SQUIRREL knitting pattern | Into the Woodlands MKAL Clue #10
No woodland scene is quite complete without a bit of playful energy! Meet the Squirrel—Clue #10 in our Into the Woodlands collection. This charming little friend features a wonderfully textured, bushy tail and a pert silhouette that brings a sense of movement to your blanket. Created using only knit and purl stitches, this beginner-friendly block is designed to nestle perfectly among your trees and forest floor textures. Whether you’re following the KAL or looking for a standalone animal motif, this pattern is ready to ‘scamper’ onto your needles with our easy-to-read, high-contrast chart.
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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 Squirrel 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!
Squirrel 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, SQUIRREL knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the SQUIRREL 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.
Squirrel Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) p7, k15, p13
Row 8) p9, k5, p1, k10, p10
Row 10) p10, k2, p1, k14, p8
Row 12) p9, k2, p1, k11, p1, k4, p7
Row 14) p9, k2, p1, k12, p1, k4, p6
Row 16) p5, k3, p1, k2, p1, k9, p1, k2, p2, k4, p5
Row 18) p6, k6, p1, k7, p1, k2, p3, k5, p4
Row 20) p7, k6, p1, k5, p1, k3, p3, k5, p4
Row 22) p8, k7, p3, k4, p4, k5, p4
Row 24) p8, k13, p4, k6, p4
Row 26) p4, k15, p5, k6, p5
Row 28) p2, k14, p7, k6, p6
Row 30) p2, k12, p7, k8, p6
Row 32) p3, k3, p2, k5, p7, k7, p8
Row 34) p4, k5, p1, k3, p5, k7, p10
Row 36) p6, k3, p1, k3, p3, k8, p4, k3, p4
Row 38) p8, k2, p1, k2, p2, k9, p3, k1, p2, k3, p2
Row 40) p9, k1, p2, k1, p2, k9, p7, k2, p2
Row 42) p10, k1, p2, k1, p1, k10, p5, k3, p2
Row 44) p16, k16, p3
Row 46) p17, k14, p4
Row 48) p18, k12, p5
Row 50) p21, k7, p7
Row 52) Purl all stitches
Row 54) Purl all stitches
Row 55) Knit all stitches
Squirrel 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.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save our woodland friend into your Pinterest knitting board.
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:
© 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.