Knitted Jabby the Friendly Syringe

Knitted Jabby the Friendly Syringe is a charming little plush creation that aims to make medical experiences less daunting for children. With its colorful yarn and smiling face, this adorable syringe introduces kids to a less intimidating version of a typically scary medical tool. The soft texture and inviting design of Knitted Jabby help children feel more at ease during doctors' visits or medical procedures, turning what could be a frightening experience into a comforting and reassuring one. By adding a touch of warmth and friendliness to an otherwise clinical setting, Knitted Jabby the Friendly Syringe proves to be a delightful companion for children in need of a little extra comfort and reassurance.

You’ll need:
– Fingering-weight yarn in small amounts of 4 colors: Plunger and needle (A), barrel (B), fluid (C), tip (D), plus black
– Set of size 1 US (2.25mm) double-pointed needles
– Small tapestry needle
– Stuffing

Techniques: Knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, I-cord

Finished size: About 3″ (7.5cm), including needle

Notes:
– Gauge isn’t important—just make sure your stitches are tight enough that stuffing doesn’t show through the gaps.
– You can scale this pattern up with thicker yarn and bigger needles.

Syringe (plunger, barrel, and tip)
With A, cast on 6 stitches and distribute onto 3 DPNs to work in a round.
Rnd 1: [Kfb] 6 times (12 sts).
Rnd 2: [Kfb] 12 times (24 sts).
Rnds 3 and 4: Knit.
Rnd 5: [K2tog] 12 times (12 sts).
Rnds 6-11: Knit (6 rnds).
Lightly stuff what you’ve made of the piece so far, and switch to B.
Rnd 12: Knit.
Rnd 13: [Kfb, k2] 4 times (16 sts).
Rnds 14-25: Knit (12 rnds).
Switch to C.
Rnds 26-35: Knit (10 rnds).
Stuff the rest of the piece.
Rnd 36: [K2tog] 8 times (8 sts).
Redistribute the stitches onto 2 DPNs to continue working in a round.
Switch to D.
Rnd 37: [K2tog] 4 times (4 sts).
Rnds 38 and 39: Knit.
Break the yarn and draw it loosely through the stitches with a tapestry needle.

Needle
With A, cast on 2 stitches onto one DPN.
Knit 6 rows of I-cord.
Break the yarn and draw it tightly through the stitches with a tapestry needle.
With the tail still on the tapestry needle, insert the tip of the I-cord into the tip. Pull it partially inside the piece, then tighten up the stitches that you left loose on the tip. Weave in the loose ends.

Barrel flange
With B, cast on 4 stitches onto one DPN.
Knit 22 rows of I-cord.
Bind off the stitches.

Wrap the I-cord around the bottom of the barrel, and stitch the cast-on and bound-off stitches together. Attach the I-cord to the barrel with stitches going all around.

Finishing
Pinch the plunger flange flat, and make vertical stitches all around the piece to hold a flattened shape.

With black, embroider eyes onto the fluid with 2 small horizontal stitches for each, placed 3 stitches up from the color change, and spaced 2 stitches apart. Embroider a mouth with one horizontal stitch between and just below the eyes.

Split the black yarn (or use embroidery thread) to embroider a series of longer horizontal lines onto the side of the barrel.

Weave in any loose ends. Enjoy your new friend, and knit one for a health care worker or patient in your life!