Like it? Share it!

You might also like...

related pattern
related pattern
related pattern
related pattern
  1. Free patterns
  2. Home
  3. Bookmarks
  4. DROPS Extra
  5. 0
  6. 1576

Library Mouse by DROPS Design

Knitted mouse bookmarker, with stripes in DROPS Alpaca. Theme

Keywords: animals, christmas, stripes

Like it? Share it!

DROPS Extra 0-1576
DROPS Design: Pattern z-981
Yarn group A
-------------------------------------------------------

SIZE:
Body circumference = 9 cm = 3 1/2". Length = 20 cm = 8" without head and tail.

YARN:
DROPS ALPACA from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A)
50 g color 100, off white
50 g color 618, nougat
50 g color 5565, light maroon
50 g color 9024, dark blush
+ left-over color black for eyes and nose

Weighs approx. 10 g without filling

ACCESSORIES: Wadding to fill.

NEEDLES:
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 3 MM = US 2.5.

KNITTING GAUGE:
26 stitches in width and 34 rows in height with stockinette stitch = 10 x 10 cm = 4” x 4”.
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm = 4”, change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm = 4”, change to a smaller needle size.

-------------------------------------------------------

Knitting tension – See how to measure it and why here
Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

-------------------------------------------------------


100% Alpaca 		from 4.85 $ /50g
DROPS Alpaca uni colour DROPS Alpaca uni colour 4.85 $ /50g
Wool Warehouse Direct Ltd 		Order
DROPS Alpaca mix DROPS Alpaca mix 5.10 $ /50g
Wool Warehouse Direct Ltd 		Order
needles DROPS Needles & Hooks

You might also like...

related pattern
related pattern
related pattern
related pattern

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
-------------------------------------------------------

EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:
-------------------------------------------------------

EAR:
* Knit 1, 1 yarn over *, work from *-* in the same stitch until you have 15 stitches for the ear. Work short rows back and forth over these stitches as follows:
Turn, purl from the wrong side until there is 1 stitch left, turn, tighten the strand, knit from the right side until there is 1 stitch left, turn, tighten the strand, purl from the wrong side until there are 2 stitches left turn, tighten the strand, knit from the right side until there are 2 stitches left, turn.
Continue like this back and forth until there are 5 stitches left on each side, turn, purl to the end of the row from the wrong side, turn bind off with knit from the right side, using a double strand and, to avoid the bind-off edge being tight, make 1 yarn over after every 2nd stitch at the same time as you bind off (yarn overs bind off as normal stitches) = 1 stitch left. Continue as described in the text.

STRIPES:
Work * 4 rounds with color dark blush, 4 rounds with color off white, 4 rounds with color light maroon, 4 rounds with color off white *, work from *-* to finished length.

-------------------------------------------------------

START THE PIECE HERE:

-------------------------------------------------------

MOUSE ¬– SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The piece is worked in the round with double pointed needles, from the nose to mid-back. The head is filled with wadding. The body is worked in stripes. Cords are worked for the tail and arms.

HEAD:
Cast on 4 stitches with double pointed needles size 3 MM = US 2.5 and color black DROPS Alpaca. Divide these 4 stitches between 4 needles (work with the 5th needle).
Work in the round as follows.
ROUND 1: * Knit 1, 1 yarn over *, work from *-* 4 times = 8 stitches.
ROUND 2: Knit (yarn overs always knitted twisted to avoid holes). Change to color nougat.
ROUND 3: Knit.
ROUND 4: * 1 yarn over, knit 2 *, work from *-* 4 times = 12 stitches.
ROUND 5: Knit.
ROUND 6: * Knit 1, 1 yarn over, knit 1, 1 yarn over, knit 1 *, work from *-* 4 times = 20 stitches.
ROUND 7: Knit.
ROUND 8: * Knit 1, 1 yarn over, knit 3, 1 yarn over, knit 1 *, work from *-* 4 times = 28 stitches.
ROUND 9: Knit.
ROUND 10: Knit.
ROUND 11: * Knit 1, 1 yarn over, knit 5, 1 yarn over, knit 1 *, work from *-* 4 times = 36 stitches.
ROUND 12: On this round you work the eyes: Knit 15 with color nougat, knit 1 with color black, knit 4 with color nougat, knit 1 with color black, knit 15 with color nougat.
ROUND 13: As round 12.
Continue with color nougat.
ROUNDS 14 - 16: Knit.
ROUND 17: Knit 2, slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 10, knit 2 together, knit 4, slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit until there are 4 stitches left, knit 2 together, knit 2 = 32 stitches.
ROUND 18: On this round work the ears: Knit 12, work the EAR in the next stitch – read description above, knit 6, work the EAR in the next stitch, knit to the end of the round.
ROUND 19: Knit.
ROUND 20: Knit 2, slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 8, knit 2 together, knit 4, slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit until there are 4 stitches left, knit 2 together, knit 2 = 28 stitches.
ROUNDS 21-22: Knit.
ROUND 23: Knit 2, slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 6, knit 2 together, knit 4, slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit until there are 4 stitches left, knit 2 together, knit 2 = 24 stitches.

