How to Crochet an Animal
Crocheted animal toys make great gifts for children and adults, as well as wonderful donations to charitable organizations. Many animals can be made from a basic stuffed ball just by changing the colors and add-ons, such as ears and noses, which can be made from felt. Adjustments to the size of the toy can be made by increasing or reducing the number of increase rows in the pattern. With the endless possibilities, you may discover that crocheting animal toys is your new favorite craft.
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Things You'll Need
- Worsted weight yarn (fiber type and color of your choice)
- Size H crochet hook
- Polyester fiber fill or toy stuffing of your choice
- Felt sheets, multiple colors
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Embroidery thread, black and coordinating colors
Instructions
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1
Crochet a foundation chain of six stitches, then connect the ends of the chain with a slip stitch into the first chain you made. This will create a circle that will serve as the base for the other stitches.
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2
Single crochet into each stitch in the circle around. Single crochet in the next stitch, then work two single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat the pattern around so that you end with nine stitches.
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3
Work one single crochet in the next two stitches, then two in the next. Repeat the pattern for six rounds, or until the diameter of the piece is large enough for the size of toy you are making.
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4
Single crochet in each stitch for six rows. Add or subtract rows to change the general shape of the piece. The more rounds you work here, the taller the piece will be. Stuff the toy firmly and continue stuffing as you go.
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5
Work one single crochet in each of the next two stitches, then work a decrease single crochet by single crocheting the next two stitches together. To do this, push your hook into the single crochet, yarn over and pull the loop through, then put your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull the loop through. Yarn over and pull through all of the loops on the hook. Repeat the single crochets and decrease pattern for six rows, or however many rows you used in step three.
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6
Work one single crochet in the next stitch, then work a decrease single crochet over the next two stitches. Repeat the pattern around, ending the row with six single crochets.
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7
Single crochet in each stitch around, then fasten off your work. Make sure the toy is firmly stuffed, but not stuffed so full that the stuffing shows through the stitches.
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8
Cut out shapes for the ears, nose, hands and feet from the colored felt sheets. For example, for a pig toy, you would need triangles for the ears and circles for the nose, hands and feet. Stitch the shapes onto the toy using the tapestry needle and embroidery thread. Use black thread to create the illusion of nostrils on the nose.
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9
Create eyes by sewing a straight stitch with black embroidery thread. The smaller the stitch is and the more passes you make, the more round the eye will appear.
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Tips & Warnings
You can make a more oblong piece by using more increase and decrease rows. You can then sew the face features on in a way to make a tall, thin piece or a short, wide piece.
Several free crochet patterns for animals can be found online at sites such as Crochet Pattern Central.
Do not crochet your stitches too tightly or loosely, or you will not be able to stuff the toy firmly without seeing stuffing between the stitches.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Steve Mason/Valueline/Getty Images
