How to Make A Stable of Cute Candy Cane Hobby Horses

Last Updated on March 21, 2022 by lydiaf1963

These candy cane hobby horses are fun and easy to make. They can be as colorful and fanciful as you’d like.

The hobby horse is made by slipping a knitted tube over a candy cane. The tube is then embellished to resemble a pony with a bridle and mane. This is a great opportunity to make use of those scrap bits of novelty yarn you’ve been hanging on to. Of course you can use horse and pony colors, too. I just happened to have a lot of brights in my stash.

The inspiration for these ornaments came from a pin I had on my Homemade Christmas Board. I found a crocheted version which helped me figure out how to attach the mane.

Materials needed to make a candy cane hobby horse

• candy canes
• worsted weight yarn for the head
• a pair double pointed needles (I used 6mm US Size 10)
• very fine yarn or embroidery floss for the mane
• cord for the bridle (this could be crocheted with fine thread as well)
• a pair double pointed needles
• other charms or embellishments as desired
• white glue and super glue
• blunt tapestry needle
• scissors (I love the Micro Tips from Fiskars)
• crochet hook (I used 5mm US Size H)

How to Make the I Cord

The knitted tube that makes up the head is called an I Cord and is normally 4 stitches around. I found a 6 stich I Cord worked better for the candy canes I had. This can be fiddly to do on multiple needles so it’s commonly worked with two. This is something that could also be done on a French knitting spool. Here’s how to make it with double pointed needles.

1. Cast on 6 stitches
2. Arrange the needle and stitches so the yarn comes from the left instead of the right for the first stitch.
3. Knit the first stitch, giving the yarn a little tug to bridge the gap across the stitches and form the tube. Then knit the remaining stitches.
4. Slide the stitches to the opposite end without turning the work and repeat. Give the cast on tail a tug after every round to reinforce the tube shape.
5. Continue in this manner until the tube is the desired length. Here’s a video demonstrating a 4 stitch I Cord.
6. Instead of binding off the stitches, cut a long tail and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Work the yarn through the live stitches. Don’t pull the tail taut until after you have inserted the candy cane into the tube to form the hobby horse’s head.

How to make the mane

1. Arrange the tube so there is a line of stitches running straight down the horse’s back. Count the number of stitches for the length of the mane and multiply by 4. this is the number of cut lengths you’ll need for the mane. I had 15 stitches x 4 = 60…it will depend on the size of your candy cane.
2. Cut lengths of the fine yarn at least 2.5 inches (6 cm) long. I did it by wrapping the yarn across the width of my palm. You could also use a piece of cardboard cut to your desired length, especially if you prefer a flowing mane.
3. To form the hair, fold one length in half, then use a crochet hook to pull the loop through one side of a stitch, then pull the ends through the loop to form a lark’s head knot. Place a second length into the same stitch.
4. Repeat for the length of the mane. I found it easier to work down one side of the neck and then then other.
5. Give the mane a trim as needed but avoid cutting too short or the knots may come undone.

Final touches

1. Make the bridle by wrapping a length of cord around the nose and gluing into place. I used a combination of white glue and super glue to secure the ends.
2. Glue the googly eyes into place using super glue.
3. Add any other embellisments you like.
4. To make the reins cut the desired length of cord and use super glue to secure the ends to the bridle.

Candy cane hobby horses can be used as ornaments, tied to presents or tucked into stockings and gift bags. They’re sure to be a hit!

Happy holiday trails, partner!