitted version in poison, but we wouldn't recommend it.

A printable version of this pattern is available.

You will need:

  • white double knit
  • white paper
  • 4 x double ended knitting needles (3mm)
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors

Pattern (Cap):

(A list of abbreviations is available.)

Cast on 16sts in white.

Join into the round and work as follows:

  1. Round 1: p –

In the second round knit into the front and back of every stitch (kfb) but each time you do wrap the yarn around the needle three times instead of once. We are making the gills by elongating these stitches. (32)

  1. Round 3: [k1, k1tbl] x 16 (32)

As you knit the following rows tug downwards on the cast on edge to even out the long stitches.

  1. Rounds 4-10: k –
  2. Round 11: [k6, k2togtbl] x 4 (28)
  3. Round 12: k –
  4. Round 13: [k2, k2togtbl, k3] x 4 (24)
  5. Round 14: k –
  6. Round 15: [k2togtbl, k4] x 4 (20)
  7. Round 16: [k2, k2togtbl, k1] x 4 (16)
  8. Round 17: k –
  9. Round 18: [k2togtbl, k2] x 4 (12)
  10. Round 19: [k1, k2togtbl] x 4 (8)
  11. Round 20: k –

Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight. Tie a knot to hold this stitches closed and trim the yarn. Turn the cap inside out through the hole made by the cast on stitches (the wrong-side will be the outside of our cap).

Pattern (Stem):

Pick up 8 sts along the cast off edge of the cap and join into the round.

Knit 4-5 cm straight.

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail.

Making Up:

Cut a strip of paper 30cm x 4 – 5cm (a.k.a. take a piece of A4 paper and cut a lengthwise strip about the same height as your stem).

Roll the paper tightly to make a cylinder. Insert the cylinder into the knitted stem and allow it to unroll so that it fits tightly. Thread the yarn through the remaining sts and pull tight.

Sew in any remaining loose ends.

Notes:

Dealing with Wobbly Fungi

The ODDknit fungi are designed to be enjoyed as knitted 3D objects to be picked up and played with, this pattern especially makes a very unsteady fungus. The following method might help a little.

  1. Light a white candle.
  2. Dribble a tiny amount of wax onto the base of the stem.
  3. Quickly press the base against a cold, flat surface (e.g. a mirror or heat resistant work-surface)
  4. Allow to cool and then twist to release.
  5. Remove any excess wax from the edge of the stem.
Diagram showing where to drip the wax.

The wax provides a completely flat surface that will help the fungi remain balanced. We use this method when we need to pose the fungi for photographs.

Needle/Yarn Size

As with most ODDknit patterns the yarn and needle sizes in the "you will need" section are just a guide. Feel free to improvise with whatever needles and yarn you have lying around - that's half the fun!