Murray the Musk Ox isn’t a morning ox—magnets inside his hoof and mug ensure his hot chocolate is nearby at all times. Murray’s furry body is worked in loop stitch to give him snuggly texture. This stitch does take extra effort, but it’s fun, unusual, and well worth learning. Don’t forget to add his sleepy eyes to remind you that it’s always a good time for a nap with a stuffed friend.

DESIGNER Brenda K. B. Anderson

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

FINISHED SIZE 9.5” wide (measured across widest point at upper body) and 21″ tall (including his 8″ long legs).

YARN Plymouth Yarn Galway Worsted (100% wool; 210 yd / 3.5 oz): #759 Reese cup (medium brown; MC), 3 balls; #757 bark heather (dark brown; A), #752 pebble beach heather (light taupe; B), and #711 pale brown heather (light brown, C), 1 ball each.

NEEDLES Size 6 (4 mm): straight. Size 4 (3.5 mm): set of double-pointed. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Markers; removable marker; tapestry needle; quilter’s pins; polyester fiberfill; size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook; one 9″ × 12″ sheet of black (or brown) 1/4“-thick craft foam; two white 1 1/8” buttons and two black 3/4” buttons (Note: Buttons should be flat, with no shank, and have the same number of holes so that they can be stitched together when stacked); sewing needle and black thread; small amount of brown felt and matching thread for eyelids and magnet casing; optional: small amount of instant glue to keep lower lids in place; 2 super strong magnets to fasten hot chocolate to Murray’s hoof (see Notes).

GAUGE 13 sts and 21 rows = 4″ in Loop st patt with yarn held double on larger needles; 26 sts and 29 rnds = 4″ in St st with 1 strand of yarn on smaller needles.

NOTES The body is worked back and forth in rows from the bottom up. The head, horns, and legs are worked in the round from the top down. The ears are worked in the round from the bottom up. The pieces are then sewn on to the body. A magnet is placed inside the hoof that connects to a magnet inside the side of the hot chocolate so that Murray can hold the mug himself (do not use magnets if making for a child). Small circles cut out of craft foam give shape to the bottom of the hooves and the top and bottom of the hot chocolate.

It is important to knit a gauge tight enough so that when the stuffing is added, you cannot see through your stitches.

Toy is made with small pieces and is not intended for children younger than three years old.