Say hello to Alan the Rockhopper penguin! He’s hopped over to tell you that he loves to sit in your hand for a cuddle, and would really like to find a new home.

Alan is 17cm /6.5 inches tall – just the right size to cuddle in your hand. He’s knitted using DK acrylic yarn (I used Stylecraft Special DK - details are given in the pattern, but you can use any oddments of DK yarn from your stash).

Is Alan easy to knit?

Yes he is! Alan is knitted flat on a pair of 4mm (UK 8/ US 6) knitting needles, making him a great project for a beginner: no need to knit in the round. Basic skills that you need to know: stocking stitch, increasing by knitting into the front and back of a stitch (inc 1) and decreasing by knitting 2 stitches together (k2tog). The knitting pattern includes detailed making up instructions and colour photos to help you on your way.

You’ll also need a 3.5mm crochet hook to attach Alan’s eyebrows - no crochet skills required.