My little dachshund can decimate store-bought toys in an instant. She finds a vulnerability at a seam and rips out the stuffing in no time. When they’re not available, she’s happy to steal my yarn or a wool sock and run under the bed.

So when I saw some replacement squeaker in a pet shop, I set out to use some of my wool scraps to make some toys without seams or stuffing. While they are not indestructible, she loves them and they last longer than store bought.

These chewies are knit in the round and decorated to look like a beaver, chipmunk or skunk. Use your imagination to create other animals or leave off the decor – either way, your little beast is sure to appreciate your efforts.

Materials:
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted, 100% wool, 110y/ 100m; 1¾oz/ 50g. Samples made with approximately 66y/ 60m of the main colour and scraps of accent colours:
• Beaver shown in Brass Heather (C3) and Merlot Heather (C4);
• Chipmunk shown in Brass Heather (C3), Merlot Heather (C4), Cloud (C1) and Coal (C2); and,
• Skunk shown in Cloud (C1) and Coal (C2)
1 small squeaker toy replacement per Chewie, optional
Note: Using non-superwash wool is essential for felting.

Tools:
US 10½/ 6.5mm double pointed knitting needles or magic loop equivalents, 1stitch marker (optional), washing machine with hot water, tapestry needle

Gauge:
14 sts/ 20 Rounds over 4”/ 10cm in stockinette in the round.

Size:
After felting, ~ 6¼”/ 16cm long by ~3¼”/8cm across.