Birds of a feather…
Flamingos are popular with every little girl I know at the moment, and there appears to be a flamingo on most things from bed covers to wallpaper. And so with a knitted flamingo to accompany the knitted unicorn and knitted rainbow, I think any little girls’ bedroom collection will now be complete. I made a knitted flamingo to say happy 5th birthday to my niece poppy, who is completely ‘flingo’, aka flamingo, mad. I did a bit of flamingo research first, in the form of a trip to a Bird Sanctuary (for rescue and rare breeding) and a nature reserve.
Pattern Design
As well as knitting, another thing I love to do is take photos of my ‘subjects’. Taking photos allows me to look for closely at the shapes, colours and proportions to help come up with my own unique knitting patterns. I managed to get some nice pictures to work from to make this flamingo knitting pattern, even though l also got a bit distracted getting some lovely photos of flying flamingos!
Flippy Floppy Flamingos
Although so elegant and beautiful in real life, they do also look a little bit funny. They are truly unique creatures, with those curvy necks and dingly dangly legs. I have ended up knitting two different versions; a larger flamingo and smaller knitted flamingo, and although they are very similar, I have written up patterns for both. My first knitted flamingo was the larger knitted version, but on completion, I started to have second thoughts…
I had tried to keep my knitted flamingo as close to the real thing as possible, as seen in the photos, but I thought this ended up looking a little bit out of proportion. The long legs and bendy neck also made this knitted flamingo not quite so sturdy to be able to sit. So for quicker knitting, a flamingo a little less dangly, and one more akin to a cartoon flamingo, I amended this initial flamingo knitting pattern to one with a shorter neck and legs, making an overall smaller version. But both look great for hanging over the edge of a desk or being flung around by a toddler. If you have a little more time, try both and you could end up knitting a little flock of flamingo friends.
Pretty in Pink
To a toddler or small child a flamingo is a flamingo and a generic pink would I’m sure just go down well. However, if you fancy being a little more specific, there are actually six different types of flamingo. You could go for the smaller and detailed Chilean flamingo which has grey legs with pink knees and feet, or go for a greater flamingo is paler pink with brighter all-pink legs. Children may also just love a super-bright pink yarn for a Caribbean flamingo!
Contact me to get any new or updated patterns straight to you. Or keep an eye out on the updates section of this website to see the newest creations. Fitting In Knitting is also on Facebook, twitter and Instagram for some sneaky previews of projects as they evolve….
Happy knitting!
Ali 🙂
How to Knit a Little Flamingo
Total time 6 Hours 40 Minutes
Made from one knitted body piece, one knitted neck piece, one head and beak piece, two knitted leg pieces, and four small knitted pieces to make up the two feet. All pieces are sewn together and stuffed, with added stitching for the eye features.
How to Knit a Large Flamingo
Total time from 7 Hours
Made from one combined knitted body and neck piece, one head and beak piece, two knitted leg pieces, and four small knitted pieces to make up the two feet. All pieces are sewn together and stuffed, with added stitching for the eye features.
Handmade Gift Ideas!
Get some more ideas, see what you will need and follow the patterns to learn exactly how you can make your own… More Knitted Gift Ideas!
I aim to have a new pattern up on the website every few weeks (children and their busy schedules permitting!) and I’ll let you know as soon as the next one is up and ready to go…
