My cousin asked for a knitted moose head for her wedding present. I'm not sure how serious she was but I thought I would take her up on the challenge...
I found a basic shell made of cardboard slats on eBay (they really do sell everything!). I needed a solid base so it would hang on the wall and have the antlers stay up.
I created the entire piece by knitting directly over the shapes with multiple needles. I used methods of increasing and decreasing stitches as I go to create the right shape.
I created large, reverse bauble stitches carried over multiple rows to shape the moose's signature nostrils and increased and decreased stitches to shape the chin piece (which is technically called a bell or dewlap).
I have to bring this in luggage from the UK to Newfoundland and I imagine my cousin will need to transport it more easily herself so I have left it with the antlers and ears as removable pieces. I made two slots to fit the antlers and ears on the top. I did this by casting off and then re-casting on stitches to create an opening.
Finally, I stitched the eyes on. I used thick wool and layered it to give them a three-dimensional feel. I also added a white fleck to bring them to life.
I am very pleased with the overall result and now I am making one for myself! Hope you enjoy!
More info: Instagram
Oh, hi. Here's a knitted moose head I made from scratch as a present for my cousin
It started with a cardboard base I found on eBay
I knit the antlers using four needles directly around the cardboard as I went. I shaped it using increasing and decreasing stitches
That resulted in a perfect fit with no need to sew anything together
The antlers were two separate pieces...
I joined and reinforced them with a ruler and tape
I also knit the head directly onto the shape with multiple needles, shaping as I went. I created large baubles but in reverse to make a nostril stitch
I increased and decreased stitches at the bottom to make the floppy chin (technically called a bell or dewlap)
I made two slots to fit the antlers and ears in the top
I stitched the eyes on using thick black and brown wools with a small white fleck
I layered stitching to give them a slightly three-dimensional feel
I've left the antlers and ears as removable pieces so I can transport the gift from the UK to Newfoundland!
It's very easy to assemble
And hang anywhere
Bye!
Creating larger-than-life art pieces doesn't just belong to pencil masters. Knitting enthusiasts can also contribute to the world of three-dimensional art through their unique craft. Just like pencil sketches can seem to leap off the page, knitting projects can equally embody the spirit of realism through structural techniques.
If you're intrigued by the art of achieving depth and realism in knitting, take a look at how certain artistic forms break boundaries to create astonishing illusions.