One of the questions I get asked most often is: “What’s the difference between your round and flat goosling patterns?” It’s such a great question, and I thought it deserved a proper answer here on the blog!
I’ve designed my goosling patterns in two versions to suit different knitting styles and comfort levels. Let me walk you through both so you can choose the one that feels right for you.
The In-the-Round Version
My Lovely Gosling Toy Knitting Pattern | Instant Download PDF
Knit your own adorable gosling with this My Lover Gosling Toy Knitting Pattern! 🐥 This step-by-step guide (with photos & video) makes it easy to create a cuddly handmade toy in one piece—no complicated assembly required. Instant download available—happy knitting! 🧶✨
This version is worked seamlessly from head to feet as one complete piece, much like knitting socks. If you’ve ever knit a sock, you’ll feel right at home! You work only in knit rounds (no purling!), and the magic happens as you go — the toy literally shapes itself in your hands. I love this method because you can stuff the goosling as you knit, which means no surprises at the end.
The wings are picked up directly from the body and worked in the round, so there’s minimal sewing involved. The beak is knitted separately in the round and then sewn on. Finally, you embroider the eyes with black thread, and your goosling is complete!
For this version, you’ll need either 5 double-pointed needles, Magic Loop, or something like Addi Crazy Trio — whatever circular knitting method you prefer. I’ve even included a video link in the pattern showing all three techniques!
The Flat Version
My Lovely Gosling Flat Knitting Pattern | Instant Download PDF
Knit your own adorable gosling with this easy-to-follow flat knitting pattern! Worked top-down in one piece, with separate beak and wings to sew on, this pattern includes step-by-step instructions, photos, and video tutorials. Perfect for confident beginners ready to practice knitting flat, increases/decreases, and simple seaming techniques.
Now, if you’re more comfortable with traditional knitting — working back and forth in rows like you would with a scarf — this version is for you. You’ll knit and purl your way through, creating the body as one piece from top down (head to legs).
At the end, there’s more finishing work: you’ll sew the back seam with mattress stitch to form the body, knit the beak and wings separately, and sew them on using whipstitch. Then you embroider the eyes, just like in the round version.
It’s straightforward, relaxing, and you only need two straight needles (or circular needles if you prefer, but worked flat). No DPNs, no Magic Loop — just the basics.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Honestly? It comes down to your knitting style and what you enjoy.
Choose the in-the-round version if you:
- Love seamless knitting and want minimal sewing
- Enjoy knitting in the round (like socks or hats)
- Want to stuff as you go and see the toy take shape instantly
- Prefer knitting over seaming
Choose the flat version if you:
- Prefer the rhythm of traditional knit-and-purl rows
- Feel more comfortable with straight needles
- Don’t mind a bit of seaming and finishing work
- Are new to toy knitting and want to stick with familiar techniques
Both versions create the same adorable goosling — it’s just two different paths to get there. The in-the-round version is quicker with less finishing, while the flat version might feel more familiar if you’re used to traditional knitting.
If you’re still not sure, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help you choose!
Happy knitting!
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