Say hello to Big Liam the Wood Pigeon! Liam is large, lovely, and all ready for a big pigeon squeeze. For some reason lost in the mists of time, my family has always named every woodpigeon spotted in the garden or out in the countryside as Liam. It’s just the way it is. They are all called Liam, and a flock of them are known as a flock of Liams. Hence this knitted Liam.

(I’m a bit gutted that while I was getting my design ready to launch, Oasis announced that they are reforming and now everyone is going to think that poor Big Liam the wood pigeon is named after his musical counterpart. He isn’t.)

Big Liam is 26cm from beak to tail – just the right size to cuddle in your hand.

Is Big Liam easy to knit?

Yes he is! Big Liam is knitted flat on a pair of 4mm (UK 8/ US 6) knitting needles, making him a great project for a beginner who knows the basics of knitting: no need to knit in the round. He’s knitted using DK yarns - you’ll need 5 shades, and Stylecraft Special DK yarn suggestions are given with the pattern.

Basic skills that you need to know: casting on, casting off, stocking stitch, increasing by knitting into the front and back of a stitch (inc 1), decreasing by knitting 2 stitches together (k2tog), changing colour midway through a row. The knitting pattern includes detailed making up instructions and colour photos to help you on your way.

You’ll also need 2 x 4mm black beads and scraps of yellow felt for eyes.