October 4, 2025 - PurlsAndPixels

This super-bulky candy toy pillow is intentionally designed as a final confidence-building project for beginner knitters and has been used successfully by kids and adult beginners completing their first series of knitting projects. The pattern limits techniques to the knit stitch, uses simple tube construction worked in the round, and works with thick yarn so stitches remain easy to see while reinforcing consistency over a longer piece. There is no purling, no stitch pattern changes, and no shaping during the main body of the project.

This article explains how to knit a super-bulky candy-shaped toy pillow, with step-by-step instructions suitable for complete beginners. You will knit a tube in the round using only the knit stitch, stuff the pillow, and tie the ends closed to create a soft, playful toy pillow that feels substantial and rewarding to finish.

The sweetest knitting project around. Knit the free and easy candy pillow toy with knitting instructions in this pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

On this page: About · Materials · Gauge · Printable PDF · Instructions · Care · Sharing

About This Super-Bulky Candy Pillow Toy

This toy is designed to feel simple and doable. The tube grows quickly, the stitches are easy to see, and the finishing steps are straightforward. When you are done, you will have a soft candy-shaped pillow that can be used for pretend play, room decor, or a silly gift.

This pattern is knit in the round using only the knit stitch. There is no sewing. You will close the ends by tying them with yarn, then fluff the center into shape.

Materials

Knitting Needles

16-inch (41 cm) long US No. 13 (9 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Yarn

One 106-yard (6-ounce) skein of super-bulky (No. 6) yarn* (shown here in Wool-Ease Thick and Quick by Lion Brand Yarn “Hudson Bay” and “Bluegrass“), in your choice of color).

One pillow toy uses about 106 yards (6 ounces)

*Weights estimated with Wool Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn; other yarn weights may vary.

Stuffing

A soft fiber toy/pillow filling like PolyFil.

Notions

Gauge

10 stitches x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches in garter stitch on No. 13 (9.0 mm) needles.
Gauge is typically measured in stockinette stitch, and because this toy is worked in the round using only the knit stitch, the finished fabric is stockinette. However, gauge is measured in garter stich here for consistency with the other kids’ knitting patterns. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Abbreviations

k = kn i t

Skills Used

This super-bulky candy pillow toy is a great early project because it is simple, fast, and easy to finish.

To make the super-bulky candy pillow toy, you’ll only need to know how to

If you need help, there are instructions and video tutorials here on PurlsAndPixels for every step you’ll take:

This toy is knit in the round using only the knit stitch. Repeating the same motion over a short project like this is a great way to build confidence and get comfortable with tension.

Try to keep your stitches snug, but not tight. They should slide easily on the needle so you can insert your needle into each loop without forcing it. This pattern is a simple place to practice finding that balance.

Want to knit along with me? I’ve linked a video lesson on this page that shows the full project from cast on to finishing. 🧶

A blue knit candy toy made in the color "Bluegrass" sits on fresh snow.

Prefer to knit offline?

This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.

Includes complete, row-by-row instructions
Easy to print or use on your tablet
Supports my small business 💖

Download the Candy Pillow Toy Pattern PDF – $9.99

Beginner Super-Bulky Candy Pillow Toy Knitting Pattern PDF download cover page.

Instructions: Super-Bulky Knit Candy Pillow Toy

(When complete, the toy will be about 12 inches long x 6 inches tall x 6 inches wide.)

Knit the Toy:

Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round.

Row 1: Cast on 32 stitches. (32stitches)

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 32. (32stitches)

Rows 3 – 47: k 32. (32stitches) [Work should measure 17inches at this point.]

Row 48: Bind off loosely. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Stuff the Toy:

(video instructions)

Clip two 17-inch-long pieces of yarn from the ball.

Measure about 4 inches from the end of the work, then tie up one end of your pillow with one of the yarn pieces.

Put stuffing inside the knitted tube and fluff to make a round center.

Using the second piece of yarn, tie the remaining open end closed about 4 inches from the edge of the work.

Fluff your pillow into shape and you are all finished!

Save or print this pattern

Get the PDF version of this Candy Pillow Toy Knitting Pattern.

Care

Care depends on your yarn and stuffing. Most super-bulky acrylic yarns can be spot cleaned or gently hand washed and laid flat to dry. If this is a toy for a child, choose a washable yarn and follow the yarn label instructions.

🛁Read more Knitwear Care Tips

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.