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Conkers (R3)

peek-a-boo conker husk and conkers

Cuddly conkers are one of ODDknits most popular designs. There are three parts to the pattern that can be combined in a variety of ways to make whole collections of conkers and conker shells.

If you are making more than one conker, try using slightly different browns and greens for a more natural look.

A printable version of this pattern is available.

Part 1: The Conker

You will need:

  • yarn leftovers in beige and brown (double knit)
  • toy stuffing
  • optional string
  • 4 x double ended knitting needles (2.75mm)
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors

Pattern:

Cast on 5 stitches in the brown yarn, divide between three needles and join them into a round

(A list of abbreviations is available.)

  1. Round 1: [kfb] x 5 (10)
  2. Round 2: [k1, kfb] x 5 (15)
  3. Round 3: k –
  4. Round 4: [kfb, k2] x 5 (20)
  5. Round 5: k –
  6. Round 6: [k2, kfb, k1] x 5 (25)

Knit 4 rounds straight.

  1. Round 12: [k2tog, k3] x 5 (20)

Change colours to the beige yarn.

  1. Round 13: k –
  2. Round 14: [k2, k2tog] x 5 (15)
  3. Round 15: k –
  4. Round 16: [k2tog, k1] x 5 (10)
  5. Round 17: k –

Making Up:

Stuff the conker firmly. Cut the yarn, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.

conker-on-a-string

If you want to make a conker-on-a-string (or “safety conkers” as we like to call them) thread a length of string through the conker with a tapestry needle and tie a double knot at each end.

Parts 2 & 3: The Husk

You will need:

  • yarn leftovers in green and cream (double knit)
  • 4 x double ended knitting needles (3mm)
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors

Pattern (Inside Husk):

Cast on 35 in cream coloured yarn.

  1. Round 1-2: k –
  2. Round 3: [{k1, k2togtbl} x 2, k1] x 5
  3. Round 4-6: k –
  4. Round 7: [k2togtbl, k3] x 5
  5. Round 8: k –
  6. Round 9: [k2, k2togtbl] x 5
  7. Round 10: k –
  8. Round 11: [k2togtbl, k1] x 5
  9. Round 12: k –

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

Pattern (Outside Husk):

In this pattern we will use the abbreviation B1. This means Bobble 1 and is worked on 1 stitch as follows:

  • kfbf, turn
  • p3, turn
  • sl1, k2tog, psso

To begin cast on 35 in light green yarn.

  1. Round 1-2: k –
  2. Round 3: [B1, k6] x 5 (35)
  3. Round 4: k –
  4. Round 5: [k3, k2tog, k2] x 5 (30)
  5. Round 6: [k3, B1, k2] x 5 (30)
  6. Round 7: [k2tog, k4] x 5 (25)
  7. Round 8: k –
  8. Round 9: [B1, k1, k2tog, k1] x 5 (20)
  9. Round 10: k –
  10. Round 11: [k2tog, k2] x 5 (15)
  11. Round 12: [k1, k2tog] x 5 (10)

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

Making Up:

Secure the yarns where they are pulled tight through remaining stitches. For the outside husk use the loose end to form a final bobble over the closing by over-sewing it several times.

peek-a-boo conker husk

To make the peek-a-boo shell from the photo hold two inside husks together, knit sides showing, and sew two thirds of the cast on stitches together. Repeat for the outside husks. Place the inside husks into the outside husks so that the openings match and then sew the shells together. A knitted conker will fit neatly inside this husk.

half shell conker husk

Alternatively you can make a half shell. You will need 1 x inside husk and 1 x outside husk. Hold the two pieces together so that the knit side of the outside husk and the purl side of the inside husk are on the outside. Sew the cast on edges together.

closed husk

To make a closed shell you will need 2 x outside husks. Sew the two halves of the shell most of the way around, stuff and then close the opening.

Notes:

For Those Who HATE SEWING UP

You may have noticed that a lot of the ODDknit patterns are worked in the round. There are two reasons for this. One is to achieve an neat, seamless look to small objects. The second is because WE HATE SEWING UP.

If you are also someone who also HATES SEWING UP you may be interested that when we make the husk pattern in bulk for craft fairs we do it slightly differently. With a little planning ahead you can pick up stitches instead of casting on for much of the shell.

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!