The Plumber's Quest Overalls: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Cozy, Textured Mario and Luigi Costume

Embark on a Whimsical Yarn Adventure: The Plumber's Quest Overalls

Get ready to bring a beloved video game character to life with this detailed knitting pattern for a plush, textured Mario and Luigi costume. Featuring iconic overalls and caps, this set is crafted with soft, chunky yarn held double for extra thickness and a cozy feel. Perfect for imaginative play, a nostalgic costume, or a unique gift, this pattern guides you through creating a complete, wearable outfit. Designed to fit a child aged 3-5 years, you can easily adjust the needle size for a larger or smaller fit. Let's dive into this fun, textured project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 106 yards / 97 meters per 170g skein). You will need:
  • Approximately 2 skeins of main color (Red for Mario, Green for Luigi)
  • 1 skein of Blue (for overalls)
  • Small amounts of Yellow (for buttons) and White (for accents)
• Knitting Needles: US size 10 (6mm) knitting needles for flat pieces; US size 10 (6mm) double-pointed needles for small circular pieces (optional, for mustache).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for assembly and weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional).

Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) with yarn held double. Always check your gauge for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Note: This pattern is worked flat for the overalls and cap, then seamed. Yarn is held double throughout for extra thickness and texture. The costume is designed to fit a child aged 3-5 years (adjust needle size for larger/smaller).

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• P2tog: Purl two together (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Part 1: Overalls (Make 2, one for Mario in blue, one for Luigi in blue)

Legs (Make 2 per overalls):

1. CO 30 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
3. Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
4. Rep Rows 1-2 until piece measures 8 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape crotch: Next row (RS): K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog. (28 sts)
6. Next row (WS): P all sts.
7. Rep these 2 rows once more. (26 sts)
8. Work even in stockinette for 2 inches.
9. Shape waist: Next row (RS): K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog. (24 sts)
10. Next row (WS): P all sts.
11. Rep these 2 rows until 16 sts remain.
12. Bind off all sts loosely.

Assembly:

1. Sew the inner leg seams from crotch to ankle. Sew the outer leg seams from ankle to waist. Turn right side out.
2. Suspenders: Cut two 12-inch lengths of blue yarn. Braid each length and sew to the front waistband, crossing at the back and sewing to the back waistband. Add yellow buttons (embroider with yellow yarn) at the front attachment points.

Part 2: Cap (Make 2, one red for Mario, one green for Luigi)

Cap Body:

1. CO 40 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
3. Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
4. Rep Rows 1-2 until piece measures 4 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape crown:
   • Row 1 (RS): K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog. (38 sts)
   • Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
   • Rep these 2 rows until 10 sts remain.
6. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Brim:

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 20 sts along the cast-on edge of the cap.
2. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
3. Bind off all sts loosely. Fold brim up and sew in place.

Cap Emblem:

1. Using white yarn, embroider an 'M' (for Mario) or 'L' (for Luigi) on the front of the cap using duplicate stitch or chain stitch.

Part 3: Mustache (Make 2, one brown for Mario, one brown for Luigi)

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
3. Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
4. Rep Rows 1-2 until piece measures 2 inches.
5. Bind off all sts. Sew to the front of the cap (or to a separate headband for wearing).

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
2. Steam block lightly to shape the pieces. Do not press heavily to avoid flattening the texture.
3. Your Plumber's Quest costume is now ready for a cozy, nostalgic adventure!