Information

Knit a fiddle toy Elf for people living with dementia

Back in 2018 we published a Snuggle Bear pattern written by Fiona Crouch. It has continued to be very popular over the years and we've seen bears popping up all over the country.

If you haven’t heard, Elf Day is our annual celebration of everything festive, designed to get you into the Christmas spirit while raising money to help those affected by dementia. So, to celebrate, Fiona came up with a special Christmas themed version of the pattern.

This Snuggle Elf would make a perfect companion on the big day, as well as a soothing festive friend for people with dementia - so get your needles out and start knitting!

The 'Snuggle Elf' fiddle toy pattern

For fidgeters, twiddlers and anyone who needs a special festive friend. Snuggle Elf can be made in an evening – what can be better than to give a Christmas gift that is lovingly elf made?

Sits in your hand or for an extra special snuggle, pop him over a finger or two and let him nestle in your hand.

Equipment

• 4mm knitting needles
• Small amount of DK yarn (Fiona used red, white, green and she's used beige coloured yarn in this design)
• Flesh coloured yarn for nose and black yarn or small beads for eyes (make sure these are very securely fastened)
• Sewing needle
• Small amount of toy stuffing

Skills Required

• Cast on/off
• Garter stitch
• Simple button holes
• Increase
• Decrease (by knitting 2 stitches together)

How to knit your own fiddle toy Elf

(Hat, Head and Body)

• Cast on 3 stitches (in a festive colour – Fiona used green)
• Knit one row
• Increase each row by one stitch (Fiona does it in the middle of the row, but it can be at the end) until you have 12 stitches.
• Knit 2 rows
• Change to beige coloured yarn and knit 6 rows
• Decrease by knitting 2 stitches together (6 stitches). This gives the shape of the neck
• Knit one row
• Change to colour for body and increase into each stitch (12 stitches)
• Knit one row
• Next row - knit 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches together, bring yarn forward, knit to last 5 stitches, knit 2 stitches together, bring yarn forward and knit to end of row (making simple buttonholes for the arms to fit through)
• Knit 9 rows

 (Legs)

• (Working on first 6 stitches only, slip remaining 6 stitches onto a stitch holder)
• Knit 8 rows
• Next row - increase into every other stitch (9 stitches)
• Knit 3 rows
• To finish legs break yarn and sew through loops to make feet
• Repeat with remaining 6 stitches to make other leg 

Note – Fiona's Elf has candy cane striped legs, changing colour every 2 rows and bright red shoes (from the increase row onwards). If it’s easier, keep them all one colour or come up with your own festive design!

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(Arms)

• Cast on 24 stitches (in the colour to match or complement your body)
• Knit 6 rows
• Cast off

(Hat Band)

• Loosely cast on 18 stitches
• Cast off 

To finish your Snuggle Elf

• Sew arms along long seam using whip stitch and put to one side
• Sew legs up to body (as shown in bottom leg in above photo – this one piece makes the hat, head, body and legs)
• Sew body (seam is at back) up to buttonholes
• Thread arms through the buttonholes and sew ends together
• Secure arms in place by stitching an arm onto each buttonhole
• Lightly stuff body (a plump tummy looks fab!) - leave legs unstuffed
• Continue sewing up to top of the hat and stuff lightly
• Sew hat band into place
• Embroider eyes and nose using black yarn/beads and beige coloured yarn.

Please note the author can accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from the information advice or instructions given in this pattern

Pattern is ©Fiona Crouch, 2025. All rights reserved – for personal and non-commercial use only.

Visit Fiona's Facebook page to see more of her wonderful knitted designs.