Fasten all loose strands and fill the head with wadding. Knit the first 6 stitches, then divide the stitches between 2 needles, with 12 stitches both on top and underneath the head. Knit 1 stitch from the top together with 1 stitch from underneath the head until all the stitches are knitted together = 12 stitches. Then knit up 1 stitch underneath each of these 12 stitches = 24 stitches. Cut the strand.

BODY:
Change to color dark blush. Divide the 24 stitches on 4 needles and continue in the round with STRIPES – read description above. NOTE! Start the round in the middle of under the body. Fasten the strands as you go and continue with stockinette stitch until the body measures 20 cm = 8", or to desired length, finishing after a complete stripe. Knit the first 6 stitches, then divide the stitches between 2 needles, with 12 stitches both on top and underneath the body. Knit 1 stitch from the top together with 1 stitch from underneath the body until all the stitches are knitted together = 12 stitches. Bind off from the wrong side as follows: Bind off 4 stitches, purl 4, bind off the last 4 stitches.

TAIL:
Knit 1 row from the right side over the 4 stitches with color nougat. * Push the stitches back to the beginning of the needle, tighten the strand and knit the 4 stitches from the right side again *, work from *-* until the tail measures 15 cm = 6". Bind off.

ARMS:
Cast on 4 stitches with color nougat DROPS Alpaca. Knit 1 row from the right side over the 4 stitches, * push the stitches back to the beginning of the needle, tighten the strand and knit the 4 stitches from the right side again *, work from *-* until the arm measures 15 cm = 6". Bind off. Work the other arm in the same way. Sew the arms to each side, in the transition between the head and body. Tie a knot at the end of each arm.

STIFFENING:
So the ears stand up they can be dipped in sugared water or colorless fizzy drink and dried in the correct shape.

Do you need help with this pattern?

Thank you for choosing a DROPS Design pattern. We take pride in providing patterns that are correct and easy to understand. All patterns are translated from Norwegian and you can always check the original pattern (DROPS Extra 0-1576) for measurements and calculations.

Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.

signature-image signature

Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:

We have also step-by-step guides for different techniques which you'll find here.

And a very handy technical dictionary!
1) Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?
2) What are the yarn groups?
3) Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?
4) How do I use the yarn converter?
5) Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?
6) Why is the pattern worked top-down?
7) Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?
8) What is a repeat?
9) How do I work according to a knitting diagram?
10) How do I work according to a crochet diagram?
11) How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?
12) Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?
13) Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?
14) Why increase in the cast-off edge?
15) How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?
16) Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?
17) How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?
18) Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?
19) Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?
20) How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?
21) How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?
22) Where on the garment is the length measured?
23) How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?

1) Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

to top

2) What are the yarn groups?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

to top

3) Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

to top

4) How do I use the yarn converter?

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn converter

to top

5) Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

to top

6) Why is the pattern worked top-down?

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

to top

7) Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

to top

8) What is a repeat?

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

to top

9) How do I work according to a knitting diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

to top

10) How do I work according to a crochet diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

to top

11) How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

to top

12) Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

to top

13) Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

to top

14) Why increase in the cast-off edge?

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

to top

15) How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

to top

16) Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

to top

17) How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

to top

18) Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

to top

19) Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

to top

20) How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

to top

21) How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

to top

22) Where on the garment is the length measured?

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder (usually closest to the neckline), and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

to top

23) How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

to top

Have you purchased DROPS yarn to make this pattern? Then you are entitled to receive help from the store where you bought the yarn. Find a list of DROPS stores here!
Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days. In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

Comments / Questions (8)

country flag Johanna wrote:

Tolle Anleitung! Die Maus ist so niedlich. 🤗 Vielleicht könnt ihr ja noch ein gestricktes Lesezeichen mit Teddy-Kopf entwerfen. Das wäre toll!

19.05.2023 - 20:34

country flag Barbara Rayner-Hersey wrote:

Would love the pattern in English

12.04.2023 - 20:04

country flag Mary wrote:

Buongiorno, credo ci sia un'errore nella descrizione dell'orecchio, il testo dice: lavorare a diritto dal diritto del lavoro fino a quando rimangono 2 maglie, girare, tirare il filo, LAVORARE A DIRITTO DAL DIRITTO DEL LAVORO fino a quando rimangono 2 maglie, girare. La parte scritta in stampatello maiuscolo credo sia errata perché se giro il lavoro dopo aver lavorato a diritto mi trovo sul rovescio e non sul diritto spero di essermi spiegata bene

09.01.2023 - 19:37

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Mary, grazie per la segnalazione: abbiamo corretto il testo. Buon lavoro!

09.01.2023 kl. 20:27

country flag Ilse Lüppen wrote:

Guten Abend und ein frohes neues Jahr! Die Beschreibung des Ohres, 2. Absatz ab "In dieser Weise......" ist leider sehr unklar ausgedrückt und ich habe mehrere Versuche gebraucht um zu verstehen, wie es geht. Herzliche Grüße Ilse Lüppen

01.01.2023 - 20:34

country flag Marie Claire wrote:

Bonjour, Un gros merci pour ce joli signet-souris. J’en ai fait deux pour mettre dans les bas de Noël de mes petits-fils qui ont toujours un livre dans les mains. Ils adorent! Aussi les vidéo-tuto m’ont beaucoup aidé tellement c’est bien expliqué. À tous, je souhaite une très belle Année 2023

28.12.2022 - 13:46

country flag Undine wrote:

Noch ein Tipp: Da ich keine Füllwatte im Haus hatte, habe ich den Kopf der Maus einfach mit losen Wollfäden gefüllt. Das ging prima. ;-)

18.12.2022 - 16:03

country flag Undine wrote:

Habe die Maus fertig, richtig niedlich... Allerdings ist der Anfang mit nur einer Masche je Nadel auch für mich als routinierte Strickerin richtig fummelig gewesen und ich wäre fast daran verzweifelt. Vielleicht fehlt in der Anleitung der Hinweis darauf daß man zu Beginn ein Nadelspiel mit extrem kurze Nadeln verwenden sollte, falls es so etwas gibt. Die normal langen Nadeln sind ständig im Weg oder fallen heraus.

18.12.2022 - 15:59

country flag Gudrun wrote:

Allerliebst dieses Lesezeichen! Muss ich unbedingt nacharbeiten. Danke für die Anleitung!

13.12.2022 - 09:34

Post a comment to pattern DROPS Extra 0-1576

We would love to hear what you have to say about this pattern!

If you want to leave a question, please make sure you select the correct category in the form below, to speed up the answering process. Required fields are marked *.

From the #dropsfan gallery

Library Mouse

Marit, Norway

Library Mouse

Sasa, Germany
© 1982-2023 DROPS Design A/S We reserve all rights. This document, including all its sub-sections, has copyrights.
What can you do with our patterns? You can share DROPS patterns online, using the pattern original picture, materials, name and number. But you are NOT ALLOWED to reproduce the complete pattern digitally in any way. Yarn stores are welcome to use the DROPS pattern database to promote the sale of our assortment. You can print out our patterns, make as many copies as you’d like. The only thing we ask is that you don't make any changes / additions to the original printed document. And that the patterns according to the DROPS philosophy are given out to the consumers for free. Editorials that wish to publish our patterns in printed books or magazines can contact us for more information. The sale of garments based on DROPS patterns is permitted as long as they are sold as single items or per order. Further commercial use of the patterns is not permitted. It has to be clearly stated that the garment is made based on a design from DROPS DESIGN. The use of clothing labels of which DROPS DESIGN forms part is conditioned by the inclusion of the following text: “A DROPS DESIGN made by …..”. The use of DROPS photos for marketing purposes/sales is only permitted in connection with the use/sale of DROPS products. The photos may not be cut or edited and the logo should be clearly visible.
We reserve the right to withdraw the permission for use of our patterns at any time, notwithstanding the reason.