The majority of the Knit a Teddy animals and dolls measure approximately 38cm (15in) when standing, although some of the animals, such as the giraffe and lion, are slightly taller. Please refer to the individual listings for the exact sizes. The clothes are designed to fit all the animals and dolls, although some of the hats may not fit some of the animals. The clothes also fit shop bought 15in teddy bears.

Although my patterns only use basic knitting techniques, most contain some shaping and colourwork. However, if you take things slowly and follow the instructions row-by-row, then you should have no problems. I have also produced a range of tutorials which explain the stitches and techniques that I use in my patterns - www.kniatbles.com/tutorials

I endeavour to design patterns that are clear and easy to follow. Every pattern has:

a guide to the knitting abbreviations and techniques used
a list of the materials and the original yarns used
row by row instructions
lots of photographs to help you complete your project
instructions on how to make up the finished toy
All patterns are written in English and use English knitting terminology.

All my patterns are knitted flat on straight needles, although I believe that the majority of my patterns could be converted to knitting in the round. I appreciate that a lot of people do not like seaming, but I wanted beginner knitters to enjoy my patterns and knitting in the round can be tricky!

Please check the abbreviations list, especially when it comes to increasing. Most knitters are aware that the 'Inc 1' method uses an existing stitch to make another stitch, but the 'm1' method doesn't require an existing stitch to make a new one. It is worked in between two stitches, creating the new stitch from the strand of yarn which lies between the two stitches. Unfortunately, the two methods are not interchangeable and if a knitter tries to use the 'Inc 1' method instead of the 'm1', it doesn't work. There aren't enough stitches on the knitting needle to 'Inc 1' and the end of row stitch count is not the same as specified in the pattern.

I ​sew most seams with a 'short cut' mattress stitch, which is explained in my tutorials. It is worked from the right side of the knitting and all my patterns have a one stitch seam allowance added to accommodate this. If you use this method the seam is virtually invisible.

I am happy for you to knit toys from my patterns to sell, either for charity or to make a little money for yourself, as long as this is not done on a large scale and I am given a credit as the designer. Indeed, I would like to encourage knitters to use my patterns for charity fundraising as that is why I became a designer in the first place. However, these patterns are intended for personal use only, so you are not permitted to sell the pattern itself.