Double Knit Poppy Red yarn, UK9 needles

POPPY

Cast on 90 stiches

For 5 rows work knit 3 and pearl 3 across the entire row. (For a bigger or smaller poppy just adjust the number of rows here to suit).

Row 6, working in pattern: slip one knit wise, knit 2 together and pass slipped stich back over knitted stich – bring yarn to the front slip one stich pearl wise, pearl 2 together and pass slipped stich back over knitted stich. You should end up with 30 stiches.

Row 7 and 8, working in pattern knit one pearl one.

Row 9, working entirely in pearl with yarn to the front, slip one stich pearl wise, pearl 2 together and pass slipped stich back over knitted stich. Work to the end of the row, you should end up with 10 stiches.

Row 10, knit the row.

Break off yarn with long tail and using a darning needle thread through the remaining stiches twice (make a loop) and pull tight as you come off the knitting needle.

Join edges with mattress stich.

MIDDLE

Use suitable black button or a small coil of French knitted black wool to make the centre and sew in place or use black chuncky wool to knitt the last 2 rows. Place a safety pin on the back.