This pattern comes from Weldon’s Practical Knitter, Number 130, Thirty-Second Series (1896). It is also published in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 11, Interweave Press, 2004.

The original pattern called for “unbleached knitting cotton, No. 8” and “four steel needles No. 9” whose modern equivalent is 3.75mm/US 5. The “sponge” is filled with “scraps of white rag” according to the pattern. A cotton cord, crocheted, is also recommended by the pattern.

As with most 19th century patterns, there is no gauge/tension stated in the pattern. There are also no stated finished dimensions. The pattern is written entirely in text and there are no charts. There is, however, an illustration.

The sponge is knit in two separate pieces and, after stuffing, is closed by the woven crocheted cord which can be removed so as to allow for the stuffing to be washed and replaced.