This cheerful project looks just like a giant wrapped piece of candy, but it is really a soft, squishy knit pillow toy made with super-bulky yarn. It is a great early project because it knits up fast, uses simple steps, and feels like a real “I made this” win.
This candy pillow toy works well for kids learning to knit, and it is just as fun for adult beginners who want a quick, playful project. You will knit a tube in the round, stuff it, then tie both ends to create the wrapped-candy shape.
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 Stockinette Stitch on No. 13 (9.0 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)
Gauge does not need to be perfect for a toy, but it affects the finished size and how firm the pillow feels. If your fabric feels too loose to hold stuffing, go down a needle size. If it feels stiff and hard to knit, go up a needle size.
Abbreviations
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:
- Cast on
- Work in the round on circular needles
- Knit stitch
- Bind off in the round
- Weave in loose ends
- Stuff the Toy (watch the video below)
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. 🧶
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 💖
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:
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 Super-Bulky Hat 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.
Copyright, Sharing, and Selling Finished Items
©2025, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.
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.
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