Boxer Shorts for Big Jim Action Figures
Having crafted a lot for my collection of Monster High fashion dolls lately (more here), I decided it was time to branch out and design some pants / boxer shorts for Winnetou, a Big Jim Action figure and by far the oldest doll in my collection.
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| Big Jim Action Figure (Winnetou / Geronimo) by Mattel ca 1970s / 1980s |
With boys being the obvious target market, Big Jim action figures were produced by Mattel during the 1970s up to the mid-1980s, when production of the line eventually seized. As you can see from the picture above, the dolls don't have a proper head, yet come with a variety of other features, including a bulging biceps and the legendary push button in their backs, enabling the characters to execute what is supposed to resemble 'a karate chop move'. For a demonstration, watch the video below.
Though I don't have any concrete proof, I assume that my figure is named Winnetou, the Native American chief, originally marketed as part of the German 'Karl May' movie edition of the toys. These were distributed in other countries as part of the regular Big Jim / Kid Acero line with a generic wild west theme and Winnetou being renamed Geronimo.
Unlike most of the other Big Jim figures, Winnetou was one of the few characters, who sported a head full of hair, which, given the age of the toy, is still in perfect condition.
At any rate, having recently designed a basic leggings pattern for the Monster Highs, I adapted the pattern for Big Jim action figures and knitted Winnetou (and friends) a few pairs of boxer shorts. Winnetou seems pleased and my boxer short pattern can be found below.
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| Big Jim Action figure (by Mattel) in hand knitted boxer shorts (by me) |
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| Big Jim Action figure (by Mattel) in hand knitted boxer shorts (by me) |
Free Big Jim Action Figure Boxer Shorts Knitting Pattern
Knitted seamlessly from the waist down, this pattern gives you the chance to check whilst knitting to ensure a snug fit; and the length of the boxer shorts can obviously be adjusted as you go.
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| Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts |
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| Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts |
Knitted on 2.5mm to 3mm needles, the pattern is suitable for all types of sock yarn. For the boxer shorts in the images, I used Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (Victorian Gothic - for the dark purple pants) and Araucania Botany Lace for the pink and multi-coloured versions.
Materials and Tools
- app 5 - 10g of: 4 ply Sock Yarn
- 2 - 3mm Double-Pointed Needles
- 4 Stitch Markers
- Scissors
- Safety Pin x2 or Scrap Yarn (in contrasting colour)
- Darning Needle, Sewing Needle or Crochet Hook (for sewing in ends)
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| Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts |
Instructions
Cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1: k1, p1 to end of row.
Row 2 - 5: Divide stitches evenly on 3 double-pointed needles and join in the round, placing a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Continue in k1, p1 ribbing for another 4 rounds.
Waist Increases:
Row 6: SM (slip marker), k1, PM (place marker), kfb, k11, kfb, pm, k1, pm, kfb, k to last stitch, kfb (34 stitches)
Row 7 - 11: Repeat above increase row five times in stockinette stitch, knitting in the front and back of each stitch directly before and after each marker until the stitch count totals 54 stitches.
Dividing for the legs
Removing markers, at the beginning of the next round place the first 27 stitches onto waste yarn.
Join the remainder of the stitches in the round, placing a marker at the beginning of the new round.
Row 12: sm, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb (29 stitches)
Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 11 rounds and bind-off or continue knitting until piece has reached the desired length.
Proceed to knit the second leg, dividing stitches held on scrap yarn evenly on three double-pointed needles. Using the m1 increase method, pick up 1 stitch at the beginning and at the end of the round to ensure a closed up seam. Mark the beginning of the round and start knitting the second leg, following the instructions above.
Weave in all ends, block and enjoy!
For my other doll knitting patterns, please visit this link.
Weave in all ends, block and enjoy!
For my other doll knitting patterns, please visit this link.
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| Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts |
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| Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) wearing handknitted boxer shorts |
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| Big Jim Action figure Winnetou (by Mattel) and his haul of hand-knitted boxer shorts |
Should you require pattern support, please feel free to contact me via Ravelry, Twitter, by e-mail or leave a comment below.
