The Emberheart Pixel Fox: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Geometric, Textured Amigurumi

The Emberheart Pixel Fox: A Geometric Knitted Amigurumi Pattern

Bring a touch of modern, pixelated charm to your handmade collection with the Emberheart Pixel Fox. This unique amigurumi pattern combines the cozy texture of chunky worsted weight yarn with a striking geometric heart motif, creating a plush that is both contemporary and collectible. Using intarsia knitting techniques, you'll craft a soft, blocky fox with a glowing heart on its chest. Perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their colorwork skills, this pattern yields a delightful, sit-up-straight companion that makes a wonderful gift or decorative piece.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in three colors:
  • Rust Orange (MC) – approximately 100g
  • Cream (CC1) – approximately 50g
  • Charcoal (CC2) – approximately 30g
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and assembly, stitch markers (optional), polyester fiberfill for stuffing, small amount of black yarn for embroidery (eyes and nose)
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked. Important: Gauge is crucial for achieving the correct size and shape.

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked flat in separate pieces and seamed together at the end. All pieces are worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) unless otherwise specified. Use the intarsia method for color changes—do not carry yarn across the back of the work. The heart pixel motif is charted below; follow it carefully for each row.

Heart Pixel Motif Chart (9x9 grid)

Work this chart on the body piece, starting from Row 1 at the bottom of the heart.

• Row 1: 4 MC, 1 CC1, 4 MC
• Row 2: 3 MC, 3 CC1, 3 MC
• Row 3: 2 MC, 5 CC1, 2 MC
• Row 4: 1 MC, 7 CC1, 1 MC
• Row 5: 1 MC, 1 CC1, 1 CC2, 3 CC1, 1 CC2, 1 CC1, 1 MC
• Row 6: 2 MC, 1 CC1, 1 CC2, 1 CC1, 1 CC2, 1 CC1, 2 MC
• Row 7: 3 MC, 1 CC1, 1 CC2, 1 CC1, 3 MC
• Row 8: 4 MC, 1 CC1, 4 MC
• Row 9: 5 MC, 5 MC

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Make 2 identical pieces)

1. With MC, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS).
3. Begin heart chart: Work rows 1-9 of the chart above, using intarsia for CC1 and CC2. Tip: Use separate small balls or bobbins for each color section to avoid tangling.
4. After completing the chart, continue with MC only for 10 more rows in stockinette stitch.
5. Bind off loosely. Repeat for second piece.

Head (Make 2 identical pieces)

1. With MC, cast on 16 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
3. Decrease row (RS): K2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2 — 14 stitches remain.
4. Work 3 rows even in stockinette.
5. Decrease row (RS): K2, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k2 — 12 stitches remain.
6. Work 3 rows even in stockinette.
7. Decrease row (RS): K1, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k1 — 10 stitches remain.
8. Bind off. Repeat for second piece.

Ears (Make 4 identical pieces)

1. With MC, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows in stockinette stitch.
3. Decrease row (RS): K2tog, k2, k2tog — 4 stitches remain.
4. Work 2 rows even in stockinette.
5. Decrease row (RS): K2tog, k2tog — 2 stitches remain.
6. Bind off. Repeat for three more ear pieces.

Tail (Make 2 identical pieces)

1. With MC, cast on 8 stitches.
2. Work 12 rows in stockinette stitch.
3. Decrease row (RS): K2tog, k4, k2tog — 6 stitches remain.
4. Work 2 rows even in stockinette.
5. Decrease row (RS): K2tog, k2, k2tog — 4 stitches remain.
6. Work 2 rows even in stockinette.
7. Decrease row (RS): K2tog, k2tog — 2 stitches remain.
8. Bind off. Repeat for second tail piece.

Assembly

1. Body: With right sides together, sew the two body pieces along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Turn right side out. Stuff firmly with fiberfill, shaping the body into a rounded rectangle. Do not overstuff—the piece should be firm but not stretched.
2. Head: Sew the two head pieces together, leaving the bottom open. Turn right side out. Stuff firmly, shaping into a rounded dome. Attach the head to the top opening of the body using a whipstitch, ensuring the seam is hidden at the back.
3. Ears: Sew two ear pieces together with right sides facing, leaving the bottom open. Turn right side out and stuff lightly. Repeat for the second ear. Attach ears to the top of the head, spacing them evenly about 2-3 stitches apart. Sew securely.
4. Tail: Sew the two tail pieces together with right sides facing, leaving the base open. Turn right side out and stuff lightly. Attach the tail to the back of the body, centered at the bottom edge. Sew securely.
5. Face: Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider two eyes using duplicate stitch or French knots, placed about 4 stitches apart on the head. Embroider a small nose centered below the eyes. For a pixelated look, use small, even stitches.
6. Finishing: Weave in all ends securely. Gently block the fox if desired to even out stitches, especially around the colorwork.

Your Emberheart Pixel Fox is complete! Display it proudly on a shelf, give it as a heartfelt gift, or cuddle it as a unique handmade treasure. The geometric design and soft texture make it a standout piece in any amigurumi collection.