As part of our 2020 Uberlist, I plan on releasing a couple free knitting patterns. Knitting is one of the many facets of what I do here on the farm, and bringing it all together in one place seems logical for us.

Robert has been playing Stardew Valley pretty consistently since it was released. He has a Nintendo Switch, and it was one of the first games he got for it. I love watching him play, and I wanted to knit him something from the game as part of his birthday gift back in December.

I whipped up this cute little buddy, and decided I should share the pattern with you in case you have a fan of Stardew Valley in your life! It’s a very simple pattern, and the extra details like arms, legs and antenna were made super easy by using pipe cleaners. If you want to have it be a little softer, feel free to knit a black i-cord in place of the pipe cleaners, and sew it on. Please keep in mind that this is not a toy suitable for small children.

Yarn

Any smooth worsted weight in the color and fiber content of your choice. I used some random blue acrylic that was sitting in my office.

Needles and Notions

US 7 (4.5mm) DPNs (Or size needed to obtain a tight fabric that doesn’t show stuffing through)

Darning needle

Pair of safety eyes (I used some of the second largest from this set)

2-3 black pipe cleaners

Something to stuff the plush

Instructions

Using Judy’s Magic Cast On, CO 8 sts (This counts as the first row)

Row 2, and all even numbered rows: Knit around

Row 3:KFB around, dividing evenly between four needles

Row 5: *K1, KFB* repeat around

Row 7: *K2, KFB* repeat around

Row 9: *K3, KFB* repeat around

Row 11: *K4, KFB* repeat around (total 48 sts)

Knit approximately 15 rounds, or until body is long enough to make a rough sphere once stuffed.

Place safety eyes. Junimo eyes are usually widely spaced, and slightly below the midpoint of the body.

Cut one pipe cleaner roughly in half. Insert each end through the inside of the body so they come out where the legs should be. This can be moved around until you find the right spot. Once placed to your satisfaction, fold back about ½ inch of each end, twist to cover sharp end, and bend to form the feet.

Stuff body about halfway.

Poke second pipe cleaner through each side to make arms. Trim a few inches off to desired length. Repeat folding, twisting and bending so as to form hands.

Add more stuffing.

Resume knitting top of head:

Decrease 8 sts every other row as follows:

*K4, k2tog* repeat around

Knit around

*K3, k2tog* repeat around

Knit around

*K2, k2tog* repeat around

Knit around

*K1, k2tog* repeat around

Knit around

Add more stuffing here if needed to form spherical shape.

*K2tog* around

Break yarn, using darning needle, thread through remaining stitches, add more stuffing if needed, and draw shut. Weave in end.

Top Leaf:

Using same needles, CO 2 sts

Knit across

KFB twice

Knit three rows

K2tog twice

Knit across

K2tog

Break yarn and draw through final stitch. Weave in ends.

Stick end of pipe cleaner left over from making legs through CO end of leaf. Fold over and twist to secure.

Fold up ½” of opposite end and bend and twist to secure. Place firmly through small BO hole in top of Junimo’s head, adding glue if desired.

There’s your Junimo! I would love to see your finished projects on Ravelry, or in the comments here!

This post was sponsored by our Patreon supporter Melina. Find her gorgeous hand dyed yarn on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy, and find her knitting patterns on her website and Ravelry.