DEER knitting pattern | Into the Woodlands MKAL Clue #7
Capture the gentle spirit of the forest with the new Deer block! While my classic Stag pattern focuses on a powerful, regal silhouette, I wanted this new addition to the Into the Woodlands collection to feel a bit more storybook-inspired. Drawing inspiration from vintage children’s book illustrations, this design features a sweet, textured deer that brings a touch of whimsical wonder to your needles. It’s a perfect centrepiece for a nursery blanket or a cozy addition to your seasonal fall decor, all created using simple knit and purl stitches.
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| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools for the Deer block
- Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
- Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
- Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!
Deer Knitting Pattern
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, DEER knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the DEER knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
Deer Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 3) Knit all stitches
Row 4) p15, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2, p9
Row 5) Knit all stitches
Row 6) p15, k2, p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, k2, p8
Row 7) Knit all stitches
Row 8) p15, k2, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, p7
Row 9) Knit all stitches
Row 10) p15, k2, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k2, p6
Row 11) Knit all stitches
Row 12) p15, k2, p1, k2, p4, k3, p1, k2, p5
Row 13) Knit all stitches
Row 14) p15, k15, p5
Row 15) Knit all stitches
Row 16) p14, k15, p6
Row 17) Knit all stitches
Row 18) p13, k16, p6
Row 19) Knit all stitches
Row 20) p13, k16, p6
Row 21) Knit all stitches
Row 22) p13, k17, p5
Row 23) Knit all stitches
Row 24) p13, k18, p4
Row 25) Knit all stitches
Row 26) p14, k4, p11, k3, p3
Row 27) Knit all stitches
Row 28) p13, k6, p16
Row 29) Knit all stitches
Row 30) p11, k10, p14
Row 31) Knit all stitches
Row 32) p10, k12, p13
Row 33) Knit all stitches
Row 34) p9, k14, p12
Row 35) Knit all stitches
Row 36) p9, k14, p12
Row 37) Knit all stitches
Row 38) p9, k14, p12
Row 39) Knit all stitches
Row 40) p6, k20, p9
Row 41) Knit all stitches
Row 42) p5, k6, p2, k5, p3, k6, p8
Row 43) k16, p1, k5, p1, k12
Row 44) p4, k4, p3, k1, p7, k1, p4, k4, p7
Row 45) k14, p1, k9, p1, k10
Row 46) p8, k2, p2, k1, p5, k1, p2, k2, p12
Row 47) k11, p1, k15, p1, k7
Row 48) p6, k1, p2, k1, p3, k1, p4, k1, p2, k1, p2, k1, p10
Row 49) k10, p1, k17, p1, k6
Row 50) p5, k1, p1, k1, p2, k1, p10, k1, p2, k2, p9
Row 51) Knit all stitches
Row 52) p5, k1, p2, k1, p15, k1, p1, k1, p8
Row 53) Knit all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Deer Knitting Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
Note: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row.
Download the Printable PDF
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You can also buy this pattern in Ravelry.
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You can use the image below to save our woodland friend into your Pinterest knitting board.
© Cecilia Fameli, 2026. The instructions, charts, photos, and illustrations contained in this post are subject to copyright protections. The patterns are for personal use only and may not be used for profit. You can, however, sell items made with my pattern. Thanks in advance for being respectful with my work.
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Want a larger blanket?
Our Into the Woodlands project has 12 blocks, but if you want to knit a larger blanket you can choose more from our Library. They all have the same size! Here are some knit-and-purl suggestions:
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