How to Knit Adorable Felted Mice: Complete Beginner-Friendly Pattern Guide

Introduction to Felted Mouse Knitting

Learn how to create charming felted mouse toys with this comprehensive knitting pattern. These adorable mice make perfect handmade gifts, nursery decorations, or collectible toys. After felting, each mouse measures approximately 5⅛ inches (13 cm) and features sweet details like embroidered eyes and a crocheted tail.

What is Felting in Knitting?

Felting (or fulling) is a process where wool fabric shrinks and becomes denser when agitated in hot water. This creates a soft, fuzzy texture that’s perfect for toys. These mice are knitted larger than desired, then felted in the washing machine to achieve their final size.

Materials Needed for Felted Mice

Yarn Requirements

This pattern uses DROPS Snow yarn (yarn group E, bulky weight):

• Light Grey Mouse: 50g color 53 (light grey) + 50g color 30 (pastel pink for nose)
• Dark Grey Mouse: 50g color 46 (medium grey) + 50g color 83 (mauve for nose)
• Both Mice Need: 50g color 02 (black for tail and eyes)

Each completed mouse weighs approximately 36-40 grams when stuffed.

Tools and Supplies

• Knitting Needles: Size 8mm (US 11)
• Crochet Hook: Size 7mm (US 10.75)
• Stuffing: Polyester wadding or fiberfill
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing seams and embroidering eyes

Knitting Gauge and Needle Size

Gauge: 11 stitches × 15 rows = 4″ × 4″ (10cm × 10cm) in stockinette stitch

Important Gauge Note: If you’re getting too many stitches per 4 inches, switch to larger needles. If you’re getting too few stitches, switch to smaller needles. Proper gauge ensures your mouse will felt to the correct size.

Dimensions Before and After Felting

• Before Felting: Approximately 6¼ inches (16 cm)
• After Felting: Approximately 5⅛ inches (13 cm)

The felting process shrinks the mouse by about 20%, creating a dense, durable fabric.

Step-by-Step Knitting Instructions

Part 1: Knitting the Mouse Body

Cast On: Using size 8mm needles and your chosen grey color, cast on 16 stitches.

Rows 1-2: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side).

Row 3 (Increase Row): Increase 8 stitches evenly by knitting 2 stitches into every other stitch across the row. You’ll now have 24 stitches.

Continue: Work stockinette stitch until your piece measures 5½ inches (14 cm) from cast-on edge.

Decrease Row: Knit 2 together across the entire row, reducing to 12 stitches.

Work 2 More Rows: Continue in stockinette stitch.

Nose Row: Switch to pastel pink or mauve yarn and knit one row.

Finish: Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.

Part 2: Knitting the Ears (Make 2)

Cast On: 5 stitches in grey yarn.

Rows 1-4: Knit all rows (garter stitch).

Row 5: K2tog, K1, K2tog (3 stitches remain).

Rows 6-7: Knit 2 rows.

Row 8: K3tog. Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

Repeat for second ear.

Part 3: Crocheting the Tail

Using black yarn and 7mm crochet hook:

1. Chain 12 stitches
2. Starting in 2nd chain from hook, work 3 double crochets in each chain stitch
3. Cut yarn and weave in end

This creates a curly, textured tail.

Assembly Instructions

Sewing the Body

1. Fold the body piece lengthwise with right sides together
2. Sew the side seam using the outermost loops of edge stitches for an invisible seam
3. Leave the cast-on end open for stuffing
4. Turn right side out

Stuffing the Mouse

• Fill with polyester wadding or fiberfill
• Important: Don’t overstuff! The mouse needs room to shrink during felting
• Fill to about 70-80% capacity for best felting results
• Close the opening with mattress stitch

Attaching Ears and Features

1. Position ears on top of head, slightly to the sides
2. Sew ears securely using matching yarn
3. Embroider eyes using black yarn: create 2 small stitches for each eye
4. Attach tail at the back seam, sewing securely

The Felting Process: Machine Washing Method

Washing Machine Settings

• Temperature: 40°C (104°F)
• Cycle: Normal wash with regular spin
• No Pre-Wash: Turn off pre-wash cycle
• Detergent: Use enzyme-free and bleach-free detergent

Important Felting Tips

1. Add a towel: Place mice in a pillowcase or laundry bag with a towel for agitation
2. Don’t overload: The mice need room to move and agitate
3. Watch the first time: Check on your mice during the first felting to gauge shrinkage

Shaping After Felting

While still wet, shape your mice:

• Smooth out any wrinkles
• Define the nose area
• Position ears at desired angle
• Gently reshape the body to desired form

Let dry completely at room temperature (24-48 hours).

Troubleshooting Felting Problems

Mouse Too Large (Under-Felted)

Solution: While still wet, wash again immediately with a terry towel (approximately 20″ × 27½”). Don’t use a short cycle.

Mouse Too Small (Over-Felted)

Solution: While wet, gently stretch to correct size. If already dry, soak in lukewarm water first, then stretch and reshape.

Uneven Felting

Cause: Inconsistent tension in knitting or uneven agitation Prevention: Maintain consistent tension while knitting; ensure mice have room to move in washer

Care Instructions for Felted Mice

After the initial felting, care for your mice as regular wool garments:

• Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent
• Avoid hot water to prevent further shrinking
• Air dry flat
• No machine drying

Color Combinations and Variations

Classic Combinations

• Light grey body with pastel pink nose
• Medium grey body with mauve nose
• Black tail and eyes on all mice

Creative Alternatives

• White body with pink nose for a pet mouse look
• Brown tones for a field mouse
• Multiple colors for a family of mice

Tips for Success

1. Use 100% wool: Superwash wool won’t felt properly
2. Check your yarn: Ensure your yarn is feltable before starting
3. Make a test swatch: Felt a small swatch first to check shrinkage rate
4. Don’t rush stuffing: Proper stuffing density is key to good felting
5. Shape while wet: This is your only chance to perfect the shape

Skill Level and Time Requirements

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time Required:

• Knitting: 3-4 hours per mouse
• Assembly: 30 minutes
• Felting and drying: 24-48 hours

Project Ideas and Uses

These felted mice are perfect for:

• Baby gifts and nursery decorations
• Cat toys (supervise play with stuffed toys)
• Holiday ornaments (add a hanging loop)
• Collectible toys for mouse enthusiasts
• Teaching children about knitting and felting
• Market items for craft fairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different yarn weights? You can, but adjust needle size and expect different finished dimensions. Bulky weight is ideal for quick felting.

Do I need to use the exact yarn brand? No, any feltable bulky weight 100% wool will work. Avoid superwash wool.

Can I skip the felting step? You could, but the mouse will be larger and less durable. Felting creates the signature dense texture.

How do I know if my yarn will felt? Check the label – avoid “superwash” or “machine washable” wool. When in doubt, test a swatch.

Can children help with this project? Absolutely! Older children can knit under supervision, and younger ones can help stuff and decorate.

To find more plushies patterns click here