How to Crochet a Toy or Catnip Mouse
Most anyone who crafts with yarn has spare scraps left from various projects. This cat toy is a quick, fun way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn. The directions are flexible guidelines, though following them precisely will yield a mouse-shaped cat toy a few inches long. Sew on features if you like, and add catnip if your cat likes it, and you will have an frugal, entertaining cat toy.
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Things You'll Need
- Scrap yarn, worsted weight, approximately 12 grams
- F or G crochet hook, or other hook that fits well with the yarn
- Stuffing
- Catnip (optional)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Contrast yarn for eyes (optional)
Instructions
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1
Chain 15, or more for a longer tail.
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2
Make a slip stitch in the third chain from the end. Chain 1 to begin the first round, then single-crochet 5 times in the ring. Connect with a slip stitch (6 stitches in round).
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3
Chain 1, single-crochet in the same stitch, make 2 single-crochets in each stitch from the previous round, and connect with a slip stitch (12 stitches in round).
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4
Chain 1, then stitch 2 single-crochets into the next stitch, single-crochet into the following stitch all around, and connect with slip stitch (18 stitches in round).
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5
Chain 1, single-crochet 1 row even. Instead of connecting with a slip stitch, begin crocheting in a spiral, continuing to single-crochet around for seven to nine rows.
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6
Begin decreasing stitches for the head. Single-crochet 8, single-crochet two together (sc2tog), single-crochet 8, sc2tog.
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7
Continue to single-crochet even (1 single-crochet in each single-crochet from the previous round) in a spiral for more rounds.
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8
Stuff half of the cavity tightly with batting, polyfill or scrap fabric.
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9
Single-crochet 2, sc2tog around, continuing the spiral until there are 3 stitches remaining. After each turn of the spiral, add more stuffing, including catnip if desired. Cut the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches.
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10
Pull the extra yarn straight through the body, using a yarn needle, taking care to leave the nose pointed. Pull the yarn taut and trim it, letting the end disappear into the body. Weave in the end of the tail.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you have several smaller bits of leftover yarn, use them to make stripes; be sure the yarns are all of similar bulk.
Use contrasting yarn to make eyes.
This is a very easy pattern to alter; make it shorter or longer by changing the number of spirals in step 5. Make the body fatter by repeating step 4 once.
