Hen Party Hat Using 4mm needles cast on 27 for base edge in main colour (M) Knit 2 rows Beginning with a knit row work 12 rows in SS, you need to increase in the first and last stitch of the 3rd, 7th and 11th SS row.  You will finish the body on a purl row (33 st) Cast off 12, Knit 9, Cast off 12 Rejoin the yarn on the 9 stitches and work 6 rows in stocking stitch beg with a purl row. Working the Comb Join in a contrast colour (C) Next row: P1 in C, P7 in M, P1 in C Next row: K2 in C, K5 in M, K2 in C Next row: P3 in C, P3 in M, P3 in C Next row: K4 in C, K1 in M, K4 in C Next row: Purl in C Cast off
Making Up With right sides in, join row ends to create tail and head, join cast off sections to create back.  Turn right side out and oversew the comb. Create a tail by winding some colour yarn around a piece of card which is 5.5cm wide.  I found 15 winds around was roughly enough.  Tie a length of yarn around the threads and pull up tight.  Remove loops from card and cut the loose ends.  Join tail to bird. Place a small bit of stuffing in the head to give a bit of shape.  Tie a good knot in the end of some black wool, insert the needle inside the hen and up through the stuffing to emerge in an eye position.  Work a few stitches on top of one another to create the eye.  Take the wool through the stuffing and work the other eye in the same way.  Secure end. Tie a good knot in the end of some yellow wool, insert the needle inside the hen and up through the stuffing to emerge in the beak position.  Work a couple of French knots on top of one another for the beak.  Secure the ends. Why not vary the colours?  If you click on the photo above you will see some alternative versions I've created!  I LOVE these, really quick to knit and really effective.  Have fun